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What Now?
I started the new Sandwich group because I know how exhausting it is to be in this situation; working full-time and progressing in my career while taking care of my children and having elderly parents who needed help too. I have lived and can say, "I did it all." But not without a cost to taking good care of myself. I don't think we see how being pulled in all directions affects us. It's only after exiting the sandwich scenario that you get to step back, take a breath and reassess... that's where I am now.
Sadly, my Mom and both elderly in-laws all passed away a year ago. I'd been helping care of them for the last eight years. During that time, my children were involved in middle and high school sports, and, then preparing for and leaving for college. This while I was a senior executive with responsibility for delivering multiple IT modernization initiatives where I worked.
Suddenly, I find myself in a completely different set of circumstances. No parents, less demands by my children (who have graduated and are working to get established), and I've left that stressful job. It seems too quiet at times. I've read how we become addicted to running on high speed. But, our bodies and minds weren't made to cope with continuous strain. So, I'm in healing mode, learning how to live with and for myself. (I've got a husband, but he's self-sufficient - thank goodness!)
Wondering what others who have passed along this path have done once the commotion subsides... Any pointers?