Unpaid Carers
Carers who want to return to work
Has your caring role ended/or changed?
Are you thinking about returning to work?
First steps
If you are thinking about returning to work but are not sure what you would like to do, start by recognising the skills and interests you have.
Think about what you have learned from:
- any paid work that you have done
- tasks and responsibilities involved in your role as a Carer, a parent and running a home
- any other activities that you do, for example, voluntary work, committees
Then identify your interests; think about:
- what you enjoy doing
- how you would like to use your skills
- things you miss doing that you once did e.g. previous work.
Talk to family or friends, bounce ideas off them, make a list – add to it as and when you think of things. Maybe also list what you don’t like doing.
Make a plan
Think about short (maybe over the next six months) and long term goals (12 – 18 months or even longer) and make a plan of what you would like to do. Make sure the plan is achievable - include small steps as well as your long term goals.
Once you know what you want to do, you can look for the right kind of support to help you. If you are still unsure about what you want to do or even what you can do, then the following may help to trigger some ideas.
Part-time work
This is a good way to fit work around your other responsibilities or commitments. If your part-time work is less than 16 hours a week, you may still be able to get some benefits.
Job-sharing
Sometimes two people can share a full-time job. Look out for jobs advertised as job share.
Flexible working
Sometimes two people can share a full-time job. Look out for jobs advertised as job share.
Self-employment
Working for yourself offers flexibility and the right type of challenge for some people, but you will take on extra responsibility (for example, paying your own income tax).
Agency work
You could work in a job for a set length of time (usually for the length of a project or to fill in for a permanent member of staff).
Paid work in the Voluntary Sector
There are many voluntary organisations that employ people which may be of interest.
Term-time working
Being off during the school holidays could be ideal if you have children and they are at school.
Holiday working
A practical option if you're still studying.
Voluntary work
Have you thought of doing any voluntary work? This might help you get back into the swing of a job and can help you decide what you might like to do and for how many hours per day/week. Charities and voluntary organisations are always looking for volunteers.