Ruth is in her 40s and cares for her elderly mother at home. Despite a severe knock in confidence after her company fell into liquidation, Ruth has begun her journey of self-appreciation to look for a job whilst balancing her caring role.
Ruth cares for and lives with her elderly mother who suffers from macular degeneration – her degrading condition means she is experiencing blurred or loss of vision in the centre of her eye.
Ruth once co-owned a successful business with her (now ex) partner, which has recently fallen into liquidation. She’s had to manage the onerous fallout of the company, navigate co-parenting and new family dynamics, alongside caring for her mother.
Despite holding a master’s degree with significant experience in business management and language teaching, Ruth’s self-confidence had been severely knocked down due to her company’s failings. Now economically inactive and unemployed for several months, she struggled to see how she could begin searching for a new job whilst caring for her mother.
Looking after her elderly mother has massively restricted the flexibility Ruth once had when running her business. Being self-employed allowed her to manage a productive workflow, as well as take the time to look after her mother and take on childcare. But the liquidation of her company restricted Ruth’s self-confidence and she had trouble visualising a new lifestyle which cooperated with her caring role. And, without the flexibility and confidence she once had, Ruth was anxious and struggled to see how she could be in a place to balance rigid workplace hours alongside her caring role.
Ruth was referred to the Working for Carers project to begin her journey of confidence and aspiration building. Our advisors were keen to support Ruth into a place where she felt positive and able to navigate her caring role whilst being employed.
Through tailored, one-to-one support, Ruth began to recognise and appreciate her strong capabilities and vast experience. Together with a Working for Carers advisor, Ruth crafted a new CV and curated various cover letters tailored to different professions.
With help from both in-person meetings and online support, Ruth was able to balance her job search whilst looking after her mother. And, to reduce the pressure on Ruth, her Working for Carers advisor researched and highlighted new roles on her behalf, including jobs in the NHS, local universities and Civil Service.
Now knowing many businesses and organisations offered a flexible working approach, including working from home and flexible hours, Ruth began to feel more confident and comfortable searching for a new job role.
With support from the Working for Carers project, Ruth has realised her potential and has developed the self-assurance to apply for more ambitious roles. Committed to finding herself a job which suits her caring responsibilities, the Working for Carers project has enabled Ruth to rebuild her confidence levels and actively reach out to employers by putting herself forward.
North Tyneside Carers’ Centre, Newcastle Carers and Carers Northumberland are working together to deliver the Working for Carers Project. This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the North East Combined Authority as the lead authority.
We provide friendly and specialised support for unpaid carers aged 16+ to find a job, maintain employment, access education, training and volunteering opportunities. Find out more about the Working for Carers project.
