wfh_summer05_covers 5/15/05 11:11 PM Page 1

VOLUME III $4.95/womenforhire.com

S U M M E R 2 0 05

COPING HAPPILY WITH A YOUNGER BOSS

HEADLING ABOUT KEEPING LIFE INSURANCE
ANOTHER LINE I DELETED
ARE YOU READY TO PARTY TONIGHT?
 CORNER CUBICLE

No group
should be
rewarded at
the expense of
another. Just
as working
The most enjoyable part of my day is when my husband and I walk our kids to school. It’s eight blocks of hand-holding and talking
about all sorts of things—from the out-of-state license plates we spot to what we might have for dinner. When we reach their class-
rooms, we do a short math or reading exercise before hugs and kisses goodbye.
moms should
It gives me a daily glimpse at how other working moms handle their morning routine. Some appear to be so outwardly harried that
you wonder how they ever got out of the house. Others are pictures of calm—despite the previous two hours of insanity that may

not be penal-
have preceded their arrival. While I applaud the latter, I’m sure all of us can relate to the former: how many times have we probably
come within a millimeter of losing it ourselves?

ized for taking

Women without kids might find it hard to relate to what I’m describing. I routinely hear from them: they resent all the fuss—the
coddling—that society makes over working parents. They complain about accommodations and benefits arranged exclusively for
working moms. They're bitter about having to pick up the slack when mom attends a soccer game and just assumes it’s okay to leave
a deadline-sensitive project to others to finish.
care of their
I understand that. I was single once, and I put in my fair share of 12-hour days when my working mother colleagues routinely
punched in and out like clockwork.

kids, their
No group should be rewarded at the expense of another. Just as working moms should not be penalized for taking care of their kids,
their child-less counterparts shouldn’t be loaded down with more work and less perks for not having offspring to tend.

child-less
None of us should feel that benefits and accommodations are entitlements, but rather advantages that we earn through our
performance and a business justification. Not every position or employer is able to support all of our personal needs—nor should
they have to.
counterparts
If you’re a working mom, I encourage you to be considerate of your child-less colleagues. Don’t assume that they’ve got more free
time than you do. Don't ask them for favors if you're not willing to reciprocate.

shouldn’t be
To the women without kids my message is the same: offer to pitch in, but only when you feel as though your time and help will be
appreciated and reciprocated if and when you need it.

Have a great summer. loaded down

Tory Johnson
with more
Founder and CEO
Women For Hire work
womenforhire.com 1
IN EVERY ISSUE IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES

Negotiate a Flexible
Schedule (35)
Corner Cubicle (1)
Contributors (4)
Shout Out! (6) Learn how to make alternative options
Fair Well (48) work for you.

Is a Younger Boss Really

CONNECTIONS that Bad? (39)
Ready to take charge
Maternity Mamas (10) Women For Hire’s Stephanie Biasi puts of your destiny?
While out on leave, stay in touch. it in perspective.
So were these women. That’s why
Give Yourself Credit (13) Consider Court Reporting (41) they joined New York Life, and here
Unpaid work holds valuable work. A lucrative profession with endless are just some of the advantages and
opportunity. rewards that awaited them:
ENTREPRENEU - HER Time is on Your Side (44)
• Independence and flexibility of
Lawsuit Yourself (17) being their own boss

SMRU00299810CV(01/05) Photography by Robin London

A special agent fashions a website for
women in law enforcement.
Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies (19)
The business of baking offers flexibility
for a busy mom.
AFTER HOURS
Long-Term Care Insurance (23)
It’s the mature thing to do.
A Breath of Fresh Air (25)
Quit smoking, cursing and nail-biting
now.
With age,comes wisdom, which serves
negotiation expert Carol Frohlinger • Pride in doing business with honesty
sweet success awaits you
quite well. and integrity
DIVERSE DETAILS • Potential for unlimited financial
Design by Lindsay Weitz rewards, based on their efforts
Benefits:The Best from
and success
the Best (29)
• Opportunity to select a career path
IBM, Enterprise, and Abbott Labs focus in sales or management
on moms and mature employees.
• Support of a Fortune 100 company
Marketing Moms (31)
and an industry leader
Interim marketing assignments with
CPRi. For more information and to receive
an informative DVD illustrating our
history of commitment to women and
diversity, visit us today at

BOOK IT!
www.newyorklife.com/women.

