As part of International Men’s Day, we spoke to Shaji Rajamony, our Specialist Implementer. He told us how he is keen to highlight the importance of increasing male presence in the sector. 

Joining the force

I always wanted my career to be directly involved with people and ensuring people’s rights were protected. So, I thought, I’d join the police and ended up working as police officer for 12 years.

Over the years during my time with the police force, I wasn’t getting the job fulfilment I was looking for, as I was dealing with crimes and offences, not directly helping or supporting people. 

A step in the right direction

After a lot of thinking, I made the tough decision to resign – not knowing six months later, my career would set off on a completely new path. 

In 2006, I happened to visit a residential home with my friend to see his son who had mental health issues. That visit changed my life. I soon started perusing my career in care, where I found I had a particular interest in autism. 
I found my new role as a support worker very satisfying. Working with the people we support and their families confirmed that the care sector was the right industry for me and my career.

The connection and bonding you get with individuals you support is so genuine.

Care – not such a “macho” job

As my role developed, I came to realise that the sector was lacking in male workers. As a support worker on shift, I felt left out as most of the team were females. You could say, I didn’t feel that involved within the group. 

When I become a home manager, I would often attend important care meetings and other networking opportunities and again, I would feel that the male representation in the sector was very minimal.

A job in care does not appeal as a “macho” job. Traditionally women have always been portrayed as role models in the majority of care adverts and care propaganda. This needs to be changed and more inclusion of male oriented publicity is required to pull more males to the care sector. 

I’m eager to prove that males can have amazing careers in care, not just women. I have no regrets with my decision to move into the care industry.

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• care as a career
• staff and recruitment