The Intersection of Caregiving Responsibilities and Mid-career Transition

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By Pamela Odukoya

Navigating career transition during the mid-career stage can be challenging for many individuals for various reasons.

Reflecting on my journey, I found this phase difficult because it overlapped with caregiving responsibilities for both children and elderly parents. Balancing these dual commitments left me with little time to prioritise my career development fully.

Image: Yay Images

Others in my professional circle echo my challenge, as many have shared similar experiences. They have highlighted how caregiving responsibilities alongside major life events and health issues compounded their challenges. These shared experiences underscore the complex intersection between caregiving responsibilities and mid-career transitions.

How do caregiving responsibilities intersect with career growth

When faced with career challenges, many of us instinctively respond in one of three ways:

1. Fight
2. Flight
3. Freeze

Understanding these responses can help balance caregiving responsibilities and prepare for future career transitions.

Let us delve into each of them.

1. Fight

The Fight response would entail finding creative ways such as negotiating flexible work arrangements or implementing a robust time management schedule to balance multiple roles.

In my case, I relied on support from friends and family, which helped me to build my career. Without this support, I may not have been able to manage both roles effectively.

Some people have mentioned that withdrawing from social activities helped them to balance their dual responsibilities, but it led to social isolation.

The Fight response demonstrates resilience and resourcefulness, which can accelerate career growth. However, it requires a supportive network to avoid burnout. I value the flight response to career challenges because it helps me appreciate the rewards of fighting for what I genuinely want. This quote by Robert Frost served as my inspiration during this phase, The best way out is always through.

2. Flight

The Flight response can manifest in many ways, such as avoiding a career challenge, stepping back from a role, or choosing to drop out of a course. One of my mentees experienced this firsthand. She shared, I found it challenging to balance work, study, caregiving responsibilities, and ill health. Therefore, I decided not to complete my social work degree.

While withdrawing might seem like a practical way to reduce stress in the short term, it can lead to long-term consequences such as career stagnation, guilt, or diminished confidence, especially when caregiving duties ease, or health improves.

To mitigate the impact of a Flight response, I recommend discussing available support with your manager or tutor. Engaging with a career coach, mentor, or counselor can also provide new perspectives to deal with the situation.

3. Freeze

The Freeze response is a passive way to deal with career challenges. It can take various forms, such as procrastination or inaction, which can lead to career stagnation.

Remaining in a state of Freeze mode can lead to reduced productivity and motivation, which others may perceive as unfair to both colleagues and the organisation.

Reigniting your career after a period of stagnation can be difficult, especially if specific competencies have not been developed during that time. Confidence levels can dip when navigating today’s competitive job market, and recruitment practices may feel overwhelming.

To counter this, I recommend taking small, manageable steps to stay engaged. Listening to podcasts about trends in your sector can keep you informed.  One person shared that playing games like chess and sudoku helped him stay mentally agile, which he found effective.

Rebuilding Your Career After Caregiving: Ten Empowering Steps

The end of a caregiving chapter often brings a mix of emotions, including relief, uncertainty, and hope. It also marks the beginning of a new chapter in your career journey.

As caregiving responsibilities begin to shift, many professionals ask: how do I re-enter or reinvent my career? This next section offers ten practical steps to help you rebuild with clarity and confidence.”

1. Reassess your values and interests

Reflect on what truly matters to you now. Have your values shifted? Embrace those changes and align your career with what inspires you now.

2. Identify transferable skills

Caregiving builds skills such as budgeting and problem-solving. Why not explore how you can use these skills in a work environment?  Highlight them confidently in your CV and job application form.

3. Update your skills

You should sharpen existing skills or learn new ones. Resources like YouTube tutorials, webinars, and online courses can help you learn at your own pace.

4. Clarify your goals

Revisit your career aspirations. Set short and long-term goals that reflect your new reality and connect them to a clear sense of purpose.  Setting a realistic goal within a set period can help you stay motivated.

5. Track trends in your field

Stay informed about industry updates, emerging roles, legislation, or technologies. This keeps you relevant and fuels your self-belief. The knowledge gained would increase your confidence and prepare you for your next transition.

6. Understand modern recruitment

From digital applications to Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and LinkedIn networking, today’s job market has changed significantly. A good understanding of these would help you prepare effectively for your job search.

7. Reignite your network

Be bold and reach out to your professional contacts to ask for advice, support, or even an opportunity. Be clear about the type of support you need, as this can impact the help you receive from them.

8. Consider volunteering

It is an excellent way to acquire new skills. It also offers the opportunity to nurture your passion, explore new interests, and meet new people.  You will be contributing to a meaningful cause.

9. Seek Professional support

Your options include mentorship and career coaching. Through mentorship, you can gain insight and direction from someone more experienced.  A careers coach can help you explore your ideas, clarify your next steps, and work out a plan of action.

10. Engage in professional communities

There are many opportunities available, such as LinkedIn. By participating, you will get inspiration, share your ideas, and enhance your knowledge and skills.

Final Thoughts

Caregiving may interrupt your career, but it does not signal the end. As Albert Einstein said, In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.

Whether you have completed your caregiving journey or are just beginning it, the experience can enrich your life, strengthen your resilience, and equip you with a wealth of transferable skills. I encourage you to embrace this chapter without guilt.

Understanding the impact of the fight, flight, or freeze response can help you rebuild and re-align your career with the new you.

Rebuilding your career starts with thoughtful and intentional steps. Start today and plan your next move with renewed clarity, purpose, and confidence.

You have given so much of yourself in caring for others; now is your time to rise and invest in your next chapter.

      Pamela Odukoya is a career coach, trainer, and leader with over 20 years of experience. She is also a member of Toastmasters International, a not-for-profit organization that has provided communication and leadership skills since 1924 through a worldwide network of clubs. There are more than 400 clubs and 10,000 members in the UK and Ireland.

You can learn more at her Calabash Careers Coaching site.

The views and opinions expressed in this blog post or content are those of the authors or the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any other agency, organization, employer, or company.