Have you ever entertained the notion of becoming a foster carer? Did you know that you can actually make a career of it? In fact, so very many foster carers have found it so rewarding that they happily made the transition from the 9 to 5 workday world to foster caring full time. However, at this point you may be wondering if it is a bit of an overreach to say that being a foster carer is one of the most rewarding careers on earth. Perhaps you never thought of fostering as a career. Actually, it is that, but it is so much more. Let’s explore this for a moment.
Career vs Vocation
The first thing to be aware of is the fostering process. It will generally take roughly four to six months in total from making an application to the date where you finally become a bona fide foster carer. This is also a time when you can work around (maintain) your current employment status. As outlined on the fcascotland.co.uk website, it is a six-part process which culminates in being approved by a fostering panel.
At this point, you might like to know that the ultimate reason why so many carers make a career out of fostering is because it is more of a vocation than a career. It’s a true calling for those who want to make a real difference in our world which can be hard and cruel, especially to those children who are placed because of neglect or abuse. Some have lost a parent and others may have been surrendered because of financial hardships. It truly is a calling, a vocation, to minister to these children in such a level of need.
Fulfilling a Societal Need
Bearing in mind that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow, there is truly a great need in society to help any, and all, children to reach their potential safely and in an atmosphere of love and affection. Whether you are a short or long term foster carer, you can have a significant impact on their young lives.
How you interact with them today can then be carried with them throughout all the years of their lives going forward. Many will grow into adults who will then “pay it forward” to other children in need as they now find themselves. Can you see now why so many foster carers consider caring more of a vocation to which they are called as opposed to seeing it as a career?
Greater Flexibility
Once you have transitioned to a career in foster care, you will often have greater flexibility in scheduling your days. Even though it’s a 24/7 ‘job,’ there are times throughout the day when you can take care of all those little mundane tasks you couldn’t see to whilst punched into a corporate clock.
In fact, you can even take the children along with you as you do your shopping and other things that require you to get out and about. That can’t be said of most jobs. Now we ask you, what could be more rewarding than time well-spent with the children in your care?
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