Care Without Burnout

In this episode, Donna delves into the critical topic of burnout, sharing her personal experiences and insights on recognising its signs and symptoms. Drawing from her own journey, she discusses the overwhelming exhaustion and emotional fatigue that led her to a breaking point, prompting her to take a much-needed break from work. Donna explores the importance of self-care, including rest, nutrition, and maintaining social connections, while also emphasising the need to realign one's career with personal values.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Burnout is characterised by physical and emotional exhaustion, often resulting from an imbalance in work-life dynamics. Symptoms can include fatigue, forgetfulness, irritability, and a diminished sense of pride in one’s work.

Taking time to rest and prioritise self-care is crucial for recovery from burnout. This can involve sleeping well, engaging in gentle exercise, and maintaining social connections to avoid isolation.

Reflecting on personal values and career goals can help individuals realign their work with what is meaningful to them. This process may reveal misalignments that contribute to feelings of burnout.

Transitioning to new career paths or roles can be a positive step for those feeling burnt out. Engaging with others who have made similar transitions can provide inspiration and insight into potential new directions.

Incorporating mindfulness, nutrition, and hydration into daily routines can support overall well-being and aid in recovery from burnout. This includes establishing healthy boundaries around work and prioritising activities that bring joy and satisfaction.

BEST MOMENTS

"If you feel fed up, tired, burnt out, or stuck in a rut, it's time to take back control."

"I realised now that I'd been working at 120 miles an hour. I was running on empty."

"Burnout is generally an occupational phenomenon rather than an actual diagnosis."

"I was probably heading towards this period of burnout for maybe six months before it actually happened."

"Coaching is still a helping profession. It's just that this time, it's going to be on my terms."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews her Auntie Debbie Hibberd, who shares her remarkable journey through various careers, including her time as a teacher and headteacher. Debbie reflects on her early aspirations to become an atomic scientist and later a doctor, before ultimately finding her passion in education. She discusses the challenges and rewards of teaching, the importance of adapting to students' needs, and the evolving landscape of education.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Debbie initially aspired to be an atomic scientist and later a doctor, but ultimately found her passion in teaching after working in various roles, including in a virus lab and as a nanny.

A strong family background, particularly a mother who was ahead of her time, instilled values of education, equality, and the importance of giving back to the community.

Emphasised the importance of adaptive teaching methods tailored to students' interests, allowing for innovative approaches to learning rather than strictly adhering to a set curriculum.

Highlighted the increasing constraints faced by teachers today, including rigid curricula and insufficient support for students with special needs, which can hinder effective teaching.

After retiring from teaching, the guest became a supported lodgings host for young people leaving care, demonstrating a lifelong commitment to helping others and addressing inequalities in society.

BEST MOMENTS

"When I was at school, I always wanted to be an atomic scientist... However, I came to realise that actually I'd rather be a doctor."

"I worked in the virus labs. It was a nice, interesting mix. And one of the cells they grew came from a chick and some came from a rabbit's ear."

"I think being a teacher now is much more challenging than it was being a teacher in my day because there's many more constraints."

"It just sounds as though that particular person wasn't getting the support from their line management team."

"For my view, it's the wrong way around really. The only things you need to learn about that I think should be in the fixed curriculum is finance and money."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews Mel Kingdom Andrews, a former paramedic turned Bowen practitioner based in Plymouth. Mel shares her inspiring journey from a 20-year career in the NHS to establishing her own holistic therapy business, Bowen Body Remedies. She discusses the challenges she faced in the ambulance service, including the emotional toll of witnessing trauma and the constraints of the healthcare system.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The journey from a long career as a paramedic to becoming a Bowen practitioner was inspired by personal experiences with Bowen therapy, which provided relief from chronic pain that conventional treatments could not.

The paramedic role became increasingly constrained by bureaucracy and safeguarding measures, making it difficult to provide optimal patient care. This led to feelings of frustration and a desire for a more fulfilling career.

