Michelle Marks – Home Care Manager, Norse Care

Michelle started working for Norse Care in 2009 as a Care and Support Worker. Today she is the Manager of Rebecca Court, a residential care home in Heacham.

Having been encouraged and supported throughout her career, Michelle feels strongly that it is her purpose to support others, as she was, to progress their careers within the company – making strong leaders for the future. She is sharing her experience as a woman working in the care industry this International Women’s Day.

Prior to joining Norse Care, I worked in insurance but after a period caring for a relative, I decided I wanted to pursue a career in care. I wanted to make a difference to people’s lives and felt this would potentially be a rewarding and worthwhile career to pursue – and I was right.

When I first started out in care, it was very female dominated. As time has gone on, it has been nice to see more males joining the industry and younger people showing more interest. I feel working in the care industry is seen differently now and people realise they can have productive, worthwhile careers in this field.

One of the things I most enjoy about my job is the fact that I can nurture others to help them reach their goals. To be in the position where I can guide others and assist them in their development, while working together as a team and being able to give something back, is very satisfying.

I have had many women in my life who have inspired me but the one I would like to mention here is Joan. When I started in care at High Haven in 2009, Joan carried out my induction. I had never worked in care before and feel it would be fair to say, Joan took me under her wing and taught me much of what I know and helped shape me into the person I am now.

Joan worked for the company for many years and at the time I first met her, she worked in the suite caring for those living with dementia. She truly inspired me. I learned so much from her and we worked for many years together, right up until I became Deputy Manager at Rebecca Court. Joan encouraged me to become Team Leader and always supported my career progression – even when my moving on meant we would no longer work together! She truly was an inspirational lady.

The best advice I could give to those thinking about working in the care industry would be: I’d encourage them to do so. Caring for others can be challenging, some days more than others, but overall, the rewards far outweigh the negatives and knowing you have made a difference in someone’s life, however small, makes it all worthwhile.