Initially it was because I wanted to go into nursing and care gives you a good foundation for the basic skills you'll need to nurse.
I didn't do my training for various reasons, and left social care for another area for a few years, and in all honesty I went back because at the time it was a job (made redundant) that I had experience and qualifications in and the sector was desperate for experienced staff during covid.
I've stayed because I rediscovered that I enjoy it, and that through all the tough times, there's some pretty amazing rewarding times too and they're what make it worthwhile.
The relationships you build with co-workers, and the residents and their families are I think, unique.
I have grandchildren of people I cared for 20 years ago still speak to me in the street and say thank you (with their own children in tow!).
It can be a very sad, frustrating and demoralising job at times, and you need to see the good in it to survive, but it is there, sometimes you need to take stock and think about it to see it, but I promise you that it's there, in a smile, a thank you, the gifts that come in for the staff at Christmas, the hug from someone because you've been off a couple of days and they missed you. Knowing you're helping people.
I do it for those things, certainly not the money 🤣 and I put up with the other crap that can happen because of the good things.
With care homes opening up could you see about volunteering maybe for a little while to see if it's for you without making the jump? You wouldn't be allowed to do personal care etc but assist with activities, making teas, assisting at meal times etc.
And to echo another poster, do your research on any jobs you apply for, ask around. Some places are great and some are revolving doors for a reason. Also look up the CQC report on the service to give you an idea of them.