Bowen therapy is a gentle, non-invasive treatment that focuses on the body's connective tissues and proprioception, making it suitable for a wide range of clients, from newborns to the elderly.

In private practice, clients have more agency over their healthcare decisions, which can lead to better outcomes as they are more invested in their healing process compared to patients in the NHS system.

The transition from a high-stress paramedic role to a calmer therapeutic environment highlighted the importance of mental health support for first responders, as well as the need for society to be more sensitive in their inquiries about traumatic experiences.

BEST MOMENTS

"I thought I had the job of dreams because I loved what I do. I just always thought I'd be a paramedic."

"Bowen was so gentle yet so effective. Within three sessions I could like open my jaw fully."

"You were kind of almost treating the forms rather than treating the patient.

"If you've got a nervous system and muscles and you're in pain, then Bowen therapy is going to help you."

"I think it's a really interesting point. If people can think before they ask that question, then I think that can only be a good thing."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Today, Donna is interviewing Dr. Amrita Sen Mukherjee, a GP and researcher who shares her inspiring journey from medicine to focusing on invisible disabilities and post-traumatic growth in doctors. Dr. Mukherjee discusses how her upbringing, influenced by her parents who were both doctors, shaped her career path, and reflects on the challenges she faced after being diagnosed with temporal lobe epilepsy. She emphasises the importance of compassion within the medical community, the need for workplace adjustments for disabled doctors, and the significance of self-awareness and self-compassion in maintaining a balance between personal and professional life.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

A career in medicine was heavily influenced by a family background in healthcare, with both parents being doctors. This environment fostered a natural inclination towards the medical profession, despite initial pursuits in a different field.

The experience of living with an invisible illness, such as temporal lobe epilepsy, highlighted the challenges faced by medical professionals who are unwell. There is often a lack of understanding and support from colleagues, which can lead to feelings of isolation and self-doubt.

Adversity can lead to personal growth, and it is possible to experience joy and fulfilment alongside feelings of sadness and distress. Recognising that these emotions can coexist is crucial for mental well-being.

Building a supportive network is essential for those advocating for equality and well-being in the medical field. Having trusted individuals to lean on can provide strength during challenging times.

BEST MOMENTS

"I recognised that there was an important part that I played in life. If I can be that person that is saying, hey, I've gone through a difficulty and I've come through the other side, I want to be that person."

"Just because somebody experiences post-traumatic growth, it’s really important to recognise that those emotions are normal to feel at the same time."

"I think we spend so much of our time doing that, that our reserves deplete the person who goes to the bottom of the list is yourself."

"I have taken a lot of time to relearn who I am. My aspirations have had to change. My goals in life have had to change."

ABOUT THE GUEST

Here is the link to my published research:

https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/bjhp.12642

Please could you use the following handles:

LinkedIn – Dr Amrita Sen Mukherjee and Your Wellbeing Doctor

Insta - @yourwellbeingdoctor

FB - @yourwellbeingdoctor

X - @yourwellbeingdr

www.yourwellbeing.doctor

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

In today's episode, Donna interviews Jeff Hill, a former police officer turned CEO of Harrier Global Limited. Jeff shares his journey from a fulfilling 30-year career in the police force to establishing a business that provides strategic security advice to high-net-worth individuals and corporations. He discusses the motivations that led him to join the police, the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, and the challenges of transitioning into the business world.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"I was always of the view that you made your own luck. You have to actually go out and be very proactive, sometimes very bold, very innovative and creative to generate the opportunity to gather evidence against people."

"We never sell fear. We're not the kind of company that will go to speak to a client and say, oh God, you need to be doing this. It's not what we do. We're actually quite the opposite. We sell reassurance."

"The better we understand an individual, the better our relationship with them. If you're not prepared to share it with us, we're not necessarily going to know about it, we can't counter the threat that's there."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Gemma Holden, also known as Mrs. Mindset, shares her inspiring journey from public service to entrepreneurship. Gemma reflects on her challenging school days, her transition from hairdressing to working with children, and the eventual establishment of her childminding business, Little Gems. After experiencing burnout, she took a step back to focus on personal growth and self-discovery, which led her to become a coach and mentor.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

BEST MOMENTS

"I left school with no GCSEs at all. I was masking. I was pretending to be this child who was strong and didn't care about anything when actually inside I was a very emotional child."

