Not all jobs require a resume, cover letter and interview. There are plenty that don’t even come with a pay packet at the end of the month.
For the carers in our community, work is often not applied for, is mostly done for love, and is always vitally important.
There are 700,000 people who act as unpaid family carers across Victoria, a mind-boggling number when you think about it.
The obvious ones are parents who have children with disabilities, but there are also many younger carers helping look after mum or dad after an accident or illness.
The work that carers do is often undervalued, which is ironic given we probably couldn’t function as a society if we had to pay someone else to do it.
According to Carers Victoria, people who spend time caring for others often struggle financially, as their paid work prospects are lessened and the extra costs for essentials such as medical assistance, pharmaceuticals and transport are greater.
Carers are sometimes socially isolated because of their roles and are at a greater chance of developing depression or anxiety due to the emotionally draining nature of their work.
Many are chronically tired due to broken sleep patterns, which can lead to other serious health problems.
Yet the rewards can be many. The opportunities for personal growth and the development of new skills, as well as strengthening the relationships with the people they are caring for, are what keep many carers going.
Wyndham council will acknowledge the valuable work of carers in our area with a day out at the civic centre on Saturday, October 19.
It coincides with Victorian Carers Week (October 13-19) and is a wonderful way to celebrate these quiet heroes in our community.
