48 msfocusmagazine.org Life with MS If you’re a primary caregiver with a full- time career, you may worry about being able to “do it all.” Can I keep up with this workload? Do they notice I’m still committed to my job? Am I missing opportunities for promotion? These concerns are understandable. But instead of worrying, take action to minimize the effect caregiving has on your career. With the right approach, you can strike a good balance between your roles as caregiver and employee – and stay on a smooth career path. 1. Learn your legal rights. The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 prohibits discriminationbasedonaworker’sassociation with an individual with a disability. Also, if you must miss work to handle caregiving responsibilities, you have legal rights as outlined in the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. Someone from your employer’s human resources department should be able to give you more information about these rights and qualifying conditions. 2. Be honest with your boss. While each work situation is unique, and only you can determine what’s best foryou, it is generally beneficial to share some basic information. Describe your responsibilities as a caregiver to someone with multiple sclerosis. Give a briefoverviewofMS,includingwhytheneeds of your care partner can be unpredictable. Be realistic about what you can take on at work. Let him or her know what you need in orderto be successful atwork. Emphasize your commitment to your role and organization. 3. Ask about flexible work arrangements. Some options that might be available include: • Flextime Hours: Vary your workday start and stop times within a certain range, such as allowing you to arrive at work any time between 8 and 9:30 a.m. and then work for eight hours • Flexible Days: Opportunities may include compressed work weeks, such as working four 10-hour work days • Telecommuting, Work-at-Home: These options would allow you to work from home or an alternate office location closer to home. Nine Pointers to Nine Pointers to Keep Caregivers Keep Caregivers on a Smooth on a Smooth Career Path Career Path By Gay Falkowski