It's very difficult to be a caregiver and, without a doubt, the additional burdens that places on your life make finding the life/work balance even harder. And, then, you have the emotional aspects of having a loved one in their journey.
As a software consultant who simultaneously was a patient (Stage IV melanoma) and a caregiver to my wife (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) with two kids (tween and teen) nine years ago, it was definitely a struggle.
Some suggestions:
* Don't be afraid to ask for help from other friends and relatives to lessen your burden.
* Schedule time for yourself on a regular basis to take a break from the situation. (I personally started regular cycling and yoga, but YMMV.)
* Communicate with your manager and colleagues to help you get some work flexibility. Of course, remote work opportunities will give location flexibility, as there is often a lot of waiting between scans, appointments, and treatments.
* Seek a professional therapist if you need someone to help you sort through the tangle of issues in your head.
I wish you mental peace as you travel this unexpected journey with your mom. It's not easy, but it is possible to navigate this rough patch in life and come out better and stronger on the other side.
It's very difficult to be a caregiver and, without a doubt, the additional burdens that places on your life make finding the life/work balance even harder. And, then, you have the emotional aspects of having a loved one in their journey.
As a software consultant who simultaneously was a patient (Stage IV melanoma) and a caregiver to my wife (Acute Myeloid Leukemia) with two kids (tween and teen) nine years ago, it was definitely a struggle.
Some suggestions:
* Don't be afraid to ask for help from other friends and relatives to lessen your burden.
* Schedule time for yourself on a regular basis to take a break from the situation. (I personally started regular cycling and yoga, but YMMV.)
* Communicate with your manager and colleagues to help you get some work flexibility. Of course, remote work opportunities will give location flexibility, as there is often a lot of waiting between scans, appointments, and treatments.
* Seek a professional therapist if you need someone to help you sort through the tangle of issues in your head.
I wish you mental peace as you travel this unexpected journey with your mom. It's not easy, but it is possible to navigate this rough patch in life and come out better and stronger on the other side.