#21. In the Sandwich Generation: Barb Dvoracek, 47

We have to acknowledge how we are feeling in midlife - many of us in the thick of the sandwich generation - and honor it. Only then can we move forward.

Today’s episode is part 2 of 3 of a special sisters’ series. Part 3 is a bonus episode that will air this Thursday, September 5th.

My guest Barb Dvoracek and I talk about:

  • How she is balancing priorities as part of the sandwich generation

  • Why we should get better at forgiving ourselves

  • How she maintains her connection to family and to friends – old and new

  • The happiness curve and why mid- to late-40s is a time when many women, and men, feel a level of discontent that is not necessarily dependent on circumstances

  • How Barb wants to bust the tired stereotypes around gray hair.

Barb Dvoracek worked for 17 years at a global consumer products company in management and clinical research. She has bachelor’s degrees in psychology and human biology, and a master of science in microbiology. Barb also recently completed another master’s in social work in order to make a career change. She lives in Wisconsin and has been married to her husband Bill for 17 years. Barb has taken a year off work to spend more time with her four children, ranging in age from 10 - 24, and to help care for her parents.

If you are tuning in for the first time, you’ll want to check out last week's episode with Sandi, which is part one. On Thursday Barb and Sandi are in conversation together. One that was very moving for all of us. You won’t want to miss it.

I’d like to thank Sandi for proposing this series and Barb for being so enthusiastic! I’m grateful to them for their support and for sharing their voice with us.

Listen to the full episode:

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