Is it a bad thing for women to leave the workforce to care for family members? How do we know that the value such women create by caring for family is less than the value they create by working? The women who choose to quit to care for family probably have earning husbands. Their first dollar of income is taxed at the marginal rate for couples, which can higher than 40%, including state income taxes. The services they provide to family members are not taxed. Cutting marginal tax rates is one way to keep women and men in the workforce.
I know men who have done the same thing.
A former colleague walked away from a very lucrative career in his early 40’s to spend two years caring for his family as his wife died from cancer.
When he was ready to re-enter the workforce the only position available to him was a management job with a McDonald’s franchise, which he accepted.
Eventually worked his way back into his field but he certainly paid a price for the interruption. For all the right reasons IMO.
There is no getting a job in your 50s after being out of work for more than a year...
:-(
I suspect there wasn't much to "slip away" with that career.
Negative, I left a great job at a Police Dept to take care of my dying mother.
My father was alive and I told him pay me 200 dollars a week to meet my bills and I will take care of my mother. She died within 2 months and it was a decision I will never regret because I got 2 spend her last 2 months on earth with her caring for her. She passed away June 29 2004.
That catapulted me into the senior living industry, that I truly love. I LOVE working with Seniors. Then in 2009 my father fell ill at 82, I cared for him at home until death.
Honor your mother and father that all will be well with you in the land I have given you. I continue to trust God and stand on His Promise that things will ultimately work out for my good. My hope is in the Lord!
BUMP! I am in the middle of living this scenario. the topic is very timely, as I woke up in a cold sweat at 2am this morning, worrying/wondering about the future.
I know. I know. ‘Worry’ is a lack of Faith - so thanks again for the reminder. It is what it is and it will be what it will be. :)
I set aside my life to serve a dear friend for 6 years.
I lost contact with so many friends, missed awesome parties, beautiful women and gave up real business opportunities.
You don’t whine.
You do what you have to do.
You can always make money when your mission is done.
Oh, and I’m a man.
It was the greatest experience I ever had and don’t have a single regret. It had to be done.
they should get over themselves.
Hell, my Mom gave up so much to raise 5 kids and we’re all doing great. She did what had to be done and wouldn’t think of complaining.
No kids on drugs, alcohol or criminals.
We honor her. We take care of that which she can’t and send big bucks, so she can live well and have a good time.
It’s a great life if you don’t weaken and you shouldn’t take life so seriously. Ain’t none of us getting out of this alive.
Be grateful and smartly play the cards you are dealt.
No one is a victim.
We’re Americans.
Instead of whining about your life...design your life and be thankful to God you could do it....
Panzies....
My dad retired young. He was in a position to be able to do so, but the main reason was to help his mom who had cancer. Family helps family - or should anyway.
From the article:
“Those of us who have been put out to pasture prematurely should actually be about creating a new economy based on small businesses and based on whatever kinds of talents you have that weren’t being used in a formal 9-to-5 job,” she said.
Easier said than done, but before I’m too old, I seriously want one more ‘career’ that is ME-driven. I’ve been lucky and have fallen backwards into some pretty good jobs along the way, but mid-life is the time to finally do what *I* want to do. :)