“This struggle is real. The juggle is real. That’s why everyone should hire working mothers. They are put in crazy situations all the time and are forced to problem-solve. They are some of my most resourceful employees.”
– Sara Blakely
Mothers want the world for their children. And that includes a world of great work…a career filled with purpose, growth and joy. This Mother’s Day, Echo Search Group is celebrating the wisdom of moms by getting some great advice on career building from two Echo moms, Sarah Stauffer and Jen Lindahl.
Jen is Client Solutions Director and co-leader of its Human Resources division. She is also the mother of Vayda, age 3.
Sarah is a Project Administrator and mother of Christian, 20, Jonathon, 17 and Marissa, 14.
Is there anything happening in the job marketplace right now that excites you or concerns you about your kids’ future?
JL: The shift in how people work and how they’re finding alignment with their companies and their values is exciting. It might feel messy right now, but organizations are getting more thoughtful about the core cultural things: playing to an employee’s strengths, valuing productivity versus face time and acting with transparency. There is a concerning side to that…people are exiting their fields and the workforce. Only 70 percent of working-age adults are fully employed right now. More and more individuals are choosing fractional roles and consulting. We’re evolving, and overall, that’s a really great thing!
Jen and her daughter, Vayda
SS: I’m excited that the job market needs people, especially at the entry level. The opportunities for young people are there; they don’t have to fight for jobs like we did. I’m also excited about the continued integration of technology. My kids are the first generation raised immersed in technology, and it will be fascinating to witness their impact on industry.
Is there a specific career or area you think your children should explore?
SS: My son Christian is a bit old school and can adapt to many different industries. My son Jonathan is a gamer with a natural aptitude for technology, computer science, gaming and programming.
JL: Based on her personality, she could be president someday! She is spunky, sassy, independent and has a huge heart. I think she will thrive in people and service-based businesses similar to me.
What advice would you give your kids about choosing a career?
JL: I will tell her, don’t feel you must have a clear path. It is OK not to want to climb the corporate ladder. Also, take risks! And if something doesn’t feel good, listen to your instincts. There is something better for you out there!
SS: I would give all three of the same advice, do something you care about even if you dislike some of its parts. There must be interest and passion, but there will always be something you don’t love. There are parts of my job I don’t love, but my work is worthwhile, and I care so much about it that it doesn’t bother me. It balances out. I have a good career and a good life!
Sarah’s kids (l to r): Jonathon, Christian, Lily (Christian’s girlfriend) and Marissa
Do you have other advice about thriving and finding happiness in work?
SS: This may sound a little cheesy, but as Kenny Rogers said, know when to hold them, know when to fold them. Perseverance is essential, but sometimes the best thing you can do is leave a bad situation. My son took a job last summer and really struggled. But it was an excellent opportunity for experience in a field he was interested in, and the pay was great. I encouraged him to stick with it to see if there was enough good to hold on to. He ended up having a positive experience and saved some money. You just won’t be doing what you want to do immediately in your career. You don’t start with the most rewarding job that perfectly aligns with your vision. At the same time, if you hate what you’re doing every day, all day, it is time to fold. You’ll come to understand which situation is which, but in the meantime, it’s a good idea to get guidance and ask for help.
JL: Find an organization with leaders who value and appreciate the skills and talents you bring and have a vision and values you can get behind. And make sure you’re having some fun! We spend too many hours working, and life is too darn short not to enjoy the work you do and the people you do it with!
