Are Caregiver Jobs Right for You?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 3.3 million people in the U.S. work as home health and personal care aids. Why do so many choose to care for elders? There are plenty of reasons. Read on for nine reasons caregiver jobs might be right for you.
1. Caring for Others is Personally Rewarding
Providing care to another person can be financially rewarding and personally rewarding. Study after study finds that finding a higher purpose or meaningful activities often results in greater personal well-being. In other words, you’re not only earning a living, but you’re also making the world a better place for others. In doing so, your own sense of well-being gets a boost.
2. Create Meaningful Relationships
Caregivers who work in assisted living facilities almost always build meaningful relationships with not only those they care for but often their families. Connecting with others through caregiving jobs is a leading reason so many people choose this line of work.
3. Caregiver Jobs are Essentially Recession Proof
Caregiving jobs offer excellent job security, even in down markets. Consider that within the next eight years, one in five Americans will be of retirement age. With more than 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 daily, the need for skilled, compassionate caregivers will only grow. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a more than 32% growth between now and 2030.
4. Flexible Hours/Work-Life Balance
Caregiving jobs may offer some of the most flexible schedules available. Whether you stick to a consistent full-time or part-time schedule is often up to you. Many people opt into this profession precisely because they can better balance their work and personal lives.
5. Excellent Benefits
The benefits offered in the caregiving field are often outstanding. In addition to competitive hourly wages, your compensation package includes health insurance, dental coverage, paid time off, flexible spending accounts, Employee Assistance Programs (EAP), and more.
6. Experience is Not Necessary
For those who struggle with maintaining a regular exercise regimen or healthy diet, it is likely they will need long term care sooner than those who do. Our bodies reflect our lifestyle choices as we get older. It's always good to have a plan in place for when we might need to move to an assisted living facility.
7. Support for Ongoing Education
Nursing homes and assisted facilities often offer educational opportunities or even incentives to further your skillset. For example, you may receive education reimbursement for pursuing additional certifications or licenses. So, while you’re earning money, you’re also increasing your earning potential for the future.
8. Opportunities for Advancement
For example, caregiving jobs in memory care facilities offer plenty of room for advancement. If you enjoy the one-on-one work with residents, you may advance to senior status with your pick of shifts and increased pay. You may find that you’re an excellent candidate for a resident supervisor. Or, if you’re pursuing additional education, you may transition from caregiver to Licensed Practical Nurse or Nurse’s Aide.
9. Excellent Career for Retirees
One of the unique features of caregiving jobs is that age is literally just a number. Within the next two years, 25% of workers in the U.S. will be 55 or older. Retirees looking to earn extra money, stay active, and realize fulfillment are often excellent candidates for caregiver jobs.
Find the Best Caregiver Jobs in Lane County
With four facilities in Lane County, Gateway Living provides exceptional memory care, 24-hour nursing care, and personal care to our residents. Caregiver positions offer excellent hourly wages, terrific benefits packages, opportunities for growth and advancement, and plenty of flexibility. If you’re compassionate, reliable, and eager to make a difference, view our job listings and apply today.