Every Cloud Has a Silver Lining - How Losing One Job, Helped Rebecca Find Her Real Passion.

'Every cloud has a silver lining' - a popular phrase that is often used to help uncover the positives out of a negative.

Like the many negatives of the COVID-19 pandemic, we found some positives. It was a time when the whole world shut down, and you were made to think about the important things in your life; your family, your friends, even yourself. 

 After studying travel and tourism and working at the Novotel London West for over eleven years, it seemed like Rebecca's career path was set. But like many, she lost her job as an Events Manager after the industry collapsed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Rebecca decided to think about temporary work while the pandemic was still ablaze. With her mum currently living in a care home, Rebecca understood the importance of receiving high-quality care and began studying for her Level 1 qualification in Adult Social Care. 

Rebecca spoke about the turn of events:

"When we first plunged into lockdown, and before I was made redundant, I started thinking about the people who were in a vulnerable position and forced to shield from the world. It was heart breaking thinking about those feeling lonely and scared in the current climate."

In July 2021, Rebecca contacted Bluebird Care Kensington & Chelsea through a back-to-work programme, and after a week, she began her training as a Care Assistant. 

"Julian, who led the care training, was amazing to me. I was very nervous, to begin with, and they trained me as much as needed until I was confident to leave. They wouldn't let anyone go out onto the field until you felt confident with the training." 

Once Rebecca was out on the field, she realised her passion for the job was unmatched, with Rebecca quickly forming close bonds with her customers.

One of our customers, Mrs. S, is regularly cared for by Rebecca and currently lives with dementia which can cause increased agitation and stress. Born in Shepherds Bush, Rebecca has a strong knowledge of the local area, and it's a strong topic starter with her customers and can help them reminisce to earlier days. 

Mrs. S used to go dancing in the Hammersmith Palais, which Rebecca recalled being there, especially as her mum would go to the same place. If disorientated or stressed, Rebecca helps bring the conversation back to Mrs.S’ dancing days; reminiscing memories can help to ease her discomfort and improve her wellbeing.

So, will Rebecca ever return to her work in events? Rebecca explains why she is happy right where she is.

"I'm glad I did a career change, and it was the right choice for me to leave. I was asked to go back to my old job after the pandemic, but I'm so happy in my role, and I feel like it is meant for me."

I feel like I've achieved something. It's such a humbling job, and I can't imagine being elsewhere. "

Clarissa, Registered Manager of Bluebird Care Kensington & Chelsea, also weighed in on Rebecca's success:

"It's been amazing watching Rebecca flourish in her role. She's taken to it so well and seeing her gain more and more confidence each day is such a positive feeling. I cannot wait to see how Rebecca grows within Bluebird Care K&C."

Rebecca has set her sights high and would eventually like to move forward in care, gain more qualifications, and progress into a specialty of dementia as it holds a special place in her heart. 

"My mum is currently in a care home living with dementia. Having more specialist training will help me help others who want to learn or work with similar people. "

Are you interested in starting a career in care? Call Bluebird Care Kensington & Chelsea on 020 7603 9575 for a friendly chat with one of our team.