Did you know you could take on a second job in the caring sector without much formal training or any caring experience? It’s true. You may worry about caring being "too difficult", but fear not: many flexible roles involve easy, enjoyable, and rewarding caring tasks you may not have thought of yet.
This article will give you more information about a wide range of satisfying second job opportunities. After all, earning extra money is especially important in these difficult economic times.
Why you may need to boost your income
The cost of living in the UK has increased hugely in the last year, so a flexible extra income stream may be immensely helpful. Perhaps you want to save for your mortgage, pension, or your children's education?
You may just be interested in trying out caring as a new profession while still being employed elsewhere, or in earning extra cash while studying or working in a part-time office job. Many online business owners are currently looking for a flexible second job in addition to their day job, too.
In all these cases, caring is an excellent choice, especially if you work on your own terms as an independent carer.
Flexible second job ideas: caring roles in the UK
So, how do you get a second job as a caregiver? It's actually surprisingly easy to become a carer in the UK. You don't need many qualifications to get started, and it's a great career choice for almost anyone.
The most important things you'll need are compassion, courtesy, patience, a positive attitude, and of course a willingness to help people. (A sense of humour is a great asset, too!)
Before you start a second job, you'll just need to check:
whether your current employment contract allows you to take on another role,
that you're not in breach of any UK working regulations, and
whether a second job may affect your tax status or benefits, if applicable.
Who can become a carer?
Anyone can become a paid carer in the UK, as long as certain criteria are met. You may be a stay-at-home mum or dad, a student, or just someone who already has a part-time or full-time job and would like an interesting and rewarding second income.
While the average salary of employed or agency workers in the care sector is fairly low, self-employed carers can make more money.
You don't even have to give up your day job!
Which qualifications (if any) do you require?
Before you can start, you'll need, for example:
a basic care certificate,
an up-to-date training certificate (if you're an existing carer),
an enhanced DBS certificate that's been registered and kept up to date with the DBS Update Service,
a valid public liability insurance policy.
Not sure where to begin? No worries. CareDial, a unique and free online platform connecting carers and care receivers, will get you started. Please see further information on what you'll need to have before you can become an independent carer with CareDial.
The benefits of being a "cover buddy"
You can also try out caring tasks as a "cover buddy". Here, you'll provide ad hoc care cover for other independent full-time carers. For example, you may accept evening and weekend cover shifts, or just a few hours when required.
As a CareDial "cover buddy" (through their DialConnectFlow program), you can work when you want, accept or decline cover shifts, and earn as much money as the original carer. The tasks are easy to do, so you won't need any special training or qualifications other than a basic caring certificate.
Flexible hours and pay—on your terms
As an independent care assistant, you can choose your own hours, clients, and tasks you're happy with. This means you won't have to do any chores you may find difficult, e.g. heavy lifting.
Instead, you can focus on areas in which you feel most comfortable. Deciding on the right tasks and clients will increase your job satisfaction and improve the lives of the people you assist.
10 interesting side jobs to earn extra money as a carer
To give you inspiration for caregiving roles, check out our examples of side or part-time job ideas you could take on via CareDial below. You could do one or more of these in your spare time.
1. Chatting and listening
Loneliness has become a genuine issue among the elderly and vulnerable. According to Age UK, over 1.4 million older people feel lonely, and some of them don't have the chance to talk to anyone for over a month.
Many other vulnerable people suffer from loneliness, too, so chatting and actively listening to them in their own homes really helps. If you're sociable and kind, you'll make an enormous difference to your clients.
2. Accompanying your client on walks or to the cinema
Similarly, many people find it hard to go on social outings or even just for short walks by themselves. By assisting them, you both will enjoy some fresh air and a friendly chat, or may even watch a great film in the cinema together. Regular outings to a social club or café are important, too.
3. Supporting your client on GP visits or hospital appointments
Your clients may need support when attending medical appointments. This could involve physical, emotional or admin help. For example, they may ask you to take confidential notes or require your assistance with getting medication from the chemist afterwards.
4. Assisting your client at the gym
All of us benefit from physical activity, but this is especially true for vulnerable people. Assisting your client at the gym can be a fantastic way to improve their health and spend quality time with them. They may be anxious at first, so you and the gym staff can reassure them and help with simple exercises.
5. Making shopping lists or menu plans
Many clients may struggle with eating regularly or healthily, so you could help by creating shopping lists and varied menu plans for them. Depending on their preferences, you can handwrite them or use an app to share these with your clients. Why not try a few new meal ideas via free meal apps like Yummly with them?
6. Delivering groceries
Going shopping and delivering groceries are easy caring tasks that can make a big difference. Acting as a food delivery driver is also a good way of making sure your client eats healthily. Plus, they may save extra money, as you can visit budget supermarkets that don't offer a delivery service, such as Lidl or Aldi.
7. Helping with correspondence (email/letters/telephone)
Daily admin tasks can be tricky for some clients. A great way to help them is to deal with their correspondence on their behalf (of course, only with their permission!) Helping with benefit application letters, bills, emails, or phone queries goes a long way to improving your clients' lives. If there are literacy issues, this job is especially important. All you need are writing skills, a good eye for detail, and patience.
8. Household tasks and/or pet care
If you enjoy cooking or cleaning, then this is for you. Light meal preparation and/or easy cleaning duties (e.g. hoovering, washing up, cleaning the fridge) can help enormously.
And, if you're a pet lover, you could consider simple tasks like dog walking or pet sitting.
9. Helping with budgeting
Money is tight for almost everyone now. However, the recent price increases and social security cuts have especially affected vulnerable people. If you're good with basic finances, why not draw up a simple budgeting plan for your client?
That way, you can both make sure that all bills are paid on time, and you may also find cheaper alternatives or benefits your client hadn't yet considered.
10. "Classic" caring duties (e.g. physical care/lifting)
You may prefer traditional caring duties that are closer to nursing. These may involve helping people to get around their homes or into bed, or providing sanitary care assistance. For these duties, you'd need specialist knowledge and training on how to handle and lift clients safely, however.
How much extra money can you earn for these caring roles?
Your income as an independent (i.e. self-employed) carer depends on three things: the type of caring tasks you're happy to take on, your experience, and your availability.
As a self-employed carer, you'll run your own business. That's why it's important to make sure you set a fair hourly or daily rate for your services.
CareDial's salary calculator and contract templates can help you with this.
Summary: caring as a second income has many rewards
Caring is more than a side hustle. As a carer, you'll have the unique opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of those you assist, no matter what tasks you choose. You may work with children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, so a positive attitude and a genuine desire to make a difference are crucial.
With our free caring platform, CareDial, you'll get extra help on your caring journey:
flexible working hours that fit around your studies and other commitments,
competitive pay that'll boost your income,
paid training (no experience necessary!),
ongoing support, and
opportunities for career development in your spare time.
Interested in freelance or second jobs in the caring sector? Then register for free on CareDial. We'd love to hear from you!