I've spent 20 years caring for 5 loved ones. At 54, I feel like I'm still waiting for my own life to begin.

Laura Ehrlich (left) has been a caregiver for five family members over two decades.

Laura Ehrlich Laura Lee Ehrlich has had a long journey as a caregiver, affecting her career and finances.

Ehrlich has been a caregiver for multiple family members, including her aunt and mother-in-law.

Balancing caregiving and nursing school, Ehrlich said, financial planning goes a long way.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Laura Lee Ehrlich, 54, who lives on Long Island.

Ehrlich has cared for five older loved ones over the last two decades and gave up her job to be a more present caregiver.

It's come at a cost to her savings and emotional well-being .

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

I'm the youngest of five siblings.

My mom held numerous jobs when we were little, and my dad worked in the city.

When he worked strange hours, my older brother was the man of the house.

My mom, who worked for a surgeon, got me a job with his practice, where I worked for 17 years.

My sister and I worked for my family's medical billing business.

I also did insurance verification, and I'm currently in nursing school .