Caring for an Aging Parent? Five Tips to Find the Job that Works for You

By Melissa J. Anderson (New York City)

According to a Gallup poll conducted this year, over one in six American workers (between 13% and 22%), is providing care to an elderly or disabled family member, relative, or friend – and the majority of caregivers – unsurprisingly – is female.

The poll also revealed that “Nearly one-third of all working caregivers are in a professional occupation, with another 12% each in service and management roles.” On average, caregivers reported missing 6.6 workdays per year.

As any member of the “sandwich generation” can tell you, becoming a caregiver to an aging parent is often difficult – emotionally, financially, and logistically. But according to Gallup, finding an employer who can support your needs can ease the transition for all parties involved. The survey revealed that most employers were aware of the demands on their caregiving employees, but less than 25% of caregivers receive workplace support that can make a difference in easing their situation. The report explains:

“Most caregivers (71%) indicate that their employer is aware of their caregiving status, but another 28% believe that their employer is unaware. Furthermore, an analysis of knowledge of workplace support programs shows that about one-quarter or less of working caregivers have access to support groups, ask-a-nurse-type services, financial/legal advisors, and assisted living counselors through their respective workplaces.”

The report goes on to say that employees are looking for these perks.

“Ultimately, providing an organized support system for these employees may prove to be a fruitful investment for businesses, given the high percentages of working caregivers who would like to work more if they could. Many working caregivers are likely interested in seeking support in work-life balance to help them meet their responsibilities as caregivers and employees alike, and the accessibility to assistance could potentially go a long way toward greater productivity in the U.S. Workplace.”

Are you caring for an aging loved one? Finding a job that provides a flexible scheduling or similar programs that enable work/life effectiveness can make your situation must easier – for you and your parent. Here’s what to look for.

Five Tips for Finding – and Keeping – a Flexible Job

Sara Sutton Fell, Founder and CEO of FlexJobs, a job search site featuring hand-screened flexible work openings, explained, “We’re definitely hearing that this is a growing situation people have to consider when looking for a job.”

She continued, “Thankfully flexible scheduling and other flexible work arrangements accommodate caretaking well.” For example, Fell said, her own flexible schedule enabled her to fly out right away when her father needed heart surgery a few years ago.

Fell provided a number of tips for women seeking flexible working arrangements – here’s what to keep in mind as you begin your own search.

1. Understand the Shades of Gray. Fell started by explaining that there are many different dimensions to flex work, before searching for a job, women should think about their unique needs. “Keep in mind that there are many shades of gray,” she explained. “It doesn’t have to be 100% work from home all the time. It could be that a company wants you to come in one or two days per week, or the employer might have a guidelines schedule, and depending on the health of the person you are caring for, that might work for you.”

“Many employers still want to hire someone in the same geographic region,” she added, “but don’t mind if you are telecommuting.”

2. Examine Your Own Situation. Next, she said, think about how much control you will need over your schedule. She said, “It’s critical, before you look for a flex position, to evaluate the possibilities. For example, if you are caring for someone who does better in the morning rather than the afternoon, consider a part time role that can accommodate your schedule.”

She continued, “But if you’re caring for a person who frequently has unexpected issues, flex schedules that allow you to establish your own schedule may be right for you.”

3. Remember that Your Needs May Change – and Your Employer’s Might Too. Fell continued, keep your mind open. “You can always start off in a job and see how it evolves. Obviously, it’s a tough job market, and employees often don’t want to ask too much of employers. It might be helpful to take a job and then ask about flex down the line.”

She explained, “We’re seeing this more and more – technology is providing so much more mobility, and employers don’t realize it. They might not say they provide telework as an option, but their employees are working from home, and they just don’t call it ‘telework.’”

4. Be Disciplined. Once you have the flex job you’ve been searching for, Fell said, you need to make sure you stay disciplined. It’s easy to get distracted when you’re working from home, so make sure you stay on the ball.

5. Keep Detailed Records. Finally, she added, make sure your employer is kept up to speed on your schedule and performance. “It’s really important to take the initiative to show your productivity. Keep a clean record of when you are working and what you are working on – be honest with yourself.”