The Supervisor Who Never Stops Helping
Tanya manages a team of caretakers at a senior living community. She started as a caretaker herself and worked her way up. Even now, she often jumps in to fill in gaps when someone calls out or when a resident needs extra attention. Her team admires her hands-on approach, but she rarely takes breaks.
Last month, she promised her teenage son she would attend his school performance. But the day before, a colleague asked if she could cover for a sick employee. She agreed without thinking, and the performance came and went without her. Her son said it was okay, but she knew he was disappointed.
Since then, she’s been thinking about how she distributes her energy. Her staff relies on her, the residents rely on her, and now her family quietly relies on her too. She’s beginning to wonder whether she’s trying to be everything to everyone — and whether that’s even possible.
Questions
What makes it difficult for some people to say no at work?
How can small missed moments at home shape someone’s perspective?
What does “balance” look like for someone in a caretaking role?
