At 58, she works two jobs to raise three kids—and can't retire yet
Cynthia Gonzalez, 58, is raising three children in Tucson, Arizona—her niece and two grandchildren. Despite working two jobs, she faces financial strain that has forced her to delay retirement. The family’s story highlights the challenges of balancing work, caregiving, and rising costs. Five years ago, Gonzalez and her husband took in her niece and nephew as foster children. They later adopted the niece when she was 11. Two years ago, their stepson’s daughter moved back to the area while pregnant, and the couple took in two of her children, including a newborn.
Gonzalez works as an IT supervisor for the city of Tucson and has spent 21 years at H&R Block, assisting with tax returns. Her husband is a service manager at an HVAC company. Together, they each earn between $40,000 and $50,000 (€35,500–43,000) a year.
Despite their combined income, childcare costs add up. Gonzalez spends about $800 (€700) a month out of pocket for childcare and another $300 (€260) on groceries. The financial pressure has forced her to keep working past her planned retirement date last September.
Beyond her immediate household, Gonzalez has 13 grandchildren in total. She and her husband also have seven children between them—three of her own and four from his previous relationship. She tries to see all of them as often as possible. Gonzalez’s situation reflects the growing number of older adults stepping in to raise younger relatives. With childcare and living expenses rising, she continues working to support her family. Retirement remains out of reach for now.
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