AR02352(02/05)
We continue to hear from thousands of women across the U.S. with EOE M/F/D/V

career related questions and concerns on just about every issue imagina-
ble.They rave about our two comprehensive fun-to-read books: Women Jayshree Patel, Marcia Beckford,

For Hire: The Ultimate Guide to Getting a Job (Perigee, 2002), and Women
Agent Partner
Helen Fong,

For Hire’s Get-Ahead Guide to Career Success (Perigee, 2004). Pick up a

Agent
The Company You Keep ®
copy of both at your favorite retail or online bookseller and you’ll have
easy-to-follow help on hand to land a job and advance your career.
© 2005 New York Life Insurance Company, NY, NY 10010

2 womenforhire.com

Contributors
Jessica Gordon is a graduate student at the University of Florida
in Gainesville. She writes a column for The Palm Beach Post
Residences section, and writes and edits for University of
Florida’s Explore magazine. While pursuing her master's in
journalism and mass communications, Jessica also enjoys
design, music, pop culture, organic food and travel. She profiled
Special Agent-turned-entrepreneur Annette Paxson and wrote
about careers in court-reporting.
Based in San Diego, Mary Ellen Krut and Dr. Joanie Connell are
partners at Flexible Work Solutions (flexibleworksolutions.com).
Mary Ellen is a pioneer in flexible work and a highly successful
sales professional who has worked flexibly for over 12 years.
Joanie is an organizational consultant who has consulted, taught,
and experienced flexible work implementations for 15 years.
Aimee Sicuro started her illustration career as a line designer at
American Greetings, and was an animator and concept writer for
a dot com. She traveled through Italy in search of her family
roots, while also refining her artistic style. Sicuro's sketches and
illustrations have appeared in advertising campaigns and numer-
ous editorial publications ranging from New York Times
Magazine to Yoga Journal. She resides in New York and her
work can be found at aimeesicuro.com.
Become a Women For Hire Network Member
Women For Hire Network members enjoy many perks. Registered members can email us with their most pressing career-related
questions and receive a personalized response. Members are invited to join us for monthly conference calls hosted by a wide range of
guests including authors, experts and industry leaders. Visit womenforhire.com for details and to join.
4 womenforhire.com
ARE YOU EXACTLY THE KIND
OF PROFESSIONAL WE SEEK?
EXPERIENCED EXUBERANT EXEMPLARY
Marisa Thalberg returned to work after the birth of her first
child, and felt a strong need to connect with other women like
her, managing both career and family. Surprised to find that even
in New York City, no significant organization of this nature Exactly what can you expect?
existed, Thalberg found herself soon conceiving and giving birth We’ll tell you at these
again—in the summer of 2002 to Executive Moms. Sign up at Women for Hire events. I am an American Express financial advisor.
executivemoms.com. 09/29/05 Washington, D.C.
Elizabeth.F.Shiring@aexp.com It’s natural to strive for something better. Yet attaining goals takes confidence and
savvy. That’s American Express Financial Advisors. With empathy and analytical
Michelle Tillis Lederman is an empowerment coach and the 10/11/05 Chicago
Dawn.M.Franck@aexp.com and consulting experience, we provide over two million clients with the financial
founder of Executive Essentials (executiveessentials.org),
products and services they need to help make the most of their lives. So explore
which provides customized coaching and corporate training 10/18/05 New York
what you hope for in life. And strive to attain it as part of our financial advisor team.
in leadership and communications. She is also an Adjunct Clara.X.Chu@aexp.com
We’ll support you each step of the way. Thanks to our world-respected reputation,
Professor in Organizational Communications at NYU’s Stern
School of Business. Michelle earned her MBA from Columbia
10/25/05 Los Angeles resources and training, our 10,000+ advisors — people of varied backgrounds —
Alice.X.Shahinian@aexp.com can excel and expand their careers. It’s all about feeling optimistic about the future.
Business School.
10/27/05 San Diego Join us.
Pamela.J.Andrews@aexp.com
Carol Frohlinger is a principal in Negotiating Women, Inc. You may be exactly the person we seek.
11/02/05 Boston
(negotiatingwomen.com), a company that provides negotiation Christopher.A.Guzikowski@aexp.com Visit us at americanexpress.com/advisorcareers
and leadership training for women. Co-author of Her Place at and Elizabeth.P.Langlois@aexp.com
the Table: A Woman’s Guide to Negotiating Five Key Challenges
11/08/05 Tampa
to Leadership Success, Carol is an expert on how negotiation Annette.L.Claudio@aexp.com
helps women advance in business. She holds a J.D. from and James.A.Frisone@aexp.com
Fordham University School of Law.
11/10/05 Atlanta
Cynthia.X.Denton@aexp.com
11/15/05 Houston Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. American Express Financial Advisors cannot hire individuals into
the financial advisor position who are not legally authorized to work in the U.S. or who require or will require
Elena.M.Rose@aexp.com sponsorship for employment visa status. American Express Financial Advisors Inc., Member NASD. American
Express Company is separate from American Express Financial Advisors Inc., and is not a broker-dealer.
11/17/05 Dallas
Vickie.X.McLauchlan@aexp.com © 2005 American Express Financial Corporate. All rights reserved.
 Shout Out! YOUR ENTHUSIASM.
Thank you for conducting
I just wanted to congratulate you on the
success of Women For Hire's Get-

