Moving between companies in the same industry is a completely normal occurrence for virtually all professionals.
However, it’s not something Diane Meynell plans on ever experiencing again during the rest of her career in home care.
The Yorkshire-based 49-year-old was part of the Blossom Northallerton team for over two years before deciding to leave for pastures new. However, her experience with a home care competitor left a lot to be desired, and she soon found herself back delivering exceptional client care with Blossom.
Here in her own words, Diane talks through her journey and why she can never see herself leaving again.
“It was a no-brainer to go back”: Diane’s experience of rejoining Blossom
Leaving Blossom wasn’t a decision I made lightly at all. I am from a sales background and was structured in looking at pros and cons. But eventually I decided that new employers – one of Blossom’s main competitors – were up my street. They offered similar pay in the same area, and they welcomed me with open arms. It seemed the right choice.
However, as the old saying goes, the grass isn’t always greener – and I discovered it’s not.
My new employer had serious safeguarding issues, which I brought to the fore – I have got a voice and am not afraid to bring such issues up. But my concerns were swept under the carpet, so I needed to think seriously about my future again.
I had an informal chat with Lucinder at Blossom Northallerton. As soon as I met her, I liked her and what she was saying. I discovered the issues I had highlighted when I first left had been dealt with, so I couldn’t see any reason not to come back. It was a no-brainer to go back to Blossom.
Blossom has always had better pay than their competitors, and they increased it again just before I returned. I was then offered the chance to be a senior carer as well. It was so nice to be recognised for all I had done during the two-and-a-half years I had first spent there.
Since day one I have always been very invested in my clients. It broke mine and their hearts when I left. So to be able to go back to them was amazing. My first shift was on Christmas Day and it was just lovely, it felt like I had never been away.
Now I would never, ever leave Blossom to go to another care company. I wouldn’t advise anyone to, either – the grass simply isn’t greener. We have an awful lot more people that need care now.