“I wake up wanting to go to work” - How two people left one career to find purpose in social care

Margie’s Story 

“It was the best decision I ever made,” explains Margie, who works in Lifeways’ mental health division at a service in Liverpool. 

She had spent decades climbing the corporate ladder in retail – but when she lost her mum and was made redundant within days of each other, it gave her a new perspective on life. 

“Retail was always something my mum would say was just a job,” Margie recalls. “She’d tell me there’s always something better you can do.” 

Margie had already seen that “something better” when a friend who worked for Lifeways would bring people we support into her store.

“I used to see her come in with the people she was supporting and it always appealed to me,” Margie said. 

So when she lost her job, she reached out about working for Lifeways and, within the space of a few days was interviewed and offered a role as a support worker. 

“Within two or three weeks of working at Lifeways, I knew it was the best decision I’d ever made,” she says.  

“Helping someone do something as simple as going shopping - it might seem like nothing, but for them, it’s massive. 

Ten years later, Margie manages multiple services. She said: “I wake up and want to go to work. I’d never go back to retail. Never. I didn’t realise how unhappy I was until I made the switch.” 

Nicki’s Story 

“If you’re thinking about jumping over to social care – just do it,” boldly exclaims Nicki. 

After nearly three decades in childcare, which included running her own business for 10 years, Nicki said she had become jaded and tired and needed to make a change. 

She took the brave decision to give up her business and return to nursery work - but quickly realised it wasn’t for her anymore.  

“I felt like I was in prison,” she says. Her sister suggested social care, and Nicki applied for a support worker role with Lifeways. 
 
“I was thrown in at the deep end,” she admits, “but I absolutely love it.” 

For Nicki, the most rewarding part is seeing people achieve their goals. She recalls one woman who came out of hospital after seven months unable to do anything for herself. 

“Now she’s walking, living independently. That’s why we do this job.” 

Why They’ll Never Go Back 

Both Margie and Nicki agree: social care is challenging, but the rewards are unmatched. 

“If someone’s thinking about jumping over to social care, then do it,” Nicki says. “It’s the most rewarding job.” 

Margie adds: “There’s no age limit on making a career change. I didn’t realise how unhappy I was until I switched.” 

Their advice? Don’t wait. “You wake up and want to go to work,” Margie says. “You’re doing it for a purpose.”