The women I’m surrounded by in my workplace, as well as in the WILD community, have helped me immensely throughout my career, but especially over the past few years, where I have faced difficult loss and grief. After a long period of illness, my father passed away on May 19, 2024. Although the experience was a blur that I am still parsing through, one major takeaway is clear, and that is that I would not have gotten this far without a community, both personal and professional, and especially in regards to the support from other members of WILD.
According to the Roslyn Carter Institute for Caregivers, an estimated 18 to 22 of the US workforce is made up of family caregivers: “In addition to their paid jobs, approximately one in five employees serves as an unpaid caregiver for a loved one who is aging, ill, or disabled.”
I quickly learned that life isn’t like a movie, where work gets put on pause when personal issues take hold. Over the 18 months where my father was very sick, the world kept turning, projects continued, and deadlines came and went. I tried to balance it all, and it was only with the support of women who saw my struggle, that I was able to sometimes understand that it was okay to go slow and only do as much as I felt I could. I tried adding a lot to my plate to keep busy, but more times than I could count, I found myself seeking guidance from a friend, a woman, or another member of WILD, because I felt safe knowing that they would understand. I often needed a listening ear, an indication that they understood, and gentle encouragement to keep going, and they always delivered.
When the opportunity came about to join SEED (a women owned design studio in SoHo,) just a few months after an immense personal loss, I knew that I would feel that same support and understanding when balancing life and work. While still battling moments of uncertainty, it’s been an uplifting opportunity for a professional rebirth through joining a team of creative individuals, where I can help to shape a diverse vision. I see clearly now how important it is for me to align my personal values with my professional work every day. I feel newly inspired to foster a supportive working environment and to invest in creating inclusive, healthy, and sustainable spaces for people. While each day still has its challenges, I welcome this fresh start with open arms, while remembering to give myself patience — and when I need that extra dose of motivation, I feel assured that I can look to my community.
Did you know that November is National Family Caregivers Month?
I am so sorry to read of your loss. I know exactly what you are going through. I lost both of my parents after long illnesses in 2017. Don’t be surprised if you suddenly get hit at random times with sudden moments of grief. I would be working away at my desk and suddenly find myself weeping. There would be no warning, my eyes would just well up. These moments will eventually, diminish and you will remember more of the good, rather than the difficult times or the feeling of loss. You are far stronger than you know. I know it doesn’t always feel that way, but you really are.