"I had to make the decision and say, right, OK, so I'm going to lose out on a lot of money here. I believe that when you're working in a care sector, you have to have that passion."

"I decided that my business was doing really well. I had to tell them that, and then I got made redundant. And it was probably the best thing that happened to me."

"It's about building relationships. It's about that communication and building relationships."

"Having that clarity on that and understanding, do you know what? It is gonna be tough, but so are you."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades.

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles. Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews Helen Valentino, a former military nurse and NHS professional who has transitioned into the world of business and podcasting with her show, "Thriving Not Surviving." Helen shares her inspiring journey, detailing her early life challenges, including personal trauma and health issues, which ultimately led her to a spiritual awakening. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

There is a strong interconnection between physical health, mental health, and emotional well-being. Issues in one area can manifest in another, highlighting the importance of a holistic approach to health.

Thriving does not mean a lack of challenges or difficulties. It involves maintaining hope and joy despite adversity, recognizing that life is imperfect but can still be fulfilling and meaningful.

Forgiveness is portrayed as a selfish act that benefits the individual who forgives, rather than the one who caused the hurt. Letting go of anger and resentment is crucial for personal health and well-being.

Working in community nursing provides unique insights into people's lives, challenging stereotypes and revealing the importance of understanding individuals beyond their circumstances.

Experiences of hardship can lead to personal growth and empathy. Overcoming challenges can empower individuals to help others and find purpose in their struggles.

BEST MOMENTS

"I think the whole point is we're supposed to be in balance, aren't we? And for me personally, and this is just my own philosophy, is that we have a physical, spiritual and emotional body."

"When things don't seem to be going my way, I trust the universe has better plans for me."

"I think people see success as money and fame. And I think for me, thriving has got nothing to do with how much money you've got."

GUESTS LINKS

Instagram. - https://www.instagram.com/helens_inspired_healing/

Website - www.inspiredhealing.co.uk

Email - [email protected]

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. 

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews Claire Jones, who has held various roles in public service, including as a prison officer, arrest referral worker, and part-time firefighter, as well as 20 years as a senior manager in the NHS, showcasing her commitment to helping others in different capacities. Claire shares her unique journey into public service, driven by a desire to help others, and discusses the challenges she faced as a single parent while navigating demanding work environments.

KEY MOMENTS

"I think the only public sector role I think I haven't really kind of got very involved in would be either probation or ambulance service. But other than that, I think I've done it all."

"When we recognise that we do [have control], and we can actually do things differently in a way that helps us to build a healthy relationship with food and with ourselves, we can make choices that are more in alignment with our long-term goals."

"It's all about health. Like you say, it's not about how much you weigh, what you look like. It's about being healthy, looking after your long-term health."

"I realised that I'd been able to overcome something that I'd battled with for 25 years. And I see other people battling with it every day."

"If you worried all the time about the risks, then you wouldn't do anything. And that's where the training comes in."

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. 

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

Today, Donna is interviewing Hannah Roper, a former police officer turned educator and entrepreneur. Hannah shares her unique journey from a childhood inspired by her family's law enforcement background to her experiences in teaching and policing. She discusses the challenges and rewards of both professions, including the frustrations of bureaucracy in education and the realities of law enforcement. After facing personal challenges, including domestic abuse, Hannah transitioned into a role in learning and development within the aviation industry, where she now creates training for air traffic controllers. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The journey into law enforcement was influenced by a background in teaching, where the speaker realised the limitations of the education system and sought a more impactful role in addressing societal issues.

• While initially enjoying the role, the speaker faced disillusionment due to organisational changes, a lack of support for vulnerable individuals, and the realisation that not all cases could be pursued effectively, leading to feelings of frustration.

