In partnership with

Outsmart college costs

Ready for next semester? June is a key time to assess how you’ll cover college costs. And considering federal aid often isn’t enough, you might have to consider private student loans.

You’re just in time, though—most schools recommend applying about two months before tuition is due. By now, colleges start sending final cost-of-attendance letters, revealing how much you’ll need to bridge the gap.

Understanding your options now can help ensure you’re prepared and avoid last-minute stress. View Money’s best student loans list to find lenders with low rates and easy online application.

See Money’s Top Lenders

STUCK IN THE MIDDLE NEWS
Issue #186 – Monday, June 16, 2025
For those juggling aging parents, dependent kids, a demanding job, and a relationship… all before lunch.

💼 When Your Job Feels Like a Break (But Isn’t)

Ever feel like the least stressful part of your life is… your job?

For many of us stuck in the middle, work has become the only place we can breathe—sort of. But even there, the pressure never stops. You're expected to perform like you don't have a mother with dementia, a teenager with finals, or a spouse asking why you're never emotionally available.

It’s not that we’re bad employees—or bad caregivers. It’s that we’re expected to do it all with no backup.

Today’s issue is for every middle-stuck reader trying to survive the modern workplace while keeping their family from falling apart.

🚧 3 Smart Shifts for Career Caregivers

1. Set Boundaries Like a Boss (Even If You’re Not One)
If you don’t protect your time, no one else will. Stop answering emails at 9PM. Block time for caregiving tasks. And most importantly—communicate your limits.
🔗 https://www.themuse.com/advice/how-to-set-boundaries-at-work

2. Ask HR What They Offer (It Might Surprise You)
Many companies now offer caregiver support—like flexible hours or eldercare referrals. If you haven’t asked, you might be missing benefits you’ve already earned.
🔗 https://www.shrm.org/resourcesandtools/hr-topics/benefits/pages/elder-care-benefits-support-working-caregivers.aspx

3. Get Ruthless About Time Management
Time-blocking can sound like a gimmick until you try it. One block for deep work. One for caregiving logistics. One for catching your breath. It works.
🔗 https://clockify.me/time-blocking

🧠 Read This Before You Burn Out

The Sandwich Generation’s Double Shift
How people like you are managing jobs and caregiving—and what it’s costing them.
🔗 https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/life-balance/info-2021/sandwich-generation-working-caregivers.html

Caregiver Burnout is Real—And Dangerous
What the CDC wants you to know if you're taking care of others without a break.
🔗 https://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/caregiver-brief.html

When You’re the Default for Everyone
Being “the one who handles everything” comes at a cost. Here’s how to cope.
🔗 https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/pulling-through/202207/the-sandwich-generation-when-youre-caring-both-ends

✅ Our Most Popular Resource: The “What Can I Let Go Of?” Checklist

You don’t need another productivity hack. You need permission to stop doing things that don’t matter.
🎯 Get the $9.99 checklist here →
🔗 https://briansacks.samcart.com/products/sandwich

💬 Join 700+ Others Who Get It

Our free Facebook group is where we vent, swap ideas, and remind each other we’re not alone.
🔗 https://www.facebook.com/groups/stuckinthemiddlenews

🏡 Need Help with Mom’s House?

Our short guide breaks down whether to sell or stay put—without the guilt or confusion.
📘 Get “What to Do With Mom’s House” here (instant download):
🔗 https://briansacks.samcart.com/products/sandwich

Remember:
You’re not failing. You’re just doing an impossible job that no one trained you for. And you’re still showing up. That counts.

See you Thursday,
— The Stuck in the Middle News Team

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!

Other Publications You Might Enjoy