Publish date: 14 August 2025
One of Mersey Care’s many working carers has shared their personal reflections on balancing work and life as a carer, read the blog below.
"Being a working carer is tough, but it is also so rewarding."
I am a single mum and a carer for two family members; my children are the most precious thing in my life. I am a nurse, I absolutely love my job, I have worked in the same team for more than 20 years and my work is important to me.
My mum was a nurse, and I had always enjoyed looking after people, I wanted to make a difference, and I just knew I wanted to be a nurse.
Caring is so rewarding, I know that my help is needed, it makes a difference and has a positive impact on people’s lives. My dad was kind and very hardworking, he brought us up to believe that if we all support each other, we all thrive and prosper.
The support and flexibility offered by the Trust, my manager any my team has enabled me to stay in my job. I am forever grateful, and I do not ever want to be a burden.
By reducing my hours, I have suffered a monetary loss and yes, it is a struggle. I have never claimed benefits before and learning to navigate the complicated benefits system was hard. Finding myself at the local Foodbank was truly humbling and sadly I saw lots of nurses and NHS staff there too.
I have not progressed in my career as the opportunities are not manageable, especially with my caring commitments. I am very organised; I work hard and maintain a good work life balance. I manage stress well and have not taken a day off sick in more than three years.
I am clinically highly skilled, and my manager recognises and appreciates the experience, knowledge and wisdom I bring to the team. A good manager that understands and values you as an individual and an employee is essential. I am always conscious of their support, and I work extra hard, giving 110% as feel like I need to overcompensate. I will always go the extra mile for our patients; they deserve the best and my colleagues nominated me for the Your Choice Award last year.
As a working carer, I feel valued and supported by our organisation and if you are also a carer, I would like to ask you to do three things:
- Update your personal details on ESR to log you are a carer
- Consider joining our new Staff Carer’s Network, more information is available on .
- Look after yourself, the demands of being a carer can be tough, please make sure you get the support you need.
