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Esther · 3d ago
Okay please don’t sugarcoat it! I’m training to become a support worker and I’m excited… but also kinda scared I don’t know what I’m walking into. What’s the part nobody talks about? The good, the hard, the “wish I knew this sooner”?
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Anon018877 · 2d ago
A friend in aged care said she was really unprepared for how many tough moments she was there for. But there was more kind of magical ones than she expected and she wouldn't change. But she needed to be ready to have tough tough moments out of nowhere
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Ros · 3d ago
Community Management Specialist
The relationships you build through this work can be genuinely meaningful. But... it's physically and emotionally demanding. You'll deal with challenging behaviors, personal care that takes getting used to, and sometimes heartbreaking situations. You could get burnt out pretty quick so make sure to have a good support system around you!
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Lachlan · 1d ago
Quick honest advice from someone who’s been in healthcare: learn your boundaries early. You can care deeply without carrying everything home with you. That’s the difference between lasting in this work and burning out.
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Jasmine · 2d ago
Operations Executive
I haven’t worked in care myself, but I’ve heard from a few people that it’s one of those jobs that’s really meaningful but also quietly exhausting. Like it gives a lot, but it also takes a lot.
I think it’s normal to feel excited and scared at the same time. That usually means you actually care about doing it well.
You won’t really know what it’s like until you’re in it, but the fact you’re even thinking about the “hard” parts already says a lot.
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Phoebe · 1d ago
The best part is the people and the small wins.... those moments genuinely make it worth it. The hard part is the emotional fatigue, especially when staffing’s tight or situations are complex. What I wish I knew earlier is how important boundaries are. You can care deeply and still switch off after your shift. If you protect your energy from the start, you’ll last much longer in the role.
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