Can I choose where to work and for how long?
So, you’re going to be a live-in carer? You will no doubt have plenty of questions to ask, and hopefully get the right answers. Here’s a question you may want to ask the agency you plan on joining.
Can I choose where I work?
Yes, you can – to a degree. There are some things to keep in mind if you ask this. While you may not like the thought of working in London for example, if you choose to not ever accept a placement there, you will be cutting down your chances of work.
If you don’t like the idea of flying into an airport in the north of the country, you also cut down your opportunities for work.
There are some agencies who have the bulk of their clients in certain parts of the country and will generally only offer you placements in those areas, but often agencies have clients all over the country.
A point to consider when you constantly decline clients in a specific area is that while agencies cry out for carers in the winter months, they are awash with them in summer. If you are that carer who refuses to go south, you may find that you are considered less than others when a placement becomes available, because there are plenty of others who will gladly take it.
As for choosing the place you work in – this is different. If you simply cannot work in a smoker’s house, then you are within your rights to speak up. If you are allergic to cats, then make sure that your support team know this.
If you live in the south part and feel that you just cannot drive up to Scotland every few weeks, then let them know.
And can I choose how long?
Again – yes you can. It is better to be upfront with your agency on this. If you feel that six weeks at a time is too much, then discuss it with your support person.
If three or four weeks is what you feel comfortable with, then they will appreciate knowing. They will make a note on your file and only approach you with work for that length of time.
It is very important that you are open and frank with your agency, don’t expect them to guess your plans. They will offer you placements based on what they feel you can safely handle. If you constantly refuse work, without explaining the reason, you in effect cut off your nose to spite your face.
To sum up
Sometimes to refuse work simply because you don’t like the area is the same as biting the hand that feeds you. You may want to, before you make that decision, accept a placement and decide after you have been there, whether it would suit you to return. If you truthfully do not want to return, then talk to your agency.
If you only feel comfortable working for a certain period, it is in your own interest to tell your team. This way you keep the lines of communication open between you. They won’t pester you with work in a place you don’t like, and you won’t be constantly refusing placements.
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