Moms in the middle: The rising career cost of dual caregiving (IMAGE)

University of Phoenix

Moms in the middle: The rising career cost of dual caregiving

Caption

A look at how the fastest-growing employee segment in 2025 is balancing it all — and what it’s costing them. 

Title: The “sandwich generation” is expanding 

The sandwich generation: those simultaneously caring for both children and aging loved ones.  

  • 61% of moms in the sandwich generation have been in their caregiving roles for 5 years or less 

  • 56% of moms expect to take on dual caregiving in the future 

  • This is not just a women’s issue: Men and adults across racial and ethnic lines are equally likely to be dual caregivers 

  • 11 million Americans are in the sandwich generation 

Title: Caregiving derails career aspirations for moms in the sandwich generation 

  • 51% have left a job due to caregiving 

  • 35% miss “extra credit” career opportunities (vs. 24%) 

  • 58% turned down education opportunities (vs. 43%) 

  • 71% are job hunting 

  • 57% feel stuck due to a lack of qualifications or education 

  • 59% say adult caregiving has held them back at work 

Title: Moms in the sandwich generation are more likely to experience 

  • Stress: 59% (vs. 48%)* 

  • Frustration: 36% (vs. 27%) 

  • Isolation: 29% (vs. 17%) 

*Comparison of moms in the sandwich generation vs. moms not in the sandwich generation 

Title: Caregiving comes at a high cost 

  • 22% lower household income than non-sandwich moms, on average 

  • 47% delay retirement due to caregiving (34% for partners) 

  • 52% of paycheck goes to caregiving (vs. 23% for moms in the non-sandwich generation) 

  • 65% dip into personal savings to pay for care for adult dependents 

  • 70% dip into personal savings to pay for child care 

  • 81% still financially support adult children 

Companies must prepare for a workforce where dual caregiving is the norm, not the exception. 

Title: The time to act is now 

According to survey respondents needs, employers can create environments where sandwich generation employees feel seen and supported 

  • Flexible work 

  • Enhanced PTO 

  • Educational access 

  • Supportive culture 

Final Note: The sandwich generation is only growing. Solving their challenges now is a strategic move for the future workforce. 

Learn more: phoenix.edu/career-institute/mothers-overcome-more 

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University of Phoenix

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