Objective To explore the lived experience of aged care workers who have been reemployed in aged care in the early stage, and to provide reference for management of these workers. Methods Using the phenomenological research method in qualitative research, 16 aged care workers who were laid-off but were reemployed in aged care received semi-structured in-depth interviews, and data were analyzed to identify themes using the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method. Results Five themes were determined:grateful for the support and training policy to help re-employment; lack of professional security and work confidence; insufficient social support and poor professional belonging; severe work-family conflict and lack of self-fulfillment planning; and strong empathy for the elderly if they have to provide caregiving for the elderly within the family. Conclusion We should make full use of the gratitude of aged care workers and their strong empathy for the elderly to motivate them.The government, society, aged care institutions, and aged care workers should work together to enhance professional security and belonging of aged care workers, thus to advance aged care in China.