The Situation: A Vice President of Merchandising left her high-paying job when her second child was born.  Her husband had a lucrative business career and she became a very busy, and happy full-time Mom.  When his business hit the recession, their finances plummeted.  She urgently needs to get back to work but after nine years out of the business, she is afraid that she is too old and out of touch. She’s also concerned about being out of the house at a time when her children seem to be particularly challenging.

 

Objectives:

•    Untangle the conflict between parenting and working

•    Find a new position that’s manageable with a demanding family life

•    Restore their joyful family life

 

Process: We began by exploring possibilities with an open mind.  She was struggling with her perception that her that her skills weren’t relevant anymore. Coaching helped her realize that she was stopping herself before she explored what could help her. Social media training and networking with former colleagues helped her confidence issues and gradually the leads started to come in. Several joint coaching sessions with her husband prompted more frank communication and enabled them to work out more shared responsibilities, so she didn’t feel so conflicted about her children.  A new resume, and LinkedIn page and lots of well-prepared interviews started to bring results.

 

The Outcome: She ultimately realized that consulting arrangements with several clients would offer the income they needed and allow her to still be available to her kids. They have scaled down their family budget as her husband is rebuilding his career as well.  Their shared values of compassion, collaboration and honesty are helping them recover their footing and giving them some room to relax.