the tremendous event in Share it—with a Career at Best Buy.™

Ahead Guide to Career Success. It has

Tampa. It was well organized

been selling at several Columbia

and efficiently run, with

University conferences this semester
and is in very good company.

great giveaways, the inter- Become part of the nation’s #1 retailer of consumer electronics.
esting Coffee and Career
Melissa Oluwarotimi Adeyemo
Apply online at careers.bestbuy.com for the following positions:
Chat, and a variety of quality
New York, NY

companies for us to meet. It

was the best overall career
fair I’ve attended in months.
Mary Ellen Kilbride
Tampa, FL
I have to thank Women For Hire for
providing the opportunity of a lifetime
to me. I am taking early retirement in
June from a technology company. I
found many of the financial investment
companies very receptive to me as a
viable candidate. Yet if it weren't for
this event, I'd still be wondering about
my options. Any woman who enjoys
speaking with people should seriously
consider the possibilities in the finan-
cial industry. I'm finding that there's
huge earning potential here. I only
wished that I had discovered this
sooner...but later will still work for me.
The Women For Hire magazine is a
tremendous resource for all career
women.
Meredith Eisz
Calabasas, CA
The Women For Hire breakfast seminar
was very classy and well worth the
time. The advice and inspiration from
Tory Johnson at the seminar, and later
recommendations from the resume
service, was excellent. I have recom-
mended your organization to other
women as well. Keep up the good
work!
I enjoyed speaking with corporate rep-
resentatives at the Women For Hire
GENERAL MANAGER
event in Boston. I was impressed with
the number of companies that were ASSISTANT MANAGER
represented, especially for women with
an interest in careers in technology and
business, which was exactly what I was
AREA MANAGER
looking for from a career fair.
Judith Kilday, M.S. M.Eng ... and many more career possibilities.
Cambridge, MA
I truly enjoyed the conference in
Chicago. Tory has such great informa-
tion and her discussions always come
from the heart. When listening to her
you can definitely tell that she really
cares about women and their search for
a good job and career. Although I’m
again looking for a job, this time my
approach is much different from the last
job search. Thanks again Tory for
bringing some key points to mind.

Mary Scanlin Rhonda Allen Luvenia Herron

Sugar Land, TX La Palma, CA Chicago, IL

Introducing The Vent: An Online Audio Haven

When life gives you lemons,
do you let them rot or do
you make lemonade?
We know that the job search
and career advancement
process is full of challenges.
Even the most successful
women routinely face hur-
dles and disappointments at
work. What differentiates us
is how we choose to deal with those temporary frustrations
and set-backs.
One coping mechanism is to share your story—to let it all
6 womenforhire.com
out—in an anonymous setting, of course. You get it off
your chest without burning bridges or sounding like sour Best Buy offers competitive pay,
grapes to your colleagues. To keep things positive and pro-
ductive, once you've called into our Vent line to share your employee discounts, a wide
story, Women For Hire CEO Tory Johnson will offer her range of benefits and excellent
expert advice on addressing your challenge.
career opportunities.
This forum was created to serve two purposes: to give EOE/Drug-Free Employer
women like you the chance to get all of the anger out of
your system while also receiving constructive advice, and
to allow other women to benefit from your experiences.
Visit womenforhire.com for details on how to vent and how
to hear other women vent.
© 2005 Best Buy

