Tips for Jugging Caregiving and a Job

Balancing a full-time job while being a caregiver was a juggling act I managed for 12 years as I cared for my mom with early-onset Alzheimer's. Between work commitments and caring for my loved one, I constantly faced significant stress and anxiety until I started implementing a few tips on better balancing my time.

In this guide, I will share my experiences and three tips on how to successfully manage a 9 to 5 job while being a caregiver.

Tip 1: Understanding the challenges

Being a full-time caregiver for my mom with Alzheimer's held an interesting point of view with the types of work experiences I gave myself. From working a 9 to 5 in her early stages of dementia to transitioning to part-time work to full-time again but remotely, and then freelancing. Time management was always a challenge.

I learned quickly that my days needed to be planned out and tasks prioritized or delegated with a schedule that I stuck with. This way, I could effectively balance my work responsibilities while also ensuring I had enough time to care for my mom's needs.

As an employee, I found myself constantly worrying about my mom, checking in with the caregiver assistant or my home camera to check in on her. This was a challenge for me because it took away from my focus at work. It was important for me to recognize my emotions, and find healthy ways to cope with them. Taking breaks throughout the day to call and check in on my mom helped. Another coping tactic was scheduling time before or after work to have a more in-depth conversation with her caregiver assistant.

Tip 2: Communicating with your employer

It was important for me to communicate with my employer about my role as a caregiver. I made sure to inform my supervisor and HR department about my situation and the responsibilities I had outside of work.

This helped me in negotiating flexible working hours or remote work options that allowed me to better manage my caregiving duties while still fulfilling my job responsibilities.

Pro tip: As I transitioned to different work experiences (full-time or part-time or freelancing), I made sure to communicate my role as a caregiver in work interviews when asked. This came at a risk for some positions but for the ones that were accepting, I found that it created a more understanding and supportive work environment.

Look into employee benefits

In communicating with my employer it was also important that I researched the employee benefits that my workplace offered. Many companies provide benefits for caregivers, such as flexible working hours, time off for caregiving duties, or even support groups.

By taking advantage of these benefits, I was able to better balance my job and caregiving responsibilities without sacrificing one for the other.

Tip 3: Consider professional assistance

If possible, look into hiring professional help or for your loved one to attend an adult day center specialized with cognitive care needs.

I hired daytime caregiver companions and also enrolled my mom into a cognitive care day facility which provided the necessary care for my mom when I was at work, alleviating some of the stress and time constraints. If I had a late impromptu meeting I could communicate with the companion or facility to accommodate for the unexpected change and know that my mom was in good hands.

Tip 4: Coping mechanisms

Being a caregiver can be physically and emotionally draining, which is why self-care is crucial. Going from professional work to caregiving work was exhausting, so I had to learn to prioritize getting enough sleep and engaging in a creative hobby. These were important structures in navigating my own well-being.

Setting boundaries to protect my personal time was a slippery slope for me tackling the guilt that came with it. My role as a caregiver was never really "off the clock." Designating time for relaxation and disconnection from both work and caregiving duties was essential for my mental and emotional health. Working through my guilt with the help of my therapist, I was able to become more assertive in protecting my personal time.

Balancing caregiving and a career

If you are struggling to balance work and caregiving, remember, adapting to a situation like this does not happen overnight. Allow yourself the grace to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Your dual role is challenging, but your efforts do not go unnoticed.