by Admin | 18.01.2019
If you’ve been away from the workforce to attend to your loved one as their full-time carer, the thought of re-entering the workforce can be daunting. We have met several carers who, after several years of being away from work, lack the confidence and sometimes the skills to pick up where they left off in their careers.
As a carer, you may be in a position to resume your career after several months or even years; perhaps the person you are caring for has passed away or moved into a care home, or even recovered, giving you the opportunity to get back into work.
Where do I begin? is the question we get asked most when we work with carers re-entering the workforce?
Step 1 is to assess your job wants and needs. Ask yourself if you were happy with your previous career and is it something you want to continue. This is a good time to reflect on whether you were happy in your previous career or you’d like a change in direction. Often, after a break or an emotional journey, your life goals and perspectives might undergo a change, resulting in a need to alter your career goals as well.
If you find that you are happy with your previous career and wish to resume it, you might need to re-acquaint yourself with the industry. Chances are that things have changed since you were away. We would suggest you reconnect with your network; get in touch with previous colleagues and previous employers. Attend industry conferences and events to understand how things are and how they’ve changed.
Talk to people… this sounds simple, but word-of-mouth is one of the most effective ways to secure a job. Let people know that you are in a position to resume your career, especially people in the same industry as you. But talk to everyone, because there is always someone who may know someone who may be looking for your skills.
Whether you choose to remain in the same career as before or you choose to move to something entirely different, you will need to refresh your skills or retrain. The speed with which technology is moving means that even if you have been away from the workforce for a few months, you will need a refresher course. If you have been away for several years, you will need some sort of upskilling to avoid feeling out of touch.
In addition to taking classes or training courses, you might even consider volunteering in the field you are interested in to understand what’s involved, where you need to re-skill and whether it’s the kind of career you want to be in.
Once you have decided your career path and learned the necessary skills needed to secure a role, you need to do what we call the “job search essentials.” This includes:
- Updating your CV – we can help you with that through our CV-writing workshops
- Brush up on your interview skills – Please sign up for our interview tips workshop
- Contact recruitment agencies that specialise in your field
- Look for career returner programmes in your field. These programmes are usually related to large organisations as part of their HR policies and are designed to support people re-entering the workforce.
At Working for Carers, we understand the apprehensions and reservations you may have about re-entering the workforce after a break. Many of the carers we have helped secure a job have lacked the confidence and know-how to move forward. That’s exactly what we are here for; to provide a helping hand and support system to empower you to take the next step.
Please give us a call on 0208 868 5224 so that we can help you get back to work.
by Admin | 18.01.2019
As a full-time carer, looking to earn some extra money or secure a part-time job that allows you the flexibility to fulfil your caring responsibilities, can be a challenge.
However, with the rapid growth of the Internet and its global connectivity, remote working and starting an online business are options that will give you almost everything you need to:
- Earn extra money
- Work part-time and flexible hours
- Continue with your caring duties
What kinds of jobs can you do online?
As long as you have good internet connectivity, there are several online opportunities that can work around your caring duties.
- Be an eBay or other online marketplace seller
eBay is an online marketplace, where anyone can sell their items, and buyers can browse through them, and buy them if they choose to. That’s it. It’s like selling off your old possessions at a car boot sale, only online.
There are many people who, whilst they want to sell items on eBay, don’t have the time or know-how to do so. They need someone who would spend the time online and do what’s necessary to sell their goods for a fee. That could be you.
You would need to organise storage, packing and postage and insurance for the goods, but these are logistics that you could work around your time schedule.
- Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants are contract or freelance workers who do their jobs from home and focus on administrative tasks that are similar to those of an executive assistant or secretary. Depending on your skills and experience, you could take on responsibilities such as:
- Bookkeeping
- Online Research
- Data Entry
- Data Presentations
- Managing Email and correspondence
- Social Media Management
- Travel management
- Management of tasks and scheduling
- Following up on new business
In the UK, typically, VA’s earn between £20-25 per hour. You could set your hours e.g. 9:00- 12:00 every day or work in the evenings after everyone has gone to bed, being in control of how you want to or can structure your day.
- Freelance
Depending on your skill set, you could freelance via sites such as www.upwork.comor www.fiverr.com. These sites allow you to add your skill set and experience and give you the opportunity to find jobs you may be interested in or allow potential customers to find you. You have the advantage of setting your own hourly pay, which is usually dependent on skill level and experience.
