The Caregiving Squeeze: When Work Collides with Real Life

If it feels like more people are juggling jobs and caregiving than ever, that’s because they are. Right now, nearly 48 million Americans are providing care for loved ones, and most of them are also working. Some are helping kids, others are walking their parents through endless doctor’s appointments, managing transportation, or simply being that steady presence their family member can rely on.

The tricky part? Our workplaces haven’t caught up. While telework, hybrid schedules, and paid time off are essential for caregivers, access to these options is uneven. Some employers get it. Others… not so much.

I know this struggle firsthand. Just last month my son had a medical event that caused the accident which totaled my car. Since then, he hasn’t been cleared to drive, so I’ve been the one getting him to work and medical appointments. It’s a reminder that caregiving responsibilities can arrive suddenly, reshaping your day-to-day life overnight.

Adjusting a Job Around Caregiving

If you’re in a traditional job, start by asking yourself: What would make my caregiving load lighter without derailing my work? 

Maybe it’s a flexible start time, the ability to step out for an appointment, or one work-from-home day a week. Be specific. Employers are more likely to say yes when the request comes with a clear plan for how the work will still get done.

Beyond the obvious schedule shifts, there are smaller adjustments that can make a big difference:

• Appointment windows: Ask to cluster your work hours so you have one morning or afternoon each week free for medical runs instead of constantly scrambling.
• Partial work-from-home days: Even a half-day at home can give you enough cushion to handle caregiving without burning all your PTO.
• Job sharing or cross-training: If your role allows it, see if responsibilities can be temporarily split or rotated so you’re not carrying the full load during a caregiving crunch.
• Technology swaps: If your company uses outdated systems that require you to be physically present, ask whether remote-access tools could help you manage tasks more flexibly.
• Shift swapping: In hourly or shift-based roles, consider requesting a fixed schedule or swapping shifts with coworkers to free up consistent caregiving time.

Sometimes employers don’t realize how creative the solutions can be until an employee suggests them. Coming prepared with two or three workable options not only makes your life easier, it shows your boss you’re committed to keeping things running smoothly.

What If They Say No?

If your boss insists on “butts in seats” regardless of your reality, you have options. You can start looking for companies with stronger caregiver policies (they exist, I promise). Or you can take the bigger leap and start building a business that allows you to shape your own schedule around what matters most.

For Small Business Owners

If you’re already running your own show, caregiving flexibility is both easier and harder. You can block off time for appointments without anyone’s permission slip. But you may also feel guilty about clients or overwhelmed by work piling up.

The good news? There are practical ways to protect both your business and your caregiving role.

• Set realistic client expectations. Build caregiving into your calendar from the start so clients only see availability that works for you. It’s better to offer fewer appointment slots and stick to them than to constantly reschedule.
• Lean on automation. Scheduling software, invoicing tools, and even AI support can take repetitive tasks off your plate, freeing up time for caregiving without dropping the ball.
• Create “buffer days.” Block at least one day each week where you don’t schedule calls or client work. That space can absorb last-minute caregiving needs — or give you breathing room if nothing urgent comes up.
• Communicate openly. You don’t need to share every detail, but letting clients know you’re balancing caregiving can help set expectations and build understanding. Many clients will be supportive if they know what’s going on.
• Revisit your pricing. If caregiving is limiting your working hours, you may need to raise rates or package your services differently so your business remains sustainable.

Running a business while caregiving isn’t about “doing it all.” It’s about designing your business to serve your real life because if it can’t flex when life demands it, then it’s not truly working for you.

The Bigger Picture

Caregiving isn’t a “side project.” It’s real, necessary work that deserves space in your life. If your job or business can’t flex with it, it might be time to rethink the whole setup.

That’s exactly why I created Work That Loves You Back; a workbook designed to help you explore new career or business paths that actually align with your real life, caregiving responsibilities included.

You shouldn’t have to choose between showing up for family and showing up for work. That’s exactly why finding (or creating) work that loves you back matters.

Until next time — take care of them, but don’t forget to take care of you.

Thinking About a More Flexible Path?

If caregiving has you rethinking what work should look like, becoming a virtual assistant can be a smart way to create income on your own terms.

My Work From Home as a Virtual Assistant course on Udemy walks you through the exact steps to set up and grow a VA business, whether you want part-time flexibility or a full-time career. It’s packed with practical guidance to help you hit the ground running without wasting time on trial and error.

Here’s what Maria, a recent student, had to say:

“This course is amazing! Tina Marie has this natural flow in her speech, so she can help me organize and guard my thoughts through the beginning of my new era!”

👉 Check out Work From Home as a Virtual Assistant

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