Do you find it personally rewarding to care for someone? Do you spend time helping those in need, whether it’s running errands, shopping for groceries or helping people keep their homes clean?
If this is you, you are part of the 71% of Australians who have caring qualities and who could potentially earn income as an independent support worker through this work.
A new report — The Care Factor Report by Mable — found 2 in 3 Australians (65%) have caring qualities. However, they may not have the opportunity to leverage these for financial stability, career satisfaction and happiness.
With more than half of Aussies saying caring for others makes them feel happy (56%), fulfilled (49%) and rewarded (43%), it’s no surprise that almost half give back (49%), and two in five are already completing volunteer work (37%).
However, 55% say they would like to volunteer but cite time, not knowing where to begin and needing to prioritise money as barriers. A career in care brings the fulfilment of volunteer work without the financial or time sacrifice.
According to the National Care and Support Workforce Strategy released in March 2022, around 720,000 care and support workers are expected to be needed by 2049-50, up from 460,000 in 2021.
Being an independent support worker can also mean having more pay and flexibility, which is what 44% of Australians want. By joining Mable, support workers have access to simple tools and resources to support and safeguard their small business, establish rewarding and transparent connections with clients and create opportunities for building their long-term earning potential.
Independent Support Worker Summit 2023
To help Australians determine their suitability to support work, Mable will host an Independent Support Worker Summit at the Victorian State Library and online on Saturday, 20 May 2023.
Former Australian of the Year and world-renowned tennis champion, Dylan Alcott, will headline the event and discuss the instrumental role support workers played in championing his independence and helping him to pursue his interests and ambitions.
Dylan will be interviewed by fellow Mable support worker and Big Brother winner Tim Dormer. There will also be a presentation from small business expert David Rankin and first-hand stories shared by support workers and clients who will provide people looking to get into the industry with the best tips to succeed as support workers on Mable.
Register for the inaugural Independent Support Worker Summit in Melbourne or online on Saturday, 20 May 2023 and to discover what a career in independent support work could look like for you.
