Nearly Two-Thirds of Caregivers Say Duties Affect Their Careers

A study by Northwestern Mutual found being a caregiver to a family member or other loved one can impact one's career, reports Yahoo Finance . A poll of 1,400 adults who have either previously served as a caregiver or were currently doing so determined 66 percent of respondents are both working and serving as a caregiver for someone, and 62 percent said caregiving duties affected their jobs and careers. People in their prime working years are more likely to experience the professional consequences of caregiving, with 75 percent of Gen Xers and 73 percent of millennials saying they balance caregiving duties with employment responsibilities. In addition, 69 percent of Gen Xers and 70 percent of millennials said caregiving was affecting their careers. Consequently, 20 percent said they needed a more flexible schedule, 19 percent have had to take days off work, and 19 percent have had to adjust their work schedules or shifts. Meanwhile, 12 percent of respondents lost income or long-term earning potential, 11 percent had to pass up promotions or other opportunities for advancement, and 10 percent had to cut back on work duties. Caregiving appears to be affecting men more extensively than women professionally, according to the data.