by InkMan » Wed Jun 01, 2016 9:16 pm
I always celebrate this day. My Facebook post explains why:
Nine years ago today I left a full time, permanent position within the Civil Service in order to take up a position in Social Care. I was leaving a job with thirty days annual leave per year, thirteen days public holidays, an enhanced rate of pay when working past 18:15 or on weekends so I could take up a position supporting five adults in a residential setting. I gave it all up, and thus the opportunity of asking for a voluntary redundancy package, for a position of a nine month contract. After gaining that experience I was unemployed for a short time before joining my present company - which I never mention online so I ask that no one else does - where I have spent the last eight years supporting children and young adults who have additional support needs.
I still earn less than I did in 2007 and even if - and that is a big if - my company does go through with their promise to pay staff working with children the living wage of £8.25 (a rise from the offensive £7.62 per hour I walk away with just now) this will still be less than what I left.
Even though support staff at times seem to have less employment rights than the fucking pit ponies that work down Seth Dingle's illegal asbestos mine and work for a pittance of a financial reward I don't care. I am so proud to be a Support Worker. The level of training I receive means that I am trusted to work, at times, with people who have life threatening, life limiting or colossal level of healthcare needs. Last year a colleague and I assisted in what was a critical incident and the young persons parents credited us for saving their childs life.
Unfortunately due to the level of healthcare needs I can think of at least thirteen young people who I worked with regularly that have passed away. Sometimes degenerative conditions robs and continues to rob ability from kids until the last thing that is stolen in their lives.
That aside I would not change one thing. I am not blessed with a huge amount of confidence but I have been told that I burst with pride and enthusiasm when people discuss work with me.
Even though I have been booted in the balls, even though I have had a pool cue chucked at me and even though a kid once said "you are a fat, smelly poof .........and your Mum is in the jail" my worst day isn't something I would exchange for any of the fantastic memories I have in the Civil Service.
Can I ask that people consider sharing this please? Social Care is such an amazing and rewarding profession but it is one that if often overlooked; particularly by men. Whereas in my career in the Civil Service when it was noted from their regular diversity checks that there was a disproportionate small number of gay people applying for work so started to advertise and recruit in gay friendly magazines this courtesy is not ever extended to magazines or online forums where mostly men frequent.
Social Care is fantastic and I am fortunate to work with incredible colleagues, great families and have had the most wonderful times with the children I support.
Cleggy you snickering floppy eared hound when courage is needed, you're ne'er around.
Those medals you wear on your moth-eaten chest should be there for bungling at which you are best.