topic Re: Unemployed, but am also a caregiver in Introduce Yourself

Unemployed, but am also a caregiver

BarbaraW426549 — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 17:39:46 GMT

I'm currently an unemployed highly skilled professional with a background in manufacturing supply chain. I recently had a job I loved at a start-up company, and was hoping to work there until I retired, but as start-ups go, they are VERY unpredictable. Their business model changed and I was laid off. I've been working part-time at another startup, but again, this place used up all its Series A funding and are waiting on, supplemental funds so I've been out of work for 2 months.

My husband, who IS working was recently diagnosed with early stage Parkinsons. His medication is finally adjusted to where he's pretty much his old self for 90% of the time. However, when he gets home from work, he's completely spent. Which means I literally do EVERYTHING around the house. (Because of traffic, his commute is pretty long) (Positions within some startups are very flexible, so I could work and still manage the house)

I'm afraid if I go back to "the industry" I'd be back working long hours with little flexibility. I've had some interest from large established companies, but I know for a FACT if I took any of those offers, I'm looking at 10 hour days with travel time added..

My question, how could I transition to a not so demanding/professional role? I need to work to get us to 65, because even if my husband has to transition to SSDI he still has to wait 2 years to be covered by Medicare.

I'd like the paycheck, but I really need FT employment insurance.

I guess I don't know how to reformat my resume to apply for these jobs, without it being thrown out by some AI algorithm because I'm overqualified.

Suggestions? Thanks in advance.

Re: Unemployed, but am also a caregiver

SummerOnTheWay1 — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:15:38 GMT

[8/4/26] Barbara @BarbaraW426549 , I read your post twice to make sure I was NOT "missing" your age. I am NOT seeing it and will assume you are maybe a Senior. If YES, maybe CALL your area's Social Services & Office of Aging. With all the "funding" cuts & eliminations, I am NOT sure what is still out there THIS YEAR 2026.

I know in the past, Caregivers could get PAID for taking care of a Family Member.

Also, maybe "contact" the Parkinson’s Organizations for YOUR AREA.

I am sure they maybe able to provide some "support" while you guys travel this NEW path.

AARP Experts Amy @agoyer and Jane @JaneCares , can you totally wonderful & caring ladies stop by to "help" Barbara when you can? Thank you SO MUCH!!!

Meanwhile dear friend, I am SO SORRY about all this & you and your husband remain on my thoughts.

Take care,

Nicole!

Re: Unemployed, but am also a caregiver

BarbaraW426549 — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:31:04 GMT

Hi Nicole! My husband and I are both 58. Thank you for the information. We can't tap into our retirement savings until 59 1/2. My husband will be be 59 & 1/2 before I will in 2027, but only by 3 months. Either way, it's the health insurance dilemma that faces us all. He's actually doing very well since his meds have been "balanced" However, like I said he's totally spent at the end of the work day AND sleeps a lot to catch up, during the weekend.

Re: Unemployed, but am also a caregiver

SummerOnTheWay1 — Tue, 04 Aug 2026 18:53:13 GMT

[8/4/26] You are welcome Barbara @BarbaraW426549 !!!

My local Office of Aging serves age 55+ and ALL of them should be the same. They do have LOTS of volunteers & employees along with RESOURCES for finances, caregiving, housing, insurance, food and so on.

We do have a wonderful & knowledgeable member here by the name of GAIL. I am hoping she will see your post and respond along with our two AARP Experts @agoyer & @JaneCares . 🤞🤞🤞

In my area here in Virginia, the Medical Care folks ALWAYS knows stuff. If you have NOT already asked, maybe ask YOURS for referrals & info that may be of some help to you & your husband.

*** Does anyone have anything to ADD to what I have posted? 🤔

Take care my friend,

Nicole!

➡️[*** BARBARA @BarbaraW426549 wrote:
Hi Nicole! My husband and I are both 58. Thank you for the information. We can't tap into our retirement savings until 59 1/2. My husband will be be 59 & 1/2 before I will in 2027, but only by 3 months. Either way, it's the health insurance dilemma that faces us all. He's actually doing very well since his meds have been "balanced" However, like I said he's totally spent at the end of the work day AND sleeps a lot to catch up, during the weekend.