For many, Talbots is more than just a clothing store. It's a second home, of sorts. A place
where they feel comfortable and valued. You see, as an employer of choice, we provide our
professionals with not only a unique environment of style but one that gives them the
opportunity to make notable contributions to the continued success that has made us a
respected leader in the industry. We invite you to find your place with us.
Management Trainees • Assistant Managers • Sales Associates
Forward resume to: Talbots, Attn: Human Resources, Job Code: WFH,
Human Resources, One Talbots Drive, Hingham, MA 02043. Fax: 781-741-4696. E-mail: resumes@talbots.com
www.talbots.com
EOE
Connections
Identifying and nurturing relationships is essential to
your ongoing career success.The good news is you are
infinitely more connected than you realize. Even if
you’ve been out of pocket—living under a rock, so to
speak—for the past few years, it’s never too late to
catch up. Start with close connections and work from
there. Selling yourself and knowing how to market your
experience are invaluable skills you must build to make
the most out of these connections. Value your own
contributions —at the office, at home and in the com-
munity—and show others how you can be an asset.
9

Maternity Leave–
Without
by Marisa Thalberg
For many professionals—especially
those of the no-children variety,
“maternity leave” conjures a vision
of the ultimate nirvana—weeks off
from work, often with at least par-
tial pay. Yet for those women who,
via the rite of motherhood, do
wind up taking a maternity leave,
nirvana can be a bit complicated.
Aside from the reasons that prompted
the leave in the first place (you know:
recovery from a major “medical” event
and, more to the point, the sleepless
adjustment to life with a newborn), this
time away from work can be a double-
edged sword for women professionals.
We want to have the peace-of-mind that
things will proceed well without us—
without the angst that things will pro-
ceed too well without us. For this rea-
son—or because their companies expect
it—and/or out of our own desire to stay
involved, many women professionals are
redefining the extent to which they
10
CONNECTIONS
Taking
Left
Being
“leave” on maternity leave.
To maximize your ability to take advan-
tage of your own maternity leave while
still remaining connected, here are some
key strategies that have been utilized
most often and to best effect by the
members of Executive Moms, a New
York-based networking group:
• Keep current with your industry: Keep
the professional side of your brain exer-
cised between baby books by keeping up
with key trade journals so you have at
least a basic overview of what’s happen-
ing in your business. If you see some-
thing of note, fire off a quick email to
share it.
• Ask to be (selectively) looped in on
key issues: If your work situation entails
status reports, insist that you stay copied
on them. If it does not, ask an employ-
ee or colleague to give you periodic
updates (once a week should be more
than enough in most circumstances).
Alternately, consider asking to be copied
on key emails and memos (though this
requires some judgment on both parts).
womenforhire.com
http://careers.bloomberg.com
TIVE?
CREA
YOU
ARE
IF
Strategically keep your interest and YOU
involvement known by a quick note or
two back. ARE
• Call periodically to check in: It can feel WE Visit careers.bloomberg.com
to take a closer look at the
good to connect with old colleagues WANT opportunities we offer and
(even if it’s mostly to get the office gos- to apply today. We know
sip) and the personal connection will YOU
you’ll like what you see.
have an impact on your employer and
colleagues as well.
• Make a show-off-the-baby visit: In
addition to fueling that insatiable need to
hear how uncommonly gorgeous your
offspring is, this serves another pur-
pose—reaffirming your physical pres-
ence and reminding everyone that you
will be returning. It can also help you
stick your toe back into the office pool
before you have to fully jump back in.
• Restart mid-week: If you can, return to
work either mid-week or for a reduced
week at first. Coming off of a maternity
leave can be a big transition—physically,
logistically, and of course emotionally.
This simple strategy can make the segue
a little smoother.
©2004 Bloomberg L.P. All rights reserved. 10977053 0704
 CENTRAL INTELLIGENCE AGENCY CONNECTIONS

Selling Your Self

Translate your non-working years into marketable skills
nd
r g an ized, a m recital and your son’s play on the same night. You are constant-
tive, o er, tea ly employing team management, conflict resolution and com-
who is crea oblem solv
e r
someon
munication skills when dealing with a group of emotionally
be a p tor.
Seeking also needs to communica charged youngsters. Managing a team of teenagers working at
le , ve
flexib and effecti a retail store or restaurant isn’t that different.
r,
playe
Dinner is done, dishes washed and the kids are in bed; now you
Does that sound like the ideal candidate for any job or like the have time to work on the fundraising project for your local
skills you need to run a household and raise a family? The sim- charity. Many non-profit organizations pay a percentage of
ple answer is—both. As a mom, you have already done it all. money raised to those who organize the effort!