Typical skills that are in demand via these websites are:
- Graphic designer
- Web developers
- Mobile developers
- Copywriters
- Translation
- Digital /Online marketing
- Accounting
- Administrative
- Customer Services
- Consultant
Often, people find themselves taking on the role of full-time carers later in their lives, after being in the work-force for several years. If this is you, you should know that your experience is invaluable and may benefit companies who could use your expertise as a consultant. With systems like Skype and Zoom, you could share your industry or technical knowledge with companies across the world. And you could set your own hourly and daily rates, working around your caring schedule.
- Tutors
Today, many adults and children use Skype and Zoom to get help, learn new skills or pursue hobbies in several different areas. There has been an exponential growth in online tutoring across the world and if you have teaching experience or in-depth knowledge of a particular subject, you could be a tutor. For example,
- Academic tutors – Maths. English, Science for Exams 11+, GCSE, A-Levels
- Language – for adults and children looking to learn or improve their French, Spanish, German, Hindi, Gujarati
- Music – Piano or Guitar lessons via Skype
- Hobbies – Art, Photography
There are several options for either starting a business online or doing some part-time work from home remotely. At Working for Carers, we’ll be glad to help you through the process, should this be the best career option for you at this stage.
Whilst, these are some extremely practical options, there are a couple of areas, we believe, need to be considered.
- Working from home, online, doesn’t give you the opportunity to go out, meet people and be part of a team. It can be very isolating and if your caring role is intense, you may want to find a job or career that gets you out of the house.
- You would effectively, be setting up your own business. This comes with the need to create a company, register with Companies House and managing your accounts and taxes. Ideally, you would need an accountant to help you out. If you are an accountant, that’s great. If not, perhaps you have a friend or family member who can assist and guide you.
If starting a business online or getting a job that allows for remote working interests you, please give us a call on 0208 868 5224. At Working for Carers, we work closely with both carers and employers to find the best solutions to help carers get back into work. Our team of expert advisors will assess your needs and support you in the areas you need help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
by Admin | 18.01.2019
Adding the words ‘part-time’ or ‘flexible’ to your job search invariably reduces the options available. On the other hand, more and more employers are offering part-time, or flexible working conditions simply because it’s much easier to manage now than ever before. Not only has technology revolutionised the way business is conducted allowing for real-time communication without the need for face-to-face interaction, but the importance of work-life balance has changed how people believe they should live.
Whether you are a carer, or a parent who needs flexible hours or someone who doesn’t believe in the traditional 9-5 work schedule, there are plenty of flexible or part-time work options available. The trick is to find the right one that pays well enough.
Here are our top tips that have worked for some of the carers we have assisted.
- Freelance… If you already have specific skills e.g., accountant, graphic designer, copywriter, web developer, etc. you could freelance and work on projects that suit work around your caring or other responsibilities. Freelancers usually charge on an hourly basis or on a project basis so you could set your own prices and work the hours that suit you. Websites such as Upwork and Fiverrallow freelancers to post their skills, prices and availability to be matched with companies requiring their skills. Whilst this can be a lucrative part–time option, you will have to spend time pitching for projects and going out there to “get the business.” Also, you will need to manage your own finances and tax returns or hire an accountant. If that’s already something to do, freelancing is a great way to work on your own terms, earn well and work around your caring duties.
- Educate or re train yourself… If you believe you need to upskill, it might be a good idea to undertake an educational or training course that would give you the practical know how of a profession, for example, teaching allowing you to become a tutor, website development, writing, allowing you to become a copywriter, accounting, etc. You’ll need to consider the cost and intensity of these training courses, but if it’s something you can manage, it will be a useful stepping stone in allowing you to build a career over time that works around your needs. There are several part-time courses that are available. Please do talk to one of our team members, who will be able to guide you through your options.
- Use the practical knowledge we all have…If you are unable or prefer not to “go back to school,” there are other jobs that can offer a good part-time wage. These include; caring assistant (but it may not be something you want to do if you are already caring for someone), cleaner, delivery driver, childminding, looking after pets and others. Whilst these may not be the ‘dream jobs,” they offer reasonable hourly rates and allow you to choose the hours you want to or can work.
