Giving Thanks & Growing Forward: A Thanksgiving Message for Care Home Job Seekers

As Thanksgiving arrives, families across the USA come together for warm meals, shared stories, and moments of reflection. At LeapingCare, this time of year reminds us not only to give thanks, but also to pause, refocus, and think about the future we're building.

Whether you're a nurse, caregiver, cook, housekeeper, or maintenance worker looking to take the next step in your career, the holiday season can be a powerful opportunity. While everything around you slows down a little, your goals don't have to.

Here are a few meaningful ways to use this Thanksgiving season to move closer to the care home job you're hoping for.

Thanksgiving Is a Perfect Time to Strengthen Your Network

Holidays naturally bring people together; family, friends, familiar faces and people you may not have caught up with in a while. This makes it one of the easiest times of the year to:

• Reconnect with people who know your work ethic
• Reach out to former colleagues for references
• Ask friends or relatives if they've heard of job openings
• Share your career goals with people who genuinely want to see you succeed

A simple conversation around a dinner table can open doors you didn't expect.

Make the Most of Your Time Off by Sharpening Your Skills

You don't need a formal classroom to grow. Even a few hours during the holiday break can help you stand out to employers in the new year.

You could use this time to:

• Take an online course in caregiving or dementia care
• Refresh your CPR or first-aid skills
• Practise communication and teamwork techniques
• Learn new kitchen, safety, or maintenance skills
• Watch training videos commonly used in care facilities

These small steps show initiative and make your application stronger.

Explore a Wider Range of Job Opportunities

As Thanksgiving approaches, many care homes begin planning staffing needs for the next year. That means new roles, new shifts, and new opportunities start appearing.

This might be a good moment to:

• Look at openings in neighbouring towns or cities
• Explore different types of senior care environments
• Consider roles you may not have looked at before, such as activities coordinator, medication aide, or dietary assistant
• Stay open to part-time or flexible shifts that may lead to full-time positions

Sometimes the ideal role is just outside your usual search area.

Take Time to Reflect on What You Truly Want Next

Thanksgiving encourages us to pause and appreciate how far we've come. It's also a chance to decide where you'd like to go next.

You might ask yourself:

• What type of care role makes me feel fulfilled?
• Which skills do I want to develop?
• What kind of work environment helps me thrive?
• How can I best use my compassion, strengths, and personality?

Clarity helps you recognise the right opportunity when you see it.

From All of Us at LeapingCare, Thank You!

This Thanksgiving, we're grateful for every job seeker who chooses a career rooted in compassion and service. Whether you're searching for your first role or looking for your next meaningful step in a care home community, we're here to support you.

Use this holiday to rest, reconnect, and prepare yourself for the opportunities ahead. Your future in care is full of potential, and we're honoured to be part of your journey.

Happy Thanksgiving from the LeapingCare team.

Your purpose matters, and your next chapter starts here.