Just recently, I celebrated my father’s 85th birthday. This year felt more significant than ever because it underscored how my parents’ needs have changed and how integral my role has become in supporting their day-to-day lives. Not long ago, my parents lived independently in Ocean Shores, a coastal spot about four hours away from my home. While they cherished their autonomy and the tranquility of the seaside community, their growing health concerns and mobility challenges made it increasingly hard for me to provide the care and attention they deserved from such a distance. After much thought—and with their blessing—my brothers and I moved them to a retirement center in Vancouver, only about an hour away. Now, I can easily “pop over” to help them troubleshoot their computer or TV, celebrate birthdays in person, or run errands at a moment’s notice. The comfort that comes from knowing they are safe, have access to emergency assistance, and are closer to family is immeasurable. As my parents age, the simple act of being there—sharing a meal on a special day, ensuring they’re keeping up with their medical appointments, or just having a warm conversation—has become a cornerstone of my responsibilities, intertwined with my professional life and parenting duties.
In today’s dynamic world, many women find themselves balancing similar responsibilities as part of the “Sandwich Generation”—adults supporting aging parents and still-dependent children, often while building or maintaining a thriving career. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half (47%) of Americans in their 40s and 50s care for an older parent while raising or financially supporting a child.* This dual duty often falls disproportionately on women. Data from the AARP Public Policy Institute reveals that women comprise 61% of family caregivers, frequently contributing more hours and emotional bandwidth than their male counterparts.**
Despite the challenges, there is room for optimism. Greater awareness is prompting conversations about rethinking workplace cultures, advocating for supportive policies, and tapping into community resources. As traditional gender roles evolve and more people recognize the value caregivers bring, there’s hope that we can craft systems that help women grow professionally while meeting family responsibilities with confidence.
Juggling these obligations can indeed feel overwhelming. Some women find themselves working reduced hours, declining promotions, or choosing more flexible roles. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, women still earn about 82 cents for every dollar men earn.*** Factors in caregiving constraints and the potential impact on long-term earnings and retirement security are undeniable. Add to this the mental and physical strain—studies have linked caregiving stress with increased risks of depression and anxiety****—and it’s clear why the Sandwich Generation needs more robust support.
However, there are proven strategies for not only managing these challenges but transforming them into opportunities for growth and resilience:
Workplace Flexibility: Advocating for remote work, flexible schedules, or compressed workweeks can help women maintain career momentum without sacrificing their caregiving responsibilities. Increasingly, progressive employers understand that supporting caregivers isn’t just a nicety—it’s a competitive advantage.
Employer-Sponsored Benefits: Companies that offer paid caregiving leave, counseling services, and financial planning resources can significantly lighten the load. Employees who feel supported tend to show stronger engagement and loyalty.*****
Community and Online Support Networks: Local groups, professional organizations, and online forums provide a place to share insights, find empathy, and learn effective coping techniques. These connections remind women they’re not alone in this journey.
Professional Development and Retraining Programs: For those who need to adjust their work patterns temporarily, professional development courses and career counseling can help maintain and even enhance skill sets. Pausing or shifting a career trajectory need not mean sacrificing future potential.
While creating a more supportive environment for the Sandwich Generation requires broader cultural, policy, and workplace shifts, these changes are underway. Societies are increasingly recognizing that caregiving and career-building aren’t mutually exclusive pursuits. Learning to value caregiving contributions opens doors for new leadership models, healthier work arrangements, and richer professional lives.
With my parents closer and thriving in their new community, I’m reminded that caregiving, like building a career, is a journey. With empathy, the right resources, and constructive dialogue, women in the Sandwich Generation can navigate this stage feeling more empowered and hopeful.
Together, we can take these midlife opportunities & strategies for thriving in your career while living in the sandwich generation; by shining a light on these challenges and working towards thoughtful solutions, we can move toward a future where women confidently blend professional growth with their caregiving roles, creating a more balanced and uplifting reality for everyone involved.
Sources:
Pew Research Center (2013). “The Sandwich Generation.”
** AARP Public Policy Institute (2020). “Breaking New Ground: Supporting Employed Family Caregivers with Workplace Leave Policies.”
*** U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2020). “Highlights of women’s earnings in 2019.”
**** National Library of Medicine / The Gerontologist (2015). “Informal Caregiving and Its Impact on Health.”
***** Harvard Business Review (2021). “How Companies Can Support Employees Who Are Caregivers.”