Switching from hair to care has proved to be a life-changing move for one of our carers who clocks up her first year in the job this month.
Amanda Hathaway from Dersingham, who works out of our Heacham office, had worked as a mobile hairdresser since she was a teenager, but when the pandemic closed off that avenue of work, switched to caring, and says it is one of the best decisions of her life.
“I’m definitely an ex-hairdresser and a proper carer now,” she said. “I liked hairdressing but I get more satisfaction from this work, because I know people really need us.
“I always used to do errands and things like that for clients, so it had always been at the back of my mind that one day, after I finished hairdressing, I might be more into caring, but the pandemic made that decision for me. Stepping away from what I had done since I was a teenager was a big move but one year in, I know I made the right choice.”
The pandemic has meant many people have been unable to visit elderly or vulnerable family members, increasing demand for the work done by our agency, and Amanda said that after a year in the job, she felt like a different person.
“It took me about five months to feel fully settled in the job, but I am now, definitely, and if a new challenge comes along, I feel a lot more confident about dealing with it – and I feel fitter too,” she said.
“You never stop learning, but I feel so much more at ease in the role now. I used to worry about going out and meeting new clients, but now I take it all in my stride.”
The pandemic has been a challenging time for many people, but when it comes to our carers like Amanda, those are challenges that have been met – and overcome.
“You reach a stage in life where you think you’re too old to start learning anything new, but I think becoming a carer has given me more confidence, and made me a lot more self-assured,” said the 54-year-old.
“In the past, me and technology haven’t gone together, but I’m a lot more at ease now and don’t get in a flap like I would have done in the past. If I can handle these changes, anyone can!”
The last 12 months have been a voyage of discovery for Amanda, but one she has found hugely enjoyable and rewarding. However, if the next year is a bit less eventful, she would not complain.
“I have one woman I’ve been going to see for a while, and after I left her the other day I walked to my car and took my mask off, and she said “It’s so nice to see what you really look like and who you are,” because she’d only ever seen my eyes before!”.
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