Pick any day last week and think about what skills you needed
to accomplish your day. Before 9 a.m., you likely displayed the
ability to multi-task, manage time, be detail oriented, organized
and responsible, just by getting the kids off to school. These
are essential qualities of an office manager, recruiter and event
planner.
You run errands, pay bills, schedule play dates and carpooling
with other parents, and figure out how to be at your daughter’s
Think about what you contend with on a day that does not go
smoothly. Your stories of life challenges and creative solutions
are not only compelling and transferable, but also highly desir-
able for many employers. Don’t worry how simple the task may
sound. What’s important is your approach to solving it, accom-
plishing it or just plain getting it done. It’s your attitude and
confidence that will convince a prospective employer you’re up
for the job more than your resume, so you’ve got to believe in
yourself.

Below are some everyday tasks and the marketable skills they exemplify.
Do you manage the family website? This is desirable for marketing and administrative posi-
tions. Is your strong suit multi-tasking and leadership? Envision yourself managing a store or
restaurant. There are an abundance of accounting and bookkeeping jobs for women with
QuickBooks experience. If you are at ease with communications, consider a career in sales.

SKILLS/TRAITS EXAMPLES
Communication and Interpersonal Skills • Telling a parent their child misbehaved

WHAT IF YOU CAME TO WORK AND FOUND THE • Dealing with other parents and teachers

NATION DEPENDING ON YOU

Problem Solving and Negotiation Skills • Coordinating attendance at conflicting events
• Selecting a school, doctor or after school activity

Leadership Skills • Volunteering your time (Girl Scouts, sports team, PTA)
• Chaperoning school field trips

Technology Skills • Creating an online family photo or web page

Service. Dedication. Growth. Opportunity.
These are the hallmarks of a career with the
Central Intelligence Agency. They’re also the
rewards of truly fulfilling work. Your talent,
experience and heritage can help meet
America’s intelligence challenges.
• Using Palm, Mac or other software to maintain a calendar
But only if you take the next step. Research.
Inquire.Apply online. Visit www.cia.gov Finance and Budgeting Skills • Managing family finances
Applicants must have US citizenship and the ability to • Buying a car
successfully complete medical examinations and security
procedures including a polygraph interview. EOE
Creative • Helping with art and school projects
• Planning birthday parties and fun learning assignments

Responsible • You’re a mom —enough said

womenforhire.com 13
THE WORK OF A NATION. THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE.
 Nffu!Lsjtufo-
Entrepreneu-Her
b!DQSj!Gmfyxpslt
Nbslfujoh!Bttpdjbuf
TN

DQSj!jt!uif!mbshftu!obujpobm!gjsn!up!efmjwfs!nbslfujoh!tubggjoh!boe!
dsfbujwf!jotpvsdjoh!up!Gpsuvof!611!dpnqbojft-!qspwjejoh!gmfyjcmf!
tubggjoh!tfswjdft!po!bo!joejwjevbm!ps!efqbsunfoubm!cbtjt/!Pvs!
gmfyjcmf!xpsljoh!fohbhfnfout!bmmpx!zpv!up!bdijfwf!uif!xpsl0mjgf
cbmbodf!uibu!zpv!eftfswf/

Nbslfujoh Sftfbsdi } Ebub Bobmztjt Ebubcbtf Nbobhfnfou

Csboe0Qspevdu Nbobhfnfou } Nbslfujoh Dpnnvojdbujpot
Fwfou Qmboojoh } Nfsdiboejtjoh } Diboofm Tusbufhjft

Gps!npsf!jogpsnbujpo!po!DQSj!boe!up!sfhjtufs!up!cfdpnf!b!DQSj!
Nbslfujoh!Bttpdjbuf-!wjtju!vt!po!uif!xfc!bu!xxx/dqsj/dpn0gmfyxpslt!ps!
dbmm!vt!bu!911.761.1661/

While the corporate world certainly has its perks,

there’s something to be said for the flexibility and cre-
ative freedom of branching out on your own. For many
women, it is a great path to fulfillment, and a way to
pursue a true passion while at the same time being
able to drop off the kids at school every day. For oth-
ers, it’s an ideal way to stay active and engaged once
you’ve retired and your traditional career has ended.
While there’s much to think about in terms of risks
and rewards, there is certainly no shortage of entre-
preneurial successes to inspire you.
B U M B O U B D I J D B H P E B M M B T E F U S P J U O F X Z P S L