- Current or previous employer…If you are in a position where you need to leave your job to look after a loved one, or have already left a role to become a full-time carer, discuss part-time options with your employer. Finding committed and talented people is extremely difficult and employers are open to working with employees in offering flexible options to retain them. Don’t automatically assume your employer will ask you to leave if you need to cut your hours or even take a break for a while.
We are fully aware that ‘one size doesn’t fit all.’ What works for one family will not work for another. That’s why it’s important for you, as a carer, to contact us so we can assess your specific situation and advise you on the best options (of which there are several, not just what we’ve listed above) for you to get back into employment.
We have worked with several carers and have helped them find well-paid, part-time or flexible jobs to fit around their caring duties. Please give us a call at 0208 868 5224 to find out how we can help you find a role that works for you.
by Admin | 18.01.2019
As a full-time carer, it’s challenging to be able to hold on to a job. Responsibilities around your caring duties and the unpredictable nature of the situation make it difficult to commit to a specific job. For many of the carers we work with, finding and securing jobs that offer flexible solutions like part-time, shift work and working from home are exactly what they need.
Working from home is often the only way many of our carers can work, as it not only provides an income, but allows for the highest level of flexibility; you can work the hours that suit you, whether it’s early morning or late at night. And it’s never been easier. With tools such as Skype, Zoom, Google Docs, Xero and Quickbooks Accounting and others, the way business is conducted has undergone a revolution due to technological advancements.
Today, many, if not most employers are not only open to the idea of work from home, but actively encourage it. In addition to being able to access a much wider pool of talent who would otherwise be unable to work, business owners are able to minimise overhead costs incurred through office space, equipment, etc.
Whilst working from home is a practical and positive alternative to rigid job schedules, it requires a high level of self-motivation and discipline to ensure that you get the job done.
Here are some tips to ensure that home working is worthwhile and effective.
As far as possible, set specific work hours that allow you to focus on your job but around your caring responsibilities each day. For example, if the person you are caring for goes to bed by 9:00pm, you can work every evening from 9:30-11:30pm or if they take a nap in the afternoon, you could work afternoons. There will be times when you can’t keep to the times you’ve set, but overall try and stick to a routine.
Communicate your hours to your employer and manage their expectations so that they are aware that you are not available at all times.
Set yourself daily tasks and track your time. Take some time each morning to plan your activities and be aware of how much time you are spending on each task. If you are doing client-based work, make a note of the time spent on each client and maintain a time sheet.
Prioritise your tasks. Different activities have different priorities. Complete your most important tasks first. In fact, plan your most important task the evening before and get to it first thing in the morning. Batch your emails and telephone calls so that you don’t spend all day responding to them. Set aside 3-4 time slots through the day to catch up with your correspondence.
Use any and all available technology to increase productivity and save time. There are plenty of apps that can manage your calendar, meetings, to do’s, notes and documents. Use them; they make working from home more efficient and stream-lined. Some of the most popular apps are Evernote, Any.do, Fantastical 2, Due and Dropbox.
Recreate the work environment. If possible, avoid working from the kitchen table or the couch. Find a space in your home that you can exclusively have as your workspace with your desk, computer, printer and any other equipment you may require. Make this work area is as quiet and comfortable as you need it to be with adequate lighting and heating and one where the environment is most conducive to your productivity, perhaps with some plants and paintings.
Get rid of the clutter especially on your desk. A clear desk symbolises a clear mind allowing for thoughts and processes to flow smoothly. It also saves large amounts of time as you would know where everything is. Eliminate anything you don’t need for your work.
Dress for success. It’s very tempting to ignore your “look” and spend all day in your pyjamas or loungewear. However, it takes you away from being in “work mode” and leaves you open to distractions. According to Dr. Karen Pine, professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire and fashion psychologist,
“When we put on an item of clothing it is common for the wearer to adopt the characteristics associated with that garment. A lot of clothing has symbolic meaning for us, whether it’s ‘professional work attire’ or ‘relaxing weekend wear’, so when we put it on we prime the brain to behave in ways consistent with that meaning.”
Don’t ignore ergonomics. You cannot be effective if you are not physically comfortable. Do some research on the sort of chair you need and adjust its height so that you are not slouching and straining your back or neck. Long term aches, pains and fatigue in the workplace are often caused by poor posture.
