Page 24 - You Magazine 9

When Simone first re-joined the workforce after raising her children, she did so as a Support Worker. Fast forward nine years and many promotions later, she’s now running Just Better Care Gold Coast and Northern Rivers offices as a Franchise Manager.
It’s a long way from a career in computers in the fast-paced Queensland capital to a Home
Care Franchise Manager living in a relaxed town near the beach on the New South Wales border.
But it’s a journey Simone, 48, has been more than happy to undertake.
Mother to Maddy (21), Georgia (19) and fur mum to a Maltese cross Shih Tzu named Buddy, Simone made the switch to the in-home support sector after a long and fulfilling career in information technology.
Back then, Simone says she was looking to re-enter the workforce after spending time at home with her children and needed a flexible role that allowed her to be home by the end of the school day.
The dramatic career change in 2014 coincided with a move from Brisbane down the M1, alongside the acceptance of her first job as a Support Worker at Just Better Care Gold Coast.
Simone says she had seen first- hand the support her parents were needing, and going to need, and knew the care sector would be suited to her skills.
She also sought to work in an industry where she felt she could make a difference in the community and assist others in their daily lives.
“Right from my first shift, I loved the job and it was where I knew I needed to be. I enjoyed working
and interacting with customers and helping them achieve
their goals.
“Support work was one
of the most humbling and rewarding times in my life, with many customer stories and achievements leaving a lasting impression on me.”
The role, she says, afforded her a great understanding of the impact support work can make to improve customers’ lives, treating people with respect and dignity,
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