From office worker to care worker - 'It's the best decision I have made'

Julie Fitzpatrick spent several years working as an office admin/customer service assistant with a sales company. When she was furloughed earlier this year, she decided to pursue a career change and became a care worker.

Ms Fitzpatrick was constantly looking for an inspirational job where she would be happy but knew she did not want to return to the office. Then after a chance meeting with a care worker, Ms Fitzpatrick took the plunge and applied to Bluebird Care Worcester & Wychavon.

Ms Fitzpatrick said: “I was furloughed from my nine-five office job and I had a feeling I was going to be made redundant.

“Every morning when I walked the dog, I would see carers arriving at people’s houses looking so determined and happy, I thought I would love to do that. I wish I had the guts to get away from the office world and become a full-time carer.”

Ms Fitzpatrick applied to another care agency, but they could not offer the hours she wanted so she applied to Bluebird Care.

’I’m absolutely loving it. It’s the best decision I have made’

Ms Fitzpatrick said: “I felt safe making the huge, exciting move to become a care assistant. The care team and everyone in the office did an amazing job of supporting me.

“I started at the end of May. You can choose your hours with what works well for you and they work around you.”

Ms Fitzpatrick has enjoyed the training Bluebird Care offers through e-learning, some office training and the shadowing of others.

“There is a lot of learning I had to do. There was e-learning as well as physical training in the office but obviously, social distancing measures were in place and then I went out for a few weeks' training with someone else to support me with handling people and meeting everyone.”

Ms Fitzpatrick says Bluebird Care always put any worries you might have at ease.

She added: “Even now, if you have a question you only need to call or shout and someone is there supporting you.”

“It just fell into place. I’m absolutely loving it. It’s the best decision I have made and Bluebird Care has been amazing.”

Bluebird Care specialises in working with customers and their families who require care in their own homes. They offer a unique service of personalised care visits from check-in visits to full live-in support.

David Benjamin, Bluebird Care Worcester and Wychavon’s owner, said: “We have been delighted to welcome many new care assistants, alongside Julie, and we always ensure we offer all the training and support necessary.

“We make sure anyone joining our team is welcomed and well-supported from the moment they join us and throughout their career.”

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