Why More Australians Are Choosing a Career in Support Work

Nearly seven in 10 Australians are considering changing jobs in 2026, and rising demand in disability and aged care is driving renewed interest in Support Work.

A growing number of Australians have entered 2026 planning a change in their working lives.

With 67 per cent of workers reportedly returning from the Christmas break open to new career opportunities, attention is increasingly turning to sectors that offer both long-term stability and genuine purpose.

Support Work ticks all those boxes.

At a time when roles offering job security and meaning are in high demand, there has never been a better time to consider becoming a Support Worker. Support Work offers the opportunity to build a sustainable career while making a tangible difference in the lives of older Australians and people living with disability.

For many, it’s not just a job—it’s a role that delivers real job satisfaction through human connection, care and impact.

Why become a Support Worker?

If you’re looking for a career that provides job security, purpose and personal fulfilment, Support Work could be exactly what you’ve been searching for.

Australia’s ageing population, combined with the continued expansion of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), has created unprecedented demand for Support Workers across metropolitan, regional and remote communities.

A report by member-based public policy think tank CEDA estimates Australia will face a shortage of at least 110,000 direct aged care workers within the next decade.

The same report, Duty of care: Meeting the aged care workforce challenge, warns that this shortage could grow to more than 400,000 workers by 2050 unless decisive action is taken.

Unlike industries affected by automation, artificial intelligence or economic volatility, Support Work remains deeply human-centred. The role relies on empathy, adaptability, communication and real-world problem solving—skills that are expected to remain essential well into the future.

To learn more about what the role involves, see What does a Support Worker do?.

A career that fits different lives

Beyond being relatively future-proof, Support Work appeals to people at many different ages and stages of life.

It is particularly attractive to career changers, people returning from parental leave, students, and those seeking a healthier work–life balance. Many Support Worker roles offer flexible shifts, allowing workers to balance employment with family, study or other responsibilities.

To support new starters, most providers offer comprehensive on-the-job training alongside formal qualifications. This makes Support Work an excellent option for school leavers, as well as those re-entering the workforce after time away.

The sector also offers clear pathways for professional development. Entry-level Support Worker roles can lead to more specialised positions in areas such as complex care, community coordination or leadership.

For some, these pathways extend even further—into business ownership or franchising within the care sector.

You can explore real-world opportunities and pathways on our Careers at Just Better Care page, or read more about why people choose to work with Just Better Care.

Becoming an in-home aged care or disability Support Worker is more than a career choice—it’s a calling that offers the chance to support dignity, independence and wellbeing every day.

By choosing a role that supports older Australians and people living with disability, you’re choosing a career that delivers both personal fulfilment and lasting impact.