My life as a care worker

Chapter 1

Training was completed in three days. A week later I had my tunic, fleece, gloves and aprons ready in a plastic bag (I like to think of them collectively as my super suit). My alarm set for 6am, I slept, nervously anticipating my first day.
I need to be patient, tolerant, completely calm and understanding at all times. I stand there with 6 years of experience, but in front of me is a whole life lived, an abundance of stories and memories, still being lived – and my responsibility. Service users surely have prejudged my abilities given my age. Many clients ask how old I am when I walk in: a pale, rosy-cheeked girl with impractically long brown hair. I reply boldly, 21. Their eyes widen, showing worry and surprise – understandably so. I like to prove their assumptions wrong from this exact point. This is the time to eradicate any negative judgement and disapproval by kicking arse at the job I am proud to be doing. So far, no complaints have been filed. The uniform has quite an impact on how I am perceived in public.  Iam used to averted eyes, judgmental sighs and prejudice. When in uniform, people make way, glance a smile, look comforted, thinking if they dropped down right then on the pavement I'd be able to save lives

The truth is though, I wouldn't have it any other way. Despite the demands and fatigue, I love the job. The people I meet make it all worthwhile, the stories I collect. I come home every day, knowing I've made a positive difference to at least one person's life. There are moments that make me laugh until my sides split, and others when I can't help but cry. My eyes have been opened to the stark reality of what many people's lives come to. I have matured, by demand, and taken on responsibilities many people I know would not, and could not, cope with. I never imagined how this job would affect my life. My perspective has changed on everything, my behaviour too. My priorities, values and morals have all been rearranged. I'm trying to appreciate this time of my life, after being advised multiple times by my clients "don't grow old".