The babies might not be popping out as frequently these days, but holy hell, the UK still needs midwives like I need my morning coffee. Desperately.
I was chatting with my sister-in-law last weekend (she's been delivering babies for 12 years now), and she looked absolutely shattered. No wonder. The Royal College of Midwives isn't mincing words - they're short by at least 2,500 staff across the country. And while recruitment numbers are crawling upward, a third of current midwives are over 50 and eyeing retirement. Tick tock.
Monday's a Big Deal (If You're Into Babies)
So Monday marks the International Day of the Midwife. Yeah, I didn't know that was a thing either until I started researching this piece. It's when midwives worldwide get a pat on the back for basically being superheroes without capes.
The NHS is using this opportunity to wave frantically at career-changers. "Come join us!" they're practically shouting.
Kate Brintworth, the NHS chief midwifery officer, puts it like this: "Midwives share the most special moment in a parent's life — the birth of a child. It is a demanding but entirely unique job, offering the privilege of ensuring women have the best birth experiences possible."
That's the sanitized version. The reality involves bodily fluids, screaming, and occasionally telling partners to sit down before they faint. But also... magic.
Why Women Jump Ship to Catch Babies
Interestingly, tons of UK women decide to become midwives after having their own kids. Like, they go through labor and think, "I want MORE of this drama!" (I'm kidding... sort of.)
There are also about 200 male midwives in the UK. That's a tiny 0.5% of the workforce. Some of these guys also switched careers after becoming dads.
Take Kayty Richards. She used to sell hospitality packages for football clubs, which honestly sounds way less stressful. But after having her own children, something clicked.
"After having my children, I felt drawn to maternity services as I had found the experience very positive and empowering," says the 39-year-old from Rotherham.
"However, not all my friends had teh same experience and I realised how having the right care was vital."
She started volunteering with a pregnancy charity before taking the plunge into a midwifery degree at the University of Derby.
"Being there to witness people becoming parents, or seeing the joy as someone's family grows, truly is a privilege," she says. "It is a very rewarding career and you will experience magical moments you won't ever forget."
So You Wanna Catch Babies For A Living?
Listen. There are three ways to get into this gig.
Most common: a three-year midwifery degree. It's competitive as hell, so get some healthcare experience even if it's just volunteering at a care home or something.
Already a registered adult nurse? Lucky you - fast-track option with an 18-month conversion course.
Work as a midwifery support worker in England? You can do an apprenticeship and earn while you learn. Same qualification in the end.
The money isn't terrible either. Starting salary around £28,407. Experienced midwives can pull in up to £60K. The big shots - consultant midwives - can make up to £84,000.
The Stuff They Don't Put In The Brochure
I spent 3 hours interviewing a midwife back in 2018 for another article. She was brutally honest.
This job is INTENSE. You're literally responsible for two (or more!) lives at once. You'll work weird hours, holidays, weekends. Christmas babies don't care about your family dinner plans.
You'll deal with complicated cases, traumatic situations, and sometimes heartbreaking outcomes. One midwife told me she still remembers every baby she couldn't save. Poor woman.
But there's career flexibility too - management, specialization, education, research. Options exist beyond the delivery room.
Kate Brintworth sums it up: "Becoming a midwife was the best decision I ever made. It's the most rewarding profession in the word."
For more info: healthcareers.nhs.uk
Is Your Workplace Trying to Kill You?
World Day For Safety And Health At Work just happened. Made me wonder if my office chair is slowly destroying my spine.
Gavin Scarr Hall from HR specialists Peninsula says, "Health and safety is not just the responsibility of a select few – it affects all of us."
He shared the top five workplace safety screw-ups:
Not displaying the health & safety law poster. Seriously? It's literally a legal requirement. Get it out of the drawer adn onto the wall.
Not sharing risk assessments with staff. Your employees probably understand day-to-day risks better than managers do.
Skipping health & safety training. This is non-negotiable legally. And it needs to be tailored for language barriers or learning needs.
Letting the place become a dump. Facilities must be clean and maintained. Everyone should help keep things tidy.
