The Balancing Act Between Main Career and Caregiving

The Balancing Act Between Main Career and Caregiving - MalaysiaPerspectives

The Balancing Act Between Main Career and Caregiving

Balancing between 2 jobs at a time is not easy. Read how Priya juggles between her caregiving career in and her startup interior designing business!

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penjaga Spotlight: Priyatharusini Arumugam

Priya is a freelance interior designer who just embarked on her career as a caregiver back in January 2021. While she learned the ropes of her new business, she was looking for a part-time job that would allow her to work around her freelance interior design business. She saw as the ideal platform because of the flexibility to alternate between both jobs and the opportunity to learn more about how to care for the elderly, given that her parents are also approaching their retirement age.

In the picture: penjaga Priya

Why did you join ?

Why when I have interior design and that by itself can be very time-consuming? My husband was not fully supportive of me joining . My sister was one of the first to know, but she wasn’t supportive either. Due to my past toxic work environments, I decided to go on my own. This somehow comes with its own set of potential downsides, which I expected and am prepared to deal with. I knew I needed a second job to support my income while I figured out my new company. When I came across ’s advertising on Instagram, I was looking for a part-time job that would allow me to be more flexible with my schedule. I made the decision to give it a go. There are several reasons why I even decided to try being a caregiver (in no particular order):

  • To learn to be humble :

I am required to have an eye for details as an interior designer; Lots of critical analysis is required to address problems while providing attractive yet functional solutions to accommodate to the needs of the customers. Translating it to the role of a penjaga (caregiver), I was prepared to channel those skills while caring for the elderly, being able to share my insights with the family while learning from them. I know that working with the elderly would put my patience and problem-solving skills to test when dealing with difficult elderly or clients, and, of course, prepare me to give care to my own parents in the future. During my few months with , I got an incredible amount of stories, experiences, love, guidance, and even reprimands from the families I cared for. I’m grateful to for enabling me to continue to be a part of this.

  1. Championing my college thesis :

I wrote a thesis in college about appropriate interiors for seniors in nursing facilities. There are so many elements to consider, and if implemented well in the space, it would significantly improve the living conditions of our elderly, whether they are in their own homes, care centers, or public areas. Little things that have a favourable effect on the senses might make the elderly feel better. Back then, I have conducted some research on the elders but never got the chance to truly comprehend their living conditions in person. Being a penjaga allowed me to actualize my thesis and made me curious to learn more about the influence of different living environment on the seniors!

  1. My financial support :

I am not yet financially stable starting a company from the ground up . At , I receive my payout twice a month and that has been extremely helpful to me in keeping my own business afloat.

Even though my payout is not huge, it gives me great satisfaction at the end of the day.

– penjaga Priya

  1. To gain new skill:

Caring for elderly has taught me about the challenges they endure. They have to take medications and eat certain foods. As a result, I’ve been learning a lot and applying what I’ve learned to my parents like encouraging them to engage in physical, mental, and emotional activities. My mum can now solve the rubix cube in a matter of minutes!

We are intrigued by the fact that you’re doing interior design while caregiving with us at the same time. Can you tell us how you balance between those two? Is it difficult for you to juggle between those two?

Ah, yes it can be a struggle at times.I’ve only been taking visits before lunch and my design work after lunch. It may be exhausting but I’m still aiming to strike a good balance between caring for the elderly, who rely on us, and ensuring that I meet my design clients’ expectations. Since I can’t always have morning meetings or project site inspections, I’d let my clients and contractors know ahead of time that we’d meet after lunch. As my business flourish, I believe I will limit the frequency of my visits in the future but I will not quit as being a penjaga makes me feel content.

What is the most impactful or memorable experience you had taking care of a Care Recipient? Can you elaborate what happened and how you handled that?

Ahh! There is this one lovely lady that will live in my memory forever. I’m sure she’s not the most aggressive, but she was one of the most challenging CR for me in the beginning. I’ve had to stand up for myself and be a bit tough at times to explain things to her. I began to grasp her requirements and routine after numerous visits. I made a point of writing down everything her relatives said. I’d make a point of avoiding the minor details that might irritate her. Of course, going the additional mile by buying them presents or food, assisting them with housework, and assisting them with minor repairs has aided them so that they are aware that I am only there with good intentions. I also tried to be as courteous as possible because allowing a stranger into their house to care for their loved one is tough. She was initially rather aggressive, but she has now vastly improved.

Was there a time where you went the extra mile to care for a Care Recipient?

I make a point of remembering their birthdays and other minor facts that kids express an interest in. I’ve also delivered flowers and food as a surprise, and repaired some of the minor issues they’ve requested, such as a broken plug or instructions on how to operate the phone. I believe a small gesture could go a long way!

Describe your experience as a penjaga profesional in 5 words.

Humbling,Educational,Inspiring,Empowering,Fulfilling!

– penjaga Priya

Offering Primary Caregivers Respite and Support

has many caregivers from different walks of life with the common goal to help seniors and adults in their road to recovery. Our home care and support is aimed at empowering them to continue living healthy, fulfilling lives. At , working as a penjaga profesional grants you a wide array of opportunities and advantages:

  • Stay flexible with a better work-life balance as a freelance, part-time or full-time penjaga profesional
  • Receive a stable income or competitive salary package that corresponds to their knowledge, skillset, and experience
  • Gain opportunities to work with us regularly and tier up in your career pathway as a penjaga profesional
  • Upgrade your skills with holistic and specialised training and certifications from our training partners and in-house specialistsWe’re looking for exceptional penjaga! Refer a friend and earn an extra RM100 for every successful referrals!Click here.

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