When you think of "safe" work, many people automatically picture traditional employment—set hours, a steady paycheck, and the comfort of knowing where your next shift is coming from. But if you’ve worked in care for any length of time, you know the reality doesn’t always match the promise. Whether it’s a shortfall in hours, last-minute schedule changes, or a paycheque that doesn’t reflect your hard work, being employed isn’t as secure as it seems. In fact, I’d argue that being self-employed can offer more safety, control, and reliability—especially for carers.
Let me tell you a story that sticks with me. I was recently speaking to Claire, she worked for a care agency that had promised her 40 hours a week. Yet week after week, she was lucky to scrape together 30. Sometimes, clients cancelled, and shifts vanished like magic. Other times, she'd be asked to fill gaps in random places that left her running from one side of town to the other. It wasn’t just tiring; it was unsettling. She never knew if her next week’s pay would be enough to cover her bills.
The real kicker? She was stuck in this so-called "secure" job, where the company was supposed to guarantee her hours, but every week it felt like the rug was yanked out from under her. The promised of stability felt more like constant uncertainty and worry.
So why do we cling to the myth that being employed is safer? When you’re self-employed, you set the rules. You decide how many hours you work, how much you charge, and most importantly, who you work with. Instead of relying on an agency or employer to provide you with hours, you’re the one in control. That’s real security.
You're in Control of Your Time and Money
One of the biggest myths is that self-employment means instability. In reality, you control your own income. If you want more hours, you find more clients. If you need to step back for personal reasons, you can, without worrying about losing your job. Unlike Claire, who was always at the mercy of her agency’s shifting needs, when you're self-employed, you're in charge of your schedule.
You don’t have to chase every shift that pops up or feel pressured to take jobs that don't work for you. I’ve worked with carers who used to be tied to agency rotas, constantly anxious about last-minute changes. But as soon as they took the leap into self-employment, their stress levels dropped. Why? Because they set their own schedules and worked directly with their clients.
The Story of Mrs. Harris: Building Relationships on Your Own Terms
One of the joys of being self-employed is the freedom to build meaningful relationships with the people you care for. Let me tell you about Mrs. Harris, one of my clients. She was a lovely woman in her 90s who had the sharpest sense of humor despite her mobility challenges.
Mrs. Harris was previuosly used to using a care agency for her care needs. When I first started working with her, I noticed how much she dreaded the revolving door of agency carers. They would rush in, spend 15 minutes, and rush out—onto the next client. She often felt like a number on their schedule rather than a person. But because I was self-employed, I wasn’t limited by an agency’s strict time slots. I could spend an extra 10 minutes chatting with her or make sure her tea was just the way she liked it.
That’s the beauty of being self-employed. You get to care on your own terms, not by someone else’s stopwatch. You can focus on providing quality care that feels good, rather than cramming as many clients into a day as possible. And let me tell you—clients notice the difference.
So not only is being self employed better for you, but it's better for the client too!
You're Safer in the Driver’s Seat
At the end of the day, there’s no such thing as total job security, employed or not. But when you're self-employed, you hold the steering wheel. You aren’t relying on a company’s ever-changing roster or waiting for shifts that may never come. Instead, you’re in control—of your hours, your pay, and the care you provide. And in a world that can feel a bit chaotic at times, there’s something incredibly safe about that.
So, if you’ve been wondering whether self-employment is too risky, I’m here to tell you that the real risk is staying where you feel stuck. You deserve more than the scraps of hours and unpredictable pay. You deserve the freedom to build a career that works for you and your clients.
Take the Leap—The Safety Net is Yours to Build
Stepping into self-employment is about creating your own safety net. Yes, it takes courage, but trust me—it’s a leap worth taking. You get to decide what “safe” looks like for you, and that kind of control is priceless.
Let’s change the narrative. Being self-employed in care isn’t risky—it’s empowering. You’re creating your own stability, one client, one relationship, and one flexible hour at a time. And that’s the real definition of safety.
Ready to take control of your career?
Join the Professional Carers Network today and let us help you navigate the world of self-employment. From business advice to community support, we’re here to help you thrive every step of the way. Together, we can build a care career that works for you—and the people you care for.
Remember: You can deliver care beyond boundaries and be well rewarded for the fabulous job that you do. Choose empowerment. Choose safety. Choose self-employment.
Comments