Career Assistance for a Solo Caregiver

Q: I am the only one tending to an ailing parent who is now undergoing chemotherapy. I am feeling completely overwhelmed and torn between my responsibilities as a daughter and my job. I would like to spend more time with my Dad but am not sure if I can ask my employer for time away from the office. What would you recommend in this situation?

You may be able to take advantage of The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which is a labor law requiring larger employers to provide job-protection via unpaid leave for the birth, adoption or foster care of an employee’s child, or the serious health condition of a spouse, child or parent.  The FMLA allows an employee who has worked at least 1,250 hours during a 12-month period in an organization of 50 or more employees to take up to 12 work weeks of unpaid leave during a 12-month period.  As a single person taking care of a sick parent and managing a career, I encourage you to research options such as FMLA.  My suggestion is to reach out to your HR representative and ask if FMLA is an appropriate option for you.

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