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Original poster

Should I leave this job or not?

5 replies

fluffynotebook · 09/08/2023 18:19

Hey,
After some outside perspective.... For a good few years now I've been drawn to family support work and play therapy. About a year ago I got a job in a children's home and after being here a year whilst some aspects of the job I love I don't think I'm cut out for it as I'm not a confrontational person at all and even though I work hard this part is always going to fail me. It's not who I am and I don't think I should change who I am for the sake of a job. And aside from that my own children are struggling not seeing their mum for up to two days at a time. The mental load is crazy and so overworked. Question is... what do I do?? I can't see any jobs out there where I'd be able to get experience. I love working with kids but I think I'm better suited to younger children. For what it's worth I also do family support work on a voluntary basis which I love but unfortunately no paid jobs. Any ideas?? Thank you.

OP posts:
VariationsonaTheme · 09/08/2023 18:48

You could try to move into a support worker role in a family centre/hubs, a year is enough experience to move onto something like this.

Original poster
fluffynotebook · 09/08/2023 23:16

Thanks for replying, that sounds like a good idea.

OP posts:
jabberwokky · 11/08/2023 07:10

The suggestion above of family hub type roles is a good idea. Have a look at your local council jobs website. And don't feel bad for not being able to hack the children's home work - it's a demanding job and not for everyone.

You talk about needing to get experience but you now have a year's experience in a children's home, which will be enough for a lot of these basic level roles working with children.

NHS roles, social work assistant or teaching assistant roles in schools are worth looking at too (often they want you to have your English/ Maths GCSE so depends on this - but you can self-study for it if you don't).

Also, even though you prefer working with younger children, you should consider jobs with older children if they give you the right experience. Once you're in, it's often possible to side step to a different age group after you've been there a while. Don't limit yourself.

Original poster
fluffynotebook · 12/08/2023 10:18

jabberwokky · 11/08/2023 07:10

The suggestion above of family hub type roles is a good idea. Have a look at your local council jobs website. And don't feel bad for not being able to hack the children's home work - it's a demanding job and not for everyone.

You talk about needing to get experience but you now have a year's experience in a children's home, which will be enough for a lot of these basic level roles working with children.

NHS roles, social work assistant or teaching assistant roles in schools are worth looking at too (often they want you to have your English/ Maths GCSE so depends on this - but you can self-study for it if you don't).

Also, even though you prefer working with younger children, you should consider jobs with older children if they give you the right experience. Once you're in, it's often possible to side step to a different age group after you've been there a while. Don't limit yourself.

Thanks for all your ideas, I'll definitely keep an eye out for the things you've mentioned.

OP posts:
Cracklecrack · 18/08/2023 23:59

What about portage/ early years practitioners at social services/ council or health visitor assistant at nhs? X

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