Grant shared this information with CareerForce about why he's glad he followed his heart to a Caring Career:
What do you find rewarding about your work in a Caring Career?
As a direct support professional, I find many things rewarding. I get to see the direct impact that I have on the people I work with every day. My role is to support the individuals I serve in their independent life. I am a guide when they need me. Everybody has a right to independence and a good healthy life, I am a tool to help these people reach independence. I get the opportunity to help people live their best lives possible.
How do you see this work as benefiting you on your future career path?
I am a student at the University of Minnesota Duluth studying special education. This job will not only help me be a much better teacher, but it has allowed me to be able to grow in my empathy for others, and my social skills. This job has taught me how to be a better professional. I am so grateful for this opportunity to get to learn directly from people who go through more in their lifetime than I ever will and still wake up with the most joyous smile on their faces.
What would you say to other people considering a Caring Career?
Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons! This is a wonderful job. It is extremely rewarding, allows me to be able to walk side-by-side with the people I serve and it gives me the ability to be a part of their journey. The people I serve are working through life just like I am and I get to be a helping hand whenever they need it to find success. I enjoy this job a lot. It’s a great opportunity to learn about other people's lives and to also learn about yourself. I get to have fun at work and get to watch these guys smile. I get to take them on several, crack jokes, and more!
