Best of both worlds

Bethanie Whitaker believes she has the best of both worlds in her working life.

That is because in the mornings, she gets to work with her mum and friends in a branch of Home Bargains in Leeds.

And then in the afternoons, she changes into her Caremark uniform to provide care which enables people to remain in their own homes.

It adds up to long days, but 21-year-old Bethanie would not have it any other way.

“I get up at 4am this morning and five of us, including my mum, walk to Home Bargains to start our shift at 6am,” she says.

“I work at the store until 12, then I have a few hours free before my caring calls start at 2.30pm and I do these until 5pm.”

“My grandmother received care when she had cancer and I remember how nice the carers were with her, so it’s something I have always wanted to try myself, and I really enjoy it.”

Bethanie was also recently able to put another one of her skills to good use.

She explains: “I am a qualified hairdresser, and I was asked by one of my customers if I could do her hair which I was happy to do and I got some lovely comments from her after.

“I normally see five customers during my shift, but I also sit with a lady for six hours providing companionship and support, and I particularly enjoy this.

“It’s such a rewarding job.”

Bethanie still also finds time to care for her young nieces and makes time to go to the gym each day.

“I like to keep busy,” she adds.