Make sure you take regular breaks. Taking frequent breaks can increase productivity and creative thinking and prevent stress and exhaustion. A short walk or run around the block or a trip to the shops might be a good way to rejuvenate yourself.
Working from home can be very lonely. So, try and step out to meet friends and family as and when you can. If your employers are organising a social event, if possible, join them. It will give you a sense of being part of a wider team and a sense of belonging.
If work from home is a route to getting back to work that interests you, please give us a call on 0208 868 5224. At Working for Carers, we work closely with both carers and employers to find the best solutions to help carers get back into work. Our team of expert advisors will assess your needs and support you in the areas you need help. Please do not hesitate to get in touch.
by Admin | 18.01.2019
Part time jobs and flexible working options are here to stay. Revolutionary progress in communication and information technology have changed the way businesses operate allowing for flexible working solutions.
Over the last decade or so, there has been a monumental shift in the way people live. With the UK’s ageing population, skyrocketing childcare costs and people’s need to have a work-life balance, employers must embrace a ‘new workforce’; one in which a large number of skilled and desirable employees are no longer able to work traditional full-time hours.
A large proportion of the UK’s labour force will have their working lives affected or interrupted by their caring responsibilities. Today, there are about seven million (that’s 1 in 10 people) carers in the UK and this number is only set to increase. These employees will seek out firms and businesses who offer family-friendly, flexible working opportunities to fit around their caring and domestic duties.
From an employer’s perspective, the ability to offer flexible solutions is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity in our changing society and a way to attract and retain the best employees.
At Working for Carers, we not only work closely with carers, getting them job-ready, but have built relationships with several local businesses and large businesses such as John Lewis, where they have been able to employ carers through part time and flexible working solutions. More importantly, they have seen the benefits of offering part-time and flexible opportunities on business productivity.
If you are an employer, especially if you are small business, you need to be able to see a positive cost-benefit of flexible working amongst your employees otherwise it won’t work for your business. We spoke to some of the employers we’ve partnered and asked them to share their thoughts on how they’ve benefitted by offering flexible working to their employees. This is what they had to say:
- Offering flexible working, opens up a much wider pool of talent to choose from, allowing you to recruit people that really suit your requirements.
- Increased employee morale, engagement and commitment. Employees who are not stressed about managing and balancing their other commitments demonstrate higher levels of happiness at their jobs and show greater levels of commitment and engagement. It allows employees to focus on their jobs during the hours they are committed to their jobs and then switch off to look after other responsibilities when they are off-the-clock.
- Reduced absenteeism. This is a massive cost-saving for you as an employer. Employees who are have flexibility in their work hours schedule their ‘other’ commitments around their work commitments as they are given the time to do so. This greatly reduces employees not turning up to work.
- With flexible working options, many of the employers have noticed a sharp decrease in staff turnover, reducing recruiting and training costs at regular intervals. Employees who feel they are being looked after and are able to both work and manage their caring or other duties, are unlikely to leave the company.
- Companies that offer job share options or remote working are often able to cut overheads through desk sharing or working from home. We’ve worked with employers who have saved costs on opting for a smaller office space as some of their employees do a job share, requiring only one desk and one computer for those roles, yet gaining the skills of two people per job.
- As an employer, you will be able to offer extended service hours, reducing the need for overtime with employees working at different times in the day.
- Working hours can be matched with peaks and troughs of business to maximise productivity.
- One of the key benefits, employers have stated is the improvement in diversity in workforce. Part time or flexible working allows for a broader mix of skills, knowledge and experience giving you, as an employer, the opportunity to be more creative in your recruitment approach.
- It will make your company more attractive to potential employees giving you the pick of the best talent.
As an employer, whilst it’s important, almost mandatory today to offer flexible working options, you must have a clear, coordinated and widely understood process in place for it work. Working practises, schedules, timesheets and expectations must be outlined and set in place at the start of a contract and communicated with managers and employees alike. The larger the organisation, the more complicated it is and it would be good practices to have a dedicated HR staff member project managing it. If you are a small business, whilst not as complicated, you would still need someone coordinating and managing the process.
The bottom line is that if you are an employer, a well-planned and efficiently implemented flexible working system for your employees, will have not only a positive impact on your employees, but on your business’ productivity and output as well.
