After 18 years of working in the corporate world, Esteban’s role was made redundant, leaving him “shell-shocked and yearning for a change”.

His sister and mother, who both work in the care sector, encouraged him to consider becoming a support worker. (In fact, his mother, Astrid, works at Afea as a Care Manager.)

“I feel like I lucked out working for Afea as my first job in the care industry,” Esteban shares. “It has already become the most rewarding work I have ever done. There’s something about helping people that has made my soul feel richer than it has ever felt.”

He also treasures the flexibility. “I now have the opportunity to do a lot more with my hobbies, and the activities that bring me deep joy.”

When not at work, Esteban enjoys DJ-ing, skateboarding, gardening, reading and boxing, as well as teaching himself how to draw and tattoo.

Keep reading to learn more about Esteban!

Can you tell us about yourself?

I was originally born in Colombia, and fortunate enough to move to Australia with my family when I was 5.

Despite no one believing I’m Colombian (I’m probably the tallest, whitest Colombian you will ever meet, and apparently, I have quite an Aussie accent), I grew up in an environment where our culture and heritage was heavily on display at home: from listening to Colombian music, going to Colombian parties, speaking Spanish at home, eating Colombian food whenever possible.

I’m grateful my parents imparted that to my sister and I, whilst growing up in the safety, peace and prosperity of Australia.

Esteban’s hobbies

When I’m not working, I like to DJ. I love house and techno music, as well as hip hop, Latino/Colombian music, punk rock/metal, and a bit of pop/alternative here and there. I also enjoy (trying!) skateboarding, having recently gotten into it about a year ago. 

I’m also learning to draw and tattoo, with good ol’ YouTube University teaching me some things!

For quieter times, I thoroughly enjoy gardening and reading. Under a big palm tree at the beach is utopia. I love fantasy fiction, getting into crime thrillers of late, but also very big on self-improvement, so throw that into the mix of every two or three fiction books I read.

Whilst I’m not obsessed with exercise, I do recognise your health is your wealth, so I am into boxing, doing some weights and shooting hoops to help keep fit. 

Fun fact: still have a SERIOUS sweet tooth, so if you ever want to get on my good side, ply me with sugar! (Reese’s peanut butter cups are definitely a huge fave!)

Do you have previous experience working in aged care/the NDIS sector?

Before working in the care sector, I spent the last 18 years in sales, mainly software, and also media.

Until this point, I had never had any experience working in aged care or support work. However, my mother and sister are both working in the care sector, so I have been aware of and exposed to what working in the sector can be like. 

My dear Mama works for Afea! She’s been with the company for over 5 years and has thoroughly enjoyed her experience with the company. She is relatively new to the sector, having made a later-in-life career change to this industry.

It was her and my sister’s idea to consider working in the sector after a redundancy back in March this year that left me shell-shocked and yearning for a change. I have worked in corporate since quitting uni after only a month, way back when.

What do you like best about being a carer?

Whilst I’ve only been a carer for a short time, it has already become the most rewarding work I have ever done.

I did enjoy my time as a salesperson, especially when I was working for a good company that sold a good product, and the fact that even without a uni degree I was able to survive and prosper with that work.

However, there was always a niggling, underlying feeling that that wasn’t why I was put on this earth. There’s something about helping people that has made my soul feel richer than it has ever felt.

When I’m not having the best of days, going to see my clients and helping them always seems to bring out the very best in me.

Plus, the flexibility is fantastic. Not being stuck behind a computer for 38 hours a week has been a pleasant change. I now have the opportunity to do a lot more with my hobbies, and the activities that bring me deep joy, than I had when working corporate. 

What do you like best about Afea?

They have proven to be a big, supportive family, always looking to help me out getting more clients and services, and ensuring I have the right training and knowledge to provide the best, most effective, ethical and sincere care possible.

I feel like I lucked out working for Afea as my first job in the care industry.

Interested in becoming a support worker in Sydney or Melbourne?

Whether you’re an experienced support worker or someone looking for a meaningful career change, we have a place for you at Afea. Apply as a carer now!