Flexible schedules, meaningful work – Choose a career in care that fits around your life

Whether it’s balancing family commitments, returning to work after a break, pursuing educational or personal interests, or giving something back to the community upon retirement, flexibility has become increasingly important to people when choosing a career.  

For Dovida National Caregiver of the Year 2025 Ryan Owen, that flexibility coupled with the opportunity to complete the necessary training while working was a major draw.  

“Dovida offered flexible work hours and the opportunity to work while you completed the necessary training. The whole process was very quick, and for someone with no experience in the healthcare industry, I was surprised at the level of training we received both online and in person in just a few short weeks. The training, along with the process of shadowing a qualified caregiver on the job, left me completely at ease by the time I began working with my own clients.” 

“I am a mother of two girls who are both at school. Dovida offers flexible hours which suit perfectly for school drop off and pick up.”

Flexibility to focus on life

Flexibility can mean different things to different people. For Dovida Louth Caregiver Claire Lynch, it allows her to balance family commitments while working as part of a friendly and supportive team that works hard supporting people to live life in their community.  

“I am a mother of two girls who are both at school. Dovida offers flexible hours which suit perfectly for school drop off and pick up. I joined in March 2024, and everyone on the team has been so friendly and kind. I have a caring, friendly nature and love to help others. I think it’s a privilege to be able to care for and spend time with older people. To me it’s more than just a job; I really enjoy what I do.” 

For Dovida Galway Lead Training Coordinator Caroline Codyre, the flexibility offered by the job was one of the reasons she first joined Dovida.  

“It’s so flexible and absolutely brilliant for parents, particularly those with children going to school for the first time. I absolutely loved my time as a Caregiver. To make someone smile does your heart a world of good,” says Caroline, who has since developed a rewarding career in care and now shares her valuable experience by training new team members.  

“We strive to help people become the best Caregivers they can be. In my opinion, the most important person is the Caregiver. If the Caregiver is happy, then the people in the office will be happy, and the clients will be very happy.”   

“The memories we made together will stay with me forever.”

Making meaningful connections

While the flexibility to focus on life outside of work is a major benefit of being a Dovida Caregiver, many of our Caregivers tell us that it is only one aspect of why they enjoy the work so much. The relationships that develop between Caregivers and clients can be incredibly meaningful. 

Dovida Galway Caregiver Sabrina Roche says she is reminded every day how lucky she is to do what she loves and recalls one client who left a particularly lasting impression on her. 

“The memories we made together will stay with me forever. Being with her daily, learning from her wisdom, and sharing those moments added not only to my heart, but to my experience and growth in this role.” 

This sentiment is echoed by Dovida Cavan and Monaghan Caregiver Wiseman Mugandani, who says he goes to bed with a smile each night.  

“Being a Caregiver is a fulfilling experience. Each night I go to bed with a smile because of the feedback from my clients. The instant feedback always pushes me to do more.” 

“The friendships you make and the relationships you build with clients are incredible. There’s nothing like it.”

A career in care that’s right for you

We employ more than 4,000 skilled, compassionate Caregivers nationwide. Each of them provides essential support to ageing adults and people living with disability in their own homes.   

 Susan Corkery, a Dovida Caregiver for almost 20 years, offers this advice to anyone considering a career in care.     

“Go for it,” she says. “I loved it from the word go. The friendships you make and the relationships you build with clients are incredible. There’s nothing like it.”     

So if you’re looking for a role that fits around your life, allows you to work within your community and gives you the opportunity to positively impact the lives of others every day, a career in care could be for you.