I was juggling a $99K job, a baby, and caring for my mom with Alzheimer's. Getting laid off was a relief.

Detailed summary

Elizabeth Stephens was burned out by caring for her toddler and mom with Alzheimer's while working. Finally being laid off from her job was a relief.

This story is based on an interview with Elizabeth Stephens, 45, an HR worker-turned-carer from Lancaster, Texas. It has been edited for length and clarity. I asked to transfer from Houston to Dallas in my HR role at a leading insurance company because I was very worried about my mom, who lived there. It was June 2024, but she'd been having issues with high anxiety and forgetfulness for around two years. She'd always been very neat. Then she was the opposite. Stacks of papers started to pile up in her house, and she felt overwhelmed by letters from Medicare and about retirement stuff. She loved decorating for each new season, but her fall decor stayed up for a year.

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