After losing his sales job, a father stayed home to care for his son
Ryan McCaffrey planned a quick job search after a layoff, then his son's diagnosis changed the plan.
Marketplace · When it comes to the job market, love the one you're withRyan McCaffrey thought his time out of work would be brief. The 41-year-old, who worked in sales and operations, had lost his position after leadership changes, a company sale, and a reorganization, and he went straight into job hunting.
Two weeks after his son Leo's second birthday, doctors diagnosed Leo with Angelman syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. McCaffrey, who lives in Burlington, Vermont, was still looking for work at the time.
About a year after that diagnosis, McCaffrey had stopped working. He had become his family's full-time caregiver, while his wife became the household earner.
The decision was practical. He said it made more sense to have one parent at home to help with Leo, rather than have both parents juggle work and care. He also wanted his wife to be able to concentrate on her job.
For now, he expects to stay home a while longer. He said he would like to reenter the workforce in the next year or two.
That return makes him nervous. He said he had been using artificial intelligence heavily just as he was leaving work. McCaffrey said, “I feel like I'm maybe missing a little bit by not being fully integrated in the workforce and working in AI.”
People often tell him, “oh, wow, it must be so nice not working.” He pushes back on that.
McCaffrey said, “I like the daily grind and stuff like that.” He added, “It's not to say that what I'm doing isn't rewarding, but it's just a different kind of reward that you kind of just have to be okay with it not being exactly what you want.”
Questions people ask
What is Angelman syndrome?
Angelman syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the nervous system. It typically causes developmental delays, limited speech, problems with movement and balance, and frequent smiling and laughter. There is no cure, and children need lifelong support.
Does taking time out to give care hurt a return to work?
A break of a year or two can make reentry harder, especially in fields changing fast with artificial intelligence. Career advisers often suggest freelance projects, courses, or volunteer work to keep skills current. Employers vary, but a clear explanation for caregiving is widely understood.
How do couples usually decide who stays home?
Families often compare pay, benefits, job flexibility, and who can step away with less cost. They also weigh health coverage and chances for promotion. In McCaffrey's case, his job had already been eliminated, which helped make his wife the earner.