Eilidh Murray is a care worker at the Netherha Care Home in Buckie, Moray, who was attracted to the sector due to her caring nature and the opportunities for development and progression.
“I was in a rut in my old job and I really fancied a change. I had spent four years in hairdressing and realised there wasn’t a great career path ahead of me in that industry. I’ve always had a passion for caring from an early age, I used to help my mum and auntie care for my granny and would always ask to help look after her. Changing my career to become a care worker just felt like a natural pathway for me, I’ve always wanted to help people.
“I’m about to begin my SVQ to become a fully qualified care worker which is an opportunity I wouldn’t have had without this job. Having worked at the care home for 18 months now I know this a long-term career for me, and I’ve definitely made the right decision in becoming an adult carer.
“The role isn’t what I initially expected, it’s so much more than a job. Yes, there are challenges, but the rewards heavily outweigh these. The personal rewards you gain by making a difference to people’s lives is amazing and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“I’d say the main quality that makes for a great carer is having respect. Respecting your co-carers and the people you care for is hugely important and always remembering that helping someone make what may seem like a small change in their daily life, can be completely life changing for some. It’s the baby steps we take with people that make-up the huge leaps.”
Eilidh’s advice to people looking to apply for an adult social care position:
“Working in adult social care is such a vital role in today’s society and knowing that the job you do on a daily basis is improving people’s lives and helping families is a feeling that never goes away. I’d recommend a career in social care to anyone that is looking for a new challenge. If you have an interest in bettering the lives of others and knowing that what you’re doing is making a huge difference every day, it’s the job for you.”
