What to Do When Caregiving Starts Affecting Your Work
When a High Performer Starts to Slip
You’re a high achiever. A leader. A professional.
You’ve always been someone who shows up, gets things done, and follows through.
But lately?
You’re missing deadlines.
You’re forgetting things.
You’re turning your camera off more often.
You’re struggling to focus—even though you still care deeply about your work.
If that sounds familiar, hear this:
You’re not broken.
You’re not failing.
You’re caregiving.
Whether it’s a parent, a partner, or a child, you’ve taken on a second full-time role. The only difference is—this one doesn’t come with a paycheck, and it rarely offers a break.
So if your work is taking a hit, know this:
This isn’t about weakness.
It’s about sustainability.
And what you need now isn’t more hustle—it’s leadership.
The Framework to Protect Your Work and Well-Being
Inside my Thrive & Lead coaching program, I teach a three-part strategy that helps professionals regain focus, reduce stress, and lead with clarity—even during demanding caregiving seasons.
Step 1: Shift from Hiding to Strategic Disclosure
Most caregivers suffer in silence. We try to “power through” while our stress increases and our performance dips.
But hiding creates two problems:
It increases internal pressure.
It leaves others confused or concerned.
You don’t need to overshare. A simple, professional heads-up can open doors to flexibility and understanding.
Try this script:
“I’m currently supporting a family member through a health situation. I’m committed to my work and want to be transparent in case I need to adjust a deadline or request flexibility.”
That short message communicates:
Proactivity
Professionalism
Partnership—not pity
If you’re in a leadership position, modeling this behavior also creates a safer space for others on your team to be honest about their own challenges.
Step 2: Recalibrate Your Workload Intentionally
Once you’ve shared what’s going on, the next step is to adjust—not retreat.
You might:
Move a recurring meeting to an asynchronous update
Request a short-term reprioritization with your supervisor
Delegate or defer one key responsibility
Block out caregiving time on your calendar—and communicate around it
If you’re self-employed or managing a team, this may look like:
Pausing a product launch
Adjusting your client load
Bringing in part-time help
Reframing team deadlines to reduce pressure
This isn’t pulling back. It’s leading differently. It’s thoughtful. It’s resourceful. It’s sustainable.
Step 3: Build a Rhythm That Respects Both Roles
Care and career do not have to compete. But they do require intention.
Ask yourself:
When is my best energy window? Can I protect it for deep work?
Which caregiving tasks are most disruptive? Can they be moved, batched, or delegated?
Can I create “reset rituals” between roles—like a walk, music, or reflection?
One client added a daily 30-minute caregiving check-in at 8:30 AM. That one change stopped a flood of interruptions and helped her reclaim focus for the rest of her day.
She retrained her family.
She clarified her work blocks.
She took back control.
You Don’t Need to Choose—You Need to Lead
If your performance is slipping, don’t panic.
You don’t have to quit.
You don’t have to hide.
You don’t have to spiral.
What you need is structure.
Boundaries.
A leadership mindset that protects your whole self—not just your productivity.
And I can help you build that.
Here’s How to Take the Next Step
✅ Free Workshop – From Caregiver to Care Leader
Learn to set boundaries, communicate clearly, and create systems that work for you.✅ Book – Balancing Care While Working
Full of tools, scripts, and real-life case studies to help you navigate work-life-care integration.✅ Tool – Organizational Caregiver Culture Assessment (OCCA)
For HR leaders ready to reduce burnout and build a more care-ready workplace.
Explore all resources at LifeCareLeadHership.com.
Explore More from The Age of Caregiving™
🎧 Listen on Buzzsprout: https://www.lifecareleadhership.com/podcast
📺 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ageofcaregiving
📝 Read more on our Blog: https://lifecareleadhership.com/ageofcaregiving
Final Word
You don’t have to be everything to everyone.
But you can lead what’s yours—at work and at home—with strength, systems, and clarity.
Let this be your reminder:
You’re not broken.
You’re carrying too much.
And now it’s time to lead your way back to sustainability.
You’ve got this.
And I’ve got you.
The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely my own and do not reflect the views of any past or present employer of Dr. Thomas. This content is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or legal advice.
