May 3, 2022

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Thinking about a career change? Or perhaps you’ve just entered the workforce and you’re weighing your professional options? Either way, a career in senior living can be a satisfying path worth exploring.

First, if your idea of eldercare involves tedious work and dull days, we’d advise taking a second look at this growing field. Quite the opposite, a career in the senior living sector can be incredibly fulfilling—and it’s one that’s not going anywhere. As the Baby Boomer generation gets older, the need for qualified senior living professionals is on the rise—with no signs of slowing down.

If you’re on the fence, here are five reasons why a future in senior living is worth considering.

1. You want a career where you can grow.

If you want a career that helps cultivate your goals, a position in senior living is a smart place to start. Even for workers with less experience under their belts, the senior care field is filled with accessible entry-level positions—many of which promote from within.

What’s more, these advancement opportunities apply to careers beyond nursing and direct care positions. Senior communities are frequently looking to fill roles in dining, housekeeping, hospitality, activities, sales, social work, HR, and security. Whatever your area of expertise, there’s probably a job in senior living where your skills can shine.

If you have a culinary background you could work as a dining hall chef, preparing delicious meals that feel like home. Or perhaps you have administrative experience, in which case you could start in admissions or reception. As you gain experience, you may see that job flourish into something grander than you ever imagined.

As your strengths continue to grow, you’ll also develop new ones. A career in senior living helps develop the following critical work and life skills:

• Problem-solving abilities
• Communication skills with a diverse community
• Working as a team
• Time-management skills

2. You’re seeking job security.

Unlike industries prone to fluctuation such as retail or hospitality, there will always be a need for compassionate workers in the senior living sphere. Now more than ever, in fact. Within ten years, all Baby Boomers in the U.S. will be 65 or older, according to the United States Census Bureau. As the older population increases and people enjoy longer lifespans, jobs in the senior living field will continue to grow, lending this field desirable security.

3. You want to positively impact someone’s life.

We always feel better after helping someone. For most of us, it’s easy to recall a moment when assisting others sharpened our sense of purpose and left us feeling renewed. Now imagine feeling that way at work—Every. Single. Day.

Comforting people and helping them age with joy and dignity can be a life-changing experience, for you and the people you care for. It’s an incredible gift to hear their stories, to learn about their cultures, and ultimately, to truly connect with them. In this way, working with the older population is so much more than just a “job.” It’s a vocation with lifelong benefits.

And it’s not just the people with whom you’re in direct contact you’ll be elevating. Your attentive care will also extend to their families and loved ones. You’ll be giving families the peace of mind that comes with knowing their loved one is in good hands.

4. You enjoy a family atmosphere.

If you’re less of a desk-and-cubicle kind of person, and more of a hands-on type, a career in senior living could be the change you’ve been looking for. In a senior living setting, you’ll work alongside folks right where they live, dine, and play. You’ll share jokes, hear fascinating histories, and gain exposure to all kinds of unique perspectives—all of which contribute to deeper personal satisfaction.

This family-like atmosphere may be especially appealing to folks already working in the medical field in a different capacity. Whereas professionals in a clinical setting have limited interactions with their patients, working in an assisted living community affords more one-on-one time with residents.

With this home-like setting as the backdrop to your workday, it’s easy to develop close relationships while building your sense of empathy.

5. You want a career where every day is unique.

Monotony in the workplace can be a drain on your mental health, a fact that has led many weary workers to seek fulfilling employment elsewhere. If this rings true to you, a career in senior living (in any capacity) might just be the soul-affirming change you need.

Pursuing a career in senior living keeps things fresh and engaging. In this line of work, every day presents a new opportunity to grow closer to residents while developing your interpersonal skills. You might share a special meal with a member one day and help a family transition to this new chapter the next. In short, a career in senior living is anything but boring.

Each of these unique experiences will foster your own growth, both professionally and personally. And should you choose to move on to another career down the road (perhaps in a hospital or home care setting), these experiences and learned tools will prove invaluable.

Your Career Starts at Provision Living

The Provision Living family is committed to enriching every life we touch, from our wonderful community members to our passionate and close-knit staff. If a career working with older adults interests you, we invite you to explore our job openings.

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