12th June 2024
Dipesh Khanal
A Journey Beyond the Paycheck
In my first job as an Assistant in Nursing I had no idea that it would change the course of my life. I'd actually left work in the kitchen of a hotel where I lived with my brother and his wife who'd encouraged me to go out to work. They'd told me they'd endure meals made from tinned always, just like I'd had them all my life, but if I worked in the kitchen and kept myself busy I could help with everything else. My brother's wife returned home full of joys when she started work and, though I didn't understand why she was so happy, she must have planted a seed because it sparked a curiosity in me about what other work was like, outside of the kitchens. By luck rather than good judgement, an opening came when my sister-in-law told me the organisation she was working for was recruiting. I applied for work in aged care — at the time, one of the few jobs available to someone with only my level of English competence. The minute I set foot into that aged-care home I felt that everything had a meaning, like suddenly finding my place and feeling useful. The residents would welcome me with smiles. I felt a high - a happiness - that I don't think I've ever experienced. It was like 'I know what is going on in your head',
', that high of seeing a smile. If you could see me
now, one resident in particular... The minute I walked through the door I could see that she was still there. And I felt, oh, she know I'm here to see you. Much as the high-pressure work of the hotel kitchen had failed to engage me in work I could fully identify with, or to which my sister-in-law paid much attention, aged care had touched a new part of my soul. Exclusively focused on human physical isolation, the stories that my sister-in-law had told over the phone now became secondary to the communication I actively used on the floor. Being attentive and engaging with the human beings in my care, offering companionship, sharing a joke, making a cup of tea: these things allowed me an entirely different experience of work because it touched my need for human connection. New challenges face me each day and there is little reward but my own happiness and fulfilment at the end. My happiness and fulfilment lasts as long as my shift, and maybe longer and that is what fulfils me, not only my day as a carer but my life. The beautiful smiles of the residents follow me home, their laughter still ringing in my ears, and their stories fill me with inspiration to keep being a better carer and a better person. Looking back, I see that a seemingly random series of events - a nudge from my sister-in-law, a job opportunity, a brazen leap of faith - brought me all the way here, to this extended family of residents and staff who show me more of my true self every single day. For which I thank the thing that dragged me there: the opportunity to work in aged care and bear witness to the human spirit as it ebbs and flows; to rejoice and mourn with others; to make a positive difference; to have a profession that I can be proud of for the rest of my life.
And to my brother and sister-in-law, whose encouragement and support led me into this beautiful world of aged care, I owe a debt of gratitude that can never be repaid. Their belief in me and their willingness to share their experiences opened doors I never knew existed, and for that, I am eternally thankful.
I would also like to express my gratitude to my manager, who, despite her cranky demeanor and frequent scolding, has been a tremendous support. She’s a very kind-hearted woman who, in her own unique way, guided and encouraged me to become better at my job. Her tough love and indirect support have played a crucial role in shaping my journey in aged care.
Working in aged care has become more than just a job; it’s a calling and a source of immense joy and purpose. I am honored to be a part of this community, and I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of those I care for.