Working While Caregiving
Anchor Phrase: I can take steps toward a more balanced life.
Dear Caregiver,
Two-thirds of caregivers work outside of the home on top of their caregiving responsibilities. Whether it’s because we are the sole breadwinner, we need the insurance, we love what we do, or we enjoy the opportunity to be in a role other than caregiving, there are many reasons so many of us are in this position. However, being in two demanding roles can lead to feeling like we are being pulled in multiple directions and rarely meeting anyone’s expectations.
In this chapter, we’re going to explore the role working plays in your life and help you take steps toward a more balanced life. Let’s begin.
Allison Breininger
Founder and Executive Director of The Negative Space
reflection questions
- While it can be challenging to balance it all, there can be personal benefits to working outside of the home. What do you enjoy about working?
- Who, if anyone, at your place of employment knows about your caregiving role?
- What are or could be the benefits of your employer knowing that you’re a caregiver? Your co-workers?
- What might be a downside of your employer knowing that you’re a caregiver? Your co-workers?
- If you do tell people at work about your caregiving situation, what boundaries might you want to establish with them about when/if you want to talk about that aspect of your life?
Guided Meditation
Essays and Poetry
What You Don’t See: The Negative Space at Work
10:43 AM: Cat walks over to where I’m sitting. Vomits.
10:43 AM: Mute microphone just in time. Nod, smile, look engaged.
To Ask, or Not to Ask…That is the Question
The puppy dog eye thing is not helpful….although to be fair/confusing if you asked about my chronically ill husband with eyes bright and chipper I may have to punch you in my mind. (Did I mention that you can’t win? You can’t.)