Would a US Citizen with an MS in Education Work in Senior Care if It Paid Better?
The question of whether a US citizen with a Master's degree in Education would work in elder or senior care if the pay were better is multifaceted. It touches upon the work environment, job responsibilities, and the overall compensation. In this article, we explore the perspective of an individual with an MS in Education, examining their willingness to work in senior care and the specific conditions that would make such a job appealing.
General Agreement on Working in Senior Care
Most of the time, individuals with advanced degrees in fields such as education or social work find the concept of working in elder or senior care intriguing. A US citizen who has an MS in Education, for instance, might be open to working in this field, even if it is not the ideal job. However, compared to other jobs, this role is usually around the middle in terms of appeal, making it a viable option.
Factors Influencing Job Acceptance
The willingness to work in senior care can be influenced by several factors, including the flexibility of the job, the nature of the tasks, and the compensation. Many individuals in this position may be willing to take on the job on a part-time or full-time basis, depending on the specific job requirements. Factors such as flexibility and the ability to work from home can enhance the appeal of the job, making it more attractive than other positions that may be less flexible.
Compensation and Work Tasks
When it comes to compensation, the individual suggests that they would be willing to work for a lower wage if the job did not include incontinence care or other more arduous tasks. For such duties, they would require a wage of around $10.00 per hour to provide good social connection and conversation. They believe that this type of work is not their dream job but is still a viable option compared to other jobs, with the flexibility of working part-time or full-time making a significant difference.
For jobs that are more demanding, such as those in a nursing home where there is a high level of repetition and limited time for other tasks, this type of work would need to offer even higher compensation. In private homes, however, the job would involve a broader range of tasks, including house cleaning, shopping, companionship, and physical therapy. These varied tasks would make the job more appealing and increase the expected compensation.
Comparison with Other Jobs and Work-Life Balance
Other jobs that the individual has held in the past have varied, and most have been quite challenging. Teaching, for example, was more about trying to control children with limited support, rather than traditional teaching. Other positions, while promising in theory, often paid very little, with many hours of unpaid administrative work. Even with a post-Master's degree, the monthly compensation was sometimes as low as $5.00 per hour. Additionally, the extremely low unemployment rate in the area has made finding pleasant jobs challenging, with a large number of applications for each available position.
Considering the difficulty of other jobs, a role in senior care, even if it requires a more comprehensive range of tasks and a higher compensation, could be more appealing due to the variety of responsibilities and the potential for flexible working hours. With the right compensation, this type of work can offer a better balance between work and personal life compared to more demanding jobs.
Overall, while a job in senior care may not be ideal, it can provide a good alternative for individuals with an MS in Education, especially if the compensation and work flexibility meet certain expectations. The job can offer a combination of challenges and social interaction, making it a worthy consideration for those seeking a rewarding but less strenuous career path.