While many people work to earn money, work can also give you a sense of purpose, improve your mental health, and help you feel connected to others.
It’s okay, and beneficial, to work for reasons like personal growth, connection, and fulfilment — not just for financial reasons.
If you are a carer, it’s important to recognise that your caring role will affect how you work. Finding a balance between your job and your caring responsibilities can make things easier to manage.
Acknowledging that caring responsibilities will influence how you work is an important first step.
In recent years, there have been positive changes in the workplace that can help people who are balancing work and caring. These are outlined below, along with some useful tips to consider.
You can also listen to CFI member and parent Julie Bernard share her experience of managing a career while being a carer in the Carewell Conversations series. You can download her article at the bottom of this page.
Take a Portfolio Career/Life Approach
Consider the different types of work that you have experience in, including being a carer
Work can serve different purposes (income vs. non-income)
Manage career over time; avoid hasty, binary decisions
Own your time and negotiate at work
Plan using 168 hours/week, not just 24 hours/day
Manage energy as well as time; include energizing activities
Be creative with flexible work models; negotiate beyond standard options
Seek Support
Use available leave without guilt
Share your story at work if comfortable to build understanding
Work with supportive managers; escalate or move if needed