Ignoring mental health issues. Over half a million UK employees are suffering from work-related stress right now. Companies need policies to prevent it.
Sweating at Your Desk?
The mini heatwave hit 27C this week. My laptop was practically melting into my thighs yesterday.
John Kushnick from National Accident Helpline says employers should relax dress codes when it's hot - shorts, lightweight tops, open-toed shoes where appropriate.
Office temperatures should be monitored regularly. If it gets dangerously hot, work might need to stop - though with proper precautions, this week's heat can be managed.
My tip? Keep a desk fan. I spent $40 on mine in 2021 and it's the best investment I've ever made.
Quick Hit: Disability Confident Awards
UK businesses crushing it in the disability employment space got recognized at the Disability Confident Awards in London.
Small org winner: Seable, a travel agent providing holidays for visually impaired people. They hire blind and partially sighted staff to make sure their getaways actually work for customers.
The Gym Group took home the big organization award for their inclusive traineeship helping disabled folks break into fitness careers.
Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms said: "It has been great to see so many organisations leading by example to support disabled employees in the workplace."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different types of money?
The main types of money include commodity money, which is based on physical goods like gold or silver; fiat money, which is government-issued currency not backed by a physical commodity; and digital currency, which exists electronically and is often decentralized, such as cryptocurrencies.
What are the benefits of having an emergency fund?
An emergency fund provides financial security by offering a safety net for unexpected expenses, such as medical emergencies or job loss. It helps prevent debt accumulation, reduces stress, and allows for better financial planning, ensuring that individuals can navigate unforeseen circumstances without significant hardship.
How can I start saving for retirement?
To start saving for retirement, begin by establishing clear retirement goals and determining how much you need to save. Contribute to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as a 401(k), and consider opening an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). Regular contributions and taking advantage of compounding interest can significantly boost your retirement savings over time.
What is the importance of financial literacy?
Financial literacy is essential for making informed decisions about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. It empowers individuals to understand financial concepts, evaluate risks, and navigate complex financial products, leading to better financial stability and long-term wealth building.
What are the main functions of money?
The primary functions of money are as a medium of exchange, facilitating trade; a unit of account, which provides a standard measure of value; a store of value, allowing individuals to save and transfer purchasing power over time; and a standard of deferred payment, enabling credit transactions.
What are the risks associated with investing in the stock market?
Investing in the stock market involves several risks, including market volatility, economic downturns, and company-specific factors that can lead to losses. Investors may also face liquidity risk, where they cannot sell an investment quickly without incurring a loss. Diversification and thorough research can help mitigate these risks.
What is the role of central banks in the economy?
Central banks manage a nation's currency, money supply, and interest rates. They implement monetary policy to control inflation, stabilize the currency, and foster economic growth. They also serve as lenders of last resort to the banking system during financial crises.
Statistics
- According to the Federal Reserve, approximately 39% of Americans do not have enough savings to cover a $400 emergency expense.
- According to a Gallup poll, 56% of Americans report that their financial situation is better than it was a year ago.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American spends about $1,500 per year on coffee.
- As of 2021, the average student loan debt for recent graduates was approximately $30,000, according to the Federal Reserve.
- In 2020, the average retirement savings for Americans aged 60 to 69 was approximately $195,000, according to Fidelity.
- A report by Bankrate indicated that only 29% of Americans have a written financial plan.
- A study by the National Endowment for Financial Education found that 60% of Americans do not have a budget.
- According to the World Bank, around 1.7 billion adults worldwide remain unbanked, lacking access to basic financial services.
External Links
How To
How To Plan for Major Expenses
Planning for major expenses requires careful thought and budgeting. Start by identifying upcoming significant costs, such as home repairs, medical expenses, or a new vehicle. Research the estimated costs associated with these expenses, and create a timeline for when the payments will be due. Develop a savings plan by determining how much you need to set aside each month to meet your goal by the target date. Consider using a high-yield savings account to earn interest on your savings. Regularly review and adjust your plan as needed, ensuring you stay on track to meet your financial obligations without incurring debt.
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