Finally found her calling in home care
After trying her hand at a range of jobs, Shannon O’Neill feels she has finally found her calling in home care with Caremark Mansfield & Ashfield.
When she left school, Shannon trained as a mechanic, but when Covid hit there were no apprenticeships available. She moved into bar work and later became a stewardess at a local pub. While she enjoyed the social side of the role, the working environment wasn’t quite right for her.
“The pub was run by a committee, so there was always someone telling you what to do,” Shannon explains.
“With this job, you have your list of customers and visit times, but you’re trusted to get on with it. I really like that, and it’s important because every customer is different.”
Care work is all about understanding
Shannon decided to follow in her mum’s footsteps and joined our team – a move she says has been incredibly rewarding. Her previous experience hasn’t gone to waste either. Strong communication skills are essential in car, and Shannon’s background in the pub trade has helped her feel confident building relationships with clients.
She even brings along a set of dominoes whenever she’s on shift.
“I used to play for the pub dominoes team,” she says. “If a customers fancies a game during a visit, I’m always ready.”
Shannon believes care work is often misunderstood, explaining: “People sometimes think it’s all about personal care, but that’s not really the main part.
“It’s about understanding what people are capable of, what they enjoy doing and helping them stay active. That might mean going to a coffee club, playing dominoes, or just having a good chat.”
Animal therapy
She has another way of helping customers open up too — a six‑month‑old German Shepherd puppy called Dina. While Dina doesn’t attend visits, photos of her are a great conversation starter.
“A lot of customers have had dogs during their lives and love talking about their pets,” says Shannon.
“Showing them a picture of Dina can spark memories and really lift their mood.”
For Shannon, the most rewarding part of the job is the human connection.
She adds: “It means so much when you walk through the door and see a client smile. For some people, we might be the only person they get to chat to that day.”
Looking ahead, Shannon plans to complete her care qualifications with Caremark and take a complex needs course, supporting people with dementia as well as helping her eight‑year‑old cousin who is disabled.
She has no regrets about changing direction, saying: “The customers are lovely people and my colleagues are amazing too — we all support each other.
“I never considered care work when I was at school, but I’m really glad I made the switch. I genuinely love my job.”
About Caremark Mansfield & Ashfield
If, like Shannon, you are still looking for your calling in life, why not view our home care jobs in Mansfield & Ashfield or get in touch today on 01623 259779 as we would love to welcome you to our Blue Family.