15
DQSj!jt!bo!frvbm!pqqpsuvojuz!fnqmpzfs/
 ENTREPRENEU-HER
We advance medicine.™
Well-suited
w h e r e Success
Fifteen years ago Annette Paxson, dressed
as a Martian, was one of five Florida
International University students loaded
into a Hyundai on the way home from a
B R I L L I A N T C A R E E R S B E G I N Halloween party. The group was stopped
on the side of the road when five thugs on
bicycles approached the car and demanded
One of the premier healthcare institutions in the world, NYU Medical Center combines the impressive
money.When the driver refused, the cyclists
resources of Tisch Hospital, the Rusk Institute of Rehabilitation Medicine, and the NYU School of Medicine.
We’re the first choice for entry-level professionals from diverse fields for one simple reason: our
pulled guns and fired 18 shots.
commitment to developing our people through continuous learning and exposure to the best minds in the
industry. So, whether you’re interested in a career within healthcare; within science; or in another area such
as management, finance, or administrative support, NYU Medical Center can offer you the resources,
recognition, challenges, and rewards that you need to perform at your very best. We are always looking for
talented people to join us in the following areas: Paxson was shot in the side.
Two pals were also seriously
Management • Research wounded, one of whom
died. The incident caused
her to shift gears from a
Allied Health/Professional focus on marine biology to a
major of law enforcement
Administration/Office Support where she’d fight crime.
NYU Medical Center provides its staff with far more than just a place to work. Rather, we are an institution Today, Paxson has seven
you can be proud of, an institution where you’ll feel good about devoting your time and your talents. And years of crime-fighting
just as our employees invest so much in us, we invest in our employees. We’re pleased to have one of the under her belt—first as a
most competitive compensation packages not only among New York’s hospitals and healthcare institutions, uniformed officer with the
but within the corporate sector as well. U.S. Mint Police, and now
as a Special Agent with the
To find out more about us and the opportunities we have available, send your resume/letter of interest to: U.S. State Department’s
Recruitment & Staffing, Dept. WFH, NYU Medical Center, One Park Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, Diplomatic Security division. With her current role came the
NY 10016. Fax: 212-404-3897. E-mail: NYUMC-careers@nyumc.org (referencing “Women For Hire” in need for a new wardrobe, and that’s where she’s faced her
subject area). We are an equal opportunity employer and provide a drug-free workplace. biggest career challenge.
“Once I became a special agent, I was required to wear a busi-
www.nyumedicalcenter.org ness suit on protection details,” says Paxson, who’s based in
Washington D.C. “Regular business suits did not meet the
requirements I needed (belt loops, inside pockets and a jacket
womenforhire.com
long enough to cover a handgun and other gear), so I had to get
them specially made by a tailor.”
Market research led her to realize she could manufacture
and sell these specialty suits to other women in similar
clothing-challenged positions. This past January—after two
years of planning and saving money—Paxson started
Lawsuits, LLC.
With a $15,000 investment for suit samples, fabric swatches,
business cards, catalogues, and a web site (the biggest expense),
Paxson met with an intellectual property lawyer to establish the
company’s name and trademark. Websites for the Virginia State
Corporation and the Virginia Women’s Business Association
proved useful for navigating the often complicated process
of getting started.
“I laid out a timeframe for accomplishments and the money
I knew I needed,” Paxson says. “There were many challenges
regarding paperwork and not getting loans, so I had to
constantly readjust my goals. The most important thing was
to persevere.”
Since launching wearlawsuits.com, the company has had more
than 50,000 hits, with word-of-mouth as its only form of adver-
tising. The $229-wool and cotton blend pants suits can be worn
by anyone, and Paxson will soon expand to sell women’s belts
and shoes, specially made for law enforcement as well.
While there are many law-enforcement clothing vendors,
Paxson says it is nearly impossible to find any that sell products
made exclusively for women.
“As more women enter law enforcement, which has been a
male-dominated profession for decades, our new goal should
be making resources and equipment more gender-friendly,”
Paxson says. “I’m not looking to retire from this side business.
I just want to help other women in my field overcome the
same dilemma I’ve had in finding suits for our line of work.”
17
 ENTREPRENEU-HER

BUILD COMMUNITIES.

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.

BUILD DREAMS.

Fresh Baked Success —

One Chip at a Time
On a tree-lined suburban street in Alpharetta, Georgia, