A YEAR to remember

‘It might seem modest, but it's been transformational’
Jane Davison, 62, is a nursery assistant and lives in Hertfordshire with her daughter Joey, 29.
Being a cleaner isn't anyone's dream job, but in the early 1990s I chose the role at my local college because it fitted around my caring responsibilities. For over 30 years, I'd start my day at 5am and finish at 8am - leaving the day free to be with my four children, Robert, now 42, Neil, 40, Giovanni, 37 and Joey, 29.
When they'd grown, I found myself looking after my elderly father Henry and latterly my husband John, who suffered from a stroke in 2020. Now, I'm a carer for Joey, who has anxiety and anorexia.
As I got older, cleaning became more physically difficult, and the early starts felt tough, but I never minded my job until in early 2024, a new member of staff started to make life difficult. After a particularly testing encounter I thought, 'I don't want to do this any more.'
The problem? In my early 60s, having worked as a cleaner for three decades, I doubted anyone would want me, almost giving up before I'd even started. But a couple of weeks later, in May 2024, Joey sat me down in the kitchen. 'Mum,' she said. 'I applied for a job on your behalf, and you've got an interview.'
It was a job at a local nursery, working four hours a day, which was perfect. I did worry whether I was up to such a change at the age of 62, but with Joey's encouragement, I thought 'Let's give it a go'. To my delight, the interview went well and I started in June.
Working at the nursery is a joy - supervising or joining in with play, reading books with the children. The staff are lovely - there's always someone to chat and laugh with. Even better, the hours are 11am-3pm, so I'm still in bed at 5am these days!
'No matter your age you can make a change'
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 23, 2024-Ausgabe von Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 9.500 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der December 23, 2024-Ausgabe von Woman's Weekly.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 9.500 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden

Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY

Follow YOUR STAR
Georgie’s new life in Paris was thrilling — but part of her heart was still back home

Fire up A FEAST
Dust off the barbecue and try our tasty summer meals

Sustainable SOAP
Tired of paying for harsh chemicals? English ivy may be the answer for your laundry

Eat to BEAT CANCER
Cases of bowel cancer are on the rise. But what you choose to put on your plate could reduce the risk

Coping with MACULAR DEGENERATION
This common eye condition causes damage to part of the retina and reduces vision

Sicilian TREASURE
A captivating trail of art, culture and cuisine in Sicily's capital, Palermo

Christmas IN JUNE
Santa Claus in a bikini! Had Kathy totally lost the plot?

'The Queen said WE WERE COOL
Angela Rippon on her career, why she's not ready to retire, and Strictly

'I loved the school run second-time round!'
How I dreaded the school run with my own children! I was always running late, either because of writing deadlines or because I hadn't allowed for sheep crossing the lane. Yet now I'm a granny, I love it! I still have the same deadlines, but I am never, ever late for collecting my grandchildren. Actually, I almost feel more responsible for them than my own children, and leave at least 20 minutes earlier than necessary. I already have drinks and healthy snacks in my bag, and a full tank of petrol. Back in the 90s, one of my three was almost late for an exam because I ran out of fuel.