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🧠 STUCK IN THE MIDDLE NEWS

Issue #185 – Thursday, June 12, 2025
For those juggling work, parenting, eldercare, and a relationship—and still hoping to show up at their job.

🎯 Today’s Big Idea: “It’s Not You, It’s Overload”

That brain fog at your desk? The skipped lunch? The late-night email dread? You’re not failing—you’re overloaded.

You’re living four full-time lives at once: employee, parent, child, spouse. That's not burnout—that's reality.

Here’s how to protect your career and your sanity:

• Zero in on high-impact tasks – When energy’s low, pick the 1–2 things that really matter and prioritize them.

• Create clear workday boundaries – Finish at a set time. Schedule real breaks. Even 20‑minute breathing space recharges you.

• Communicate assertively – No full disclosure, just clarity:
  “I’m managing a complex family care situation. I’ll focus on delivering my best, but may need some flex on timelines.”

• Lean on peer wisdom – Ask a trusted co-worker:
  “Have you ever juggled caregiving and work? What helped you?”

💡 3 Plug-and-Go Resources (Zero Paywalls)

• How to show up strong at work, even when you’re exhausted – strategies based on linking your work to your identity and using short bursts of focus
  https://www.fastcompany.com/91255800/how-to-show-up-strong-at-work-even-when-youre-exhausted

• 3 Crucial Ways to Set Boundaries at Work – practical tips like avoiding after-hours devices and protecting vacation days
  🔗 https://www.themuse.com/advice/3-crucial-ways-to-set-boundaries-at-work

• Your Guide to Setting Boundaries at Work—Without Making Anyone Resent You – real-life phrases and examples

  
  🔗 https://www.themuse.com/advice/your-guide-to-setting-boundaries-at-workwithout-making-anyone-resent-you
  
  🎧 From the Podcast

🎙️ The Your Dependable Partner Podcast

✅ Must-Have: “What Can I Let Go Of?” Checklist

Clear the mental clutter so you can breathe.
Only $9.99
🔗 https://briansacks.samcart.com/products/sandwich

💬 Join the Group

Connect with caregivers just like you—no judgment, real talk.
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/stuckinthemiddlenews

THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT BOOKS YOU CAN READ IF YOU ARE FRUSTRATED WITH A PARENT OR OLDER RELATIVE

grab a copy here https://amzn.to/3QIhlx7

If you are in this situation I think you will enjoy it!

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