What Career Should I Do? Signs You’d Thrive Working With Children

Are you asking yourself, what career should I do? It’s a question many people face at different stages of life. You may be finishing education, considering a career change or simply feeling ready for something more meaningful. Choosing a career is not only about salary or job titles. It is about understanding your strengths, your interests and the type of impact you want to make.

For many people, working with children offers a career that combines purpose with progression. The Early Years sector in the UK provides structured pathways, recognised qualifications and long term opportunities for development. At Fennies, our nurseries across the UK provide supportive and inspiring environments where professionals can grow their careers while making a genuine difference in children’s lives. If you are exploring your options, understanding the qualities that suit a childcare career can help you decide if this path aligns with you.

Curious whether working with children could be the right direction? This guide explores the key signs that suggest you would thrive in an Early Years role.

Key Takeaways

• Working with children offers meaningful, purpose driven career opportunities 
• Early Years careers suit individuals with patience, creativity and strong communication skills
• The sector provides structured progression routes and recognised qualifications
• Transferable skills from other industries can support a move into childcare
• Practical experience and training play a vital role in long term success
• Fennies supports professional development and progression through in-house training and accredited qualifications.

Understanding What Makes A Career Fulfilling

Before choosing a profession, it helps to define what fulfilment means to you. Some people seek stability and routine. Others prioritise creativity or human connection. A fulfilling career often balances personal strengths with daily responsibilities.

Working with children is centred around development and support. You contribute directly to children’s communication skills, emotional regulation and early learning. According to the Department for Education, high quality Early Years education plays a critical role in preparing children for later schooling and life outcomes.

Across Fennies nurseries, our teams focus on creating nurturing spaces where children can explore and grow, while practitioners develop skills that progress their careers.

“I love what I do because I get to see the babies I build strong bonds with reaching their milestones. Working with families and children makes me happy and building the bonds with their family and seeing they trust me to care for their child” Megan Hancock, Deputy Room Leader at Fennies Teddington

You Enjoy Supporting Growth And Development

One of the strongest indicators that you would thrive working with children is a genuine interest in helping others grow.

In Early Years settings, development happens rapidly. Children learn new vocabulary, develop friendships and build confidence at a remarkable pace. Professionals guide these milestones through play, observation and responsive teaching.

If you feel rewarded when someone achieves a goal or overcomes a challenge, this trait translates strongly into childcare practice. Encouragement and consistency form the foundation of effective Early Years education.

Fennies practitioners use tailored activities to support each child’s individual progress, giving team members the opportunity to celebrate achievements daily.

You Prefer Active and Varied Work Environments

If you are questioning what career you should do because you feel restricted in a desk based role, Early Years education offers a different pace.

A typical day in a nursery includes structured learning, outdoor exploration, creative activities and collaborative teamwork. The role combines planning with hands-on interaction. No two days are identical because children’s interests and developmental needs evolve constantly.

This variety appeals to individuals who enjoy movement, adaptability and practical engagement rather than repetitive administrative tasks. Fennies encourages outdoor learning, sensory play and creative projects to make each day varied and stimulating.

Communication Comes Naturally To You

Strong communication underpins every aspect of childcare work!

Professionals communicate with children at their level, adapting language to support understanding. They also maintain open relationships with families, providing updates and discussing developmental progress. Collaboration with colleagues ensures consistent care and shared learning objectives.

If you listen attentively, explain clearly and value relationship building, you would likely feel confident in a nursery environment. These interpersonal skills are often transferable from other sectors such as hospitality, retail or customer service.

Fennies values clear communication with both families and colleagues, ensuring practitioners can develop strong professional relationships while supporting children.

You Are Open To Learning And Professional Development

The Early Years sector in the UK offers structured qualification pathways. Entry level roles may begin with a Level 2 qualification, progressing to Level 3 Early Years Educator status. 

The National Careers Service outlines clear routes into childcare, including apprenticeships that allow you to earn while training.

If you value continuous improvement and long term progression, childcare provides opportunities to build expertise over time. Professional development is encouraged and often supported by employers within the sector.

Fennies offers in-house training, apprenticeships and ongoing mentoring, giving team members the chance to progress into leadership roles across our nurseries.

“I love Fennies because there are opportunities within the company to grow in the Early Years Sector.” Rebecca Cook, Level 3 Early Years Educator at Fennies Walton

Considering A Career Change Into Childcare

Many professionals enter childcare after experience in other industries. Skills such as time management, organisation, teamwork and customer service remain highly relevant.

Career changers often seek greater meaning in their work. Supporting children during foundational years can offer that sense of purpose. Apprenticeship routes and part time study options make retraining more accessible than many expect.

If you are exploring a new direction, researching qualification requirements and speaking to Early Years professionals can clarify the practical steps involved.

The Importance Of Practical Experience

While personal qualities matter, practical experience strengthens your confidence and understanding of child development. Work placements or introductory roles provide insight into daily responsibilities.

Hands-on experience helps you determine whether the pace and responsibilities suit you. It also allows you to develop safeguarding awareness, observation skills and planning knowledge that underpin professional childcare practice.

Employers value candidates who demonstrate both enthusiasm and practical exposure to working with children.

How To Decide If Working With Children Is Right For You

When deciding what career you should do, reflect on the following:

• Do you feel energised by helping others learn?
• Are you comfortable adapting plans when situations change?
• Do you enjoy building long term relationships?
• Are you motivated by visible impact rather than abstract targets?

If these questions resonate, exploring Early Years roles may be a logical next step. Visiting a Fennies nursery or speaking to our team can give you insight into daily life and help confirm whether this career is right for you.

Building A Career With Purpose In The Early Years Sector

Choosing a career is rarely about a single defining moment. It often involves reflection, research and gradual exploration.

Working with children offers responsibility, progression and genuine influence during the most formative years of development. With structured qualifications, apprenticeship routes and leadership pathways, the sector provides long term stability alongside personal fulfilment.

If you are searching for direction and asking what career you should do, consider whether your strengths align with the qualities needed in childcare. Fennies supports team members to find their career path, providing guidance, training and the opportunity to develop professionally while making a meaningful difference every day.

What action could you take today to move closer to a career that aligns with your values and strengths?