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Why A Career in Community Services Is A Good Fit for Working Mums

Returning to work after maternity (or paternity!) leave is often the best time to consider a career change. If you’re after a pathway that offers flexibility, support and a way to give back to the community – look no further.

CareerFAQs Team

Jul 21,2015

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Are you planning on returning to work at the end of your maternity leave? If so, then have you considered that this could be the perfect time to kick-start a new career?

Having a baby is in incredible journey during which the entire family faces change, so you’re not alone if you find yourself reassessing what’s important to you in a job. Many mums use maternity leave as a springboard to change careers, jobs or even to start their own business.

So let’s look at why starting a new career in disability and aged care is a smart move for new mums.

1. Find a flexible work-life balance

Managing a baby and a job is often called a balancing act, and for good reason. Achieving a flexible work-life balance is the Holy Grail for many working mums – it’s all about striking the right balance between your commitments to work and your personal life. 

If you are looking for something that doesn’t lock you in to the 9 to 5, then you might want to look for a role in the disability and community care sector. Roles that offer shift work, extra hours or part-time opportunities can provide new mums the flexibility they need to manage their family life, work and even some extra study. 

2. Find a job that is rewarding and challenging

Even though it might not be your first choice, most mums have to go back to work to provide for their families. 

When you do return to the workforce, it’s important that you feel that the job you are returning to is both personally and professionally rewarding. 

It’s essential that your time spent at work is meaningful and stimulating. Careers in disability and aged care offer a wide range of challenges, from team management to creative problem solving. Helping your clients to achieve their goals or attending to their needs is also hugely satisfying. 

Not sure where to start? Take a career quiz to find out which role you would be best suited to.

3. Find a role with future opportunities 

The disability and aged care sector is extremely responsive to social, political and economic conditions. What this means is that it is the kind of environment where new and unexpected opportunities open up. 

This means that if you want to develop your skills and knowledge, this sector has the potential to take you down a number of different career pathways. With change comes the opportunity for learning, personal development and career progression. 

4. Work with a team who supports you

Careers in the aged care and disability sector often go hand in hand with supportive team environments, giving you the opportunity to develop solid relationships with other working parents. 

People who work in the disability and community care sector come from all walks for life, age groups and cultural backgrounds, so you can look forward to working with a wide range of inspiring, professional and motivating colleagues. 

How to get the job you want after maternity leave?

Starting fresh or changing careers after maternity leave doesn’t have to be stressful. With roles available from entry-level through to senior management, there are plenty of opportunities for new mums to develop a rewarding career in the disability and aged care sector. For a helping hand with planning your new career, contact carecareers on 1300 637 637


To learn more about the range of care sector jobs available, visit carecareers – Australia’s leading care sector employment experts. The website also has a career quiz, which enables you to see which role types you’d best fit into.

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