• Hannah's own experience with domestic abuse and coercive control highlighted the challenges faced by police officers in seeking help, especially when the abuser is also a police officer, contributing to a sense of disillusionment with the system.

• After leaving the police force, the speaker found fulfilment in creative pursuits, including music and radio, and established a country music festival, demonstrating the importance of balancing professional life with personal passions.

• Hannah launched a coaching business to support creative individuals, leveraging skills gained from previous roles to help others navigate the challenges of balancing creative endeavours with other commitments.

BEST MOMENTS

"I have a huge justice complex, which now I know is because I have ADHD. I really struggle in situations where I can see unfairness or injustice and nothing is being done about it."

"I found it very, very frustrating. I found it all-encompassing. I found it very controlling. I could not solve the world's problems just by myself."

"I was given a job. A crime had been committed against an elderly lady. I started to look into it and thought, hang on a second. There's a vulnerable lady here."

"But that, having that little bit of a, you know, a post-university career before going into the police, I'm pretty sure will have set you up brilliantly for going into the police."

"I feel like I'm in my era, balancing it. There are moments when I question my life choices, but the reward absolutely outweighs that extra bit of stress."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. 

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

In this episode, Donna interviews Catherine Wasley, a former orthoptist who transitioned into childminding and now works as a holistic infant sleep coach. Catherine shares her journey from her early days in the NHS, where she specialised in eye health, to navigating the challenges of balancing work and family life after having children. She discusses the limitations she faced in the NHS, including budget constraints and the need for flexibility, which ultimately led her to leave her orthoptic career. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• After working as an orthoptist for several years, the decision to leave the NHS was influenced by the challenges of balancing work and family life, particularly after having children. The lack of flexibility in scheduling and the demands of the job made it difficult to manage childcare responsibilities.

• Transitioning to childminding provided a fulfilling and flexible career that allowed for better work-life balance. The experience of caring for children and the support from a local network of childminders helped develop a passion for this line of work.

• The idea of providing childcare services at weddings emerged from personal experiences. This business model aimed to create a fun and engaging environment for children while allowing parents to enjoy the event, highlighting the importance of tailored activities based on children's interests.

• The current focus is on providing holistic infant sleep coaching, which emphasises understanding the root causes of sleep issues rather than traditional sleep training methods. This approach aims to reassure parents and normalise their experiences while offering practical solutions.

• There are plans to expand the business into the online space, including the development of a membership program that will provide resources and support for parents navigating the early years of child-rearing. This initiative aims to make expert advice more accessible and affordable for families.

BEST MOMENTS

"An orthoptist quite often might be the first person to actually go, hang on a minute, there's something else going on here."

"I think being a childminder just opened my eyes to the flexibility of life and how you can have more children and still earn an income."

"I wanted to get the right program, the right training for me. And so I trained as a holistic infant sleep coach."

"It's one of those things, so many people desire having a family, and obviously, when the baby arrives, the reality and that dream, there's often a bit of a mismatch."

"I do wonder whether I would have had four children if I had stayed in the NHS."

ABOUT THE HOST

Donna is a Registered Nurse who has worked in the NHS for three decades. 

She brings you real-life stories from people in front-line public service roles.  Some of the stories discuss war, terrorism, suicide, abuse, COVID, death, and vicarious moral injury, which may be triggering for some listeners. Alongside these are stories of joy, hope, empathy, and humanity, highlighting the positive impact individuals have made. Many of her guests have navigated career changes, found work-life balance, or transitioned into new roles, including charity work or entrepreneurship. If you have a story to share that could inspire others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch. Inviting individuals from fire, police and probation services, healthcare, military, teaching, social services, local government, and civil service.

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FjUrwC7qS

https://www.lifeafterpublicservice.co.uk/

Email: [email protected]

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donna-bentley-carr

This podcast features real-life stories from frontline public service workers, covering tough topics such as war, trauma and loss, and may be triggering to some listeners. Guests also share their tales of everyday heroism, inspiring joy, hope, empathy and humanity. If you have a story to share that could encourage others seeking change or additional income, please get in touch.

This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/