It’s a reality for many students that they have to have a part-time job while they’re at university to help fund their studies. Care work can be a good option in terms of its flexibility and experience.
Strong Demand
While a job in the care sector is not at the forefront of most students’ minds, there is always plenty of work available which can fit in with their studies. This can be supporting an elderly person, or someone who is disabled or vulnerable. There are also roles for students who would like to live with older people and help them live independently in return for free board.
Flexibility
Having a part-time job is a great way of reducing your debt and picking up valuable experience for your CV, as long as it doesn’t take up too much time when you should be studying. That’s why care work can be a good choice, as you can choose how often you work and for how long.
There are many care assistant jobs available which allow students to find roles that fit with their schedules. The advice is to not take on too many hours to avoid feeling under pressure or too tired to study.
Students can look for jobs online, in local newspapers or on student job sites and specialist care employment sites like https://www.caremark.ie/job-opportunities/.
Care work is no different from other jobs in terms of being able to fit it around studies. Employers are able to find work for students that takes their timetable for each term into account. They can also find clients who live nearby if the student doesn’t drive or doesn’t have access to a car.
While some students might find the idea of care work off-putting, for some it can provide an insight into other people’s lives and the chance to do something for others, a valuable skill that can enhance a CV. It is also varied work, depending on what the client’s needs are, and can include cleaning, cooking or personal care, as well as providing simple companionship.