Ivy, much like many family carers, dedicated her energy and time to family care since her daughter was born. As her daughter moved on to secondary school, Ivy began to redirect her focus away from her daughter and started to reconsider her own future plans and career path. In the past, she worked in retail, but the long hours made it challenging to balance family life. Having been away from the industry for a while, she felt confused and often asked herself, "What should I do now?" She wanted to contribute financially to ease her family’s economic stress but was uncertain about which career path to pursue.
After joining the "Be My TimeMate" Community Project organised by the Organization's Group and Community Work Unit, Ivy actively engaged in training and took on the role of a volunteer escort ambassador, assisting elderly residents in the area. Through her escort duties, Ivy realised she enjoyed interacting with the elderly, finding it a source of valuable life lessons. As her enthusiasm for serving the elderly grew, project social workers and staff encouraged her to share her experiences, boosting her confidence in eldercare. This confidence not only guided her career aspirations but also became a significant motivator. She enrolled in retraining courses related to her newfound interest, such as physiotherapist assistant and care worker courses, to enhance her knowledge and skills. Now, she successfully works part-time as an elderly escort and physiotherapy assistant, setting a clear career path for the future.
Reflecting on her journey, Ivy feels grateful for stepping out into the community and participating in the project, which helped her uncover her professional interests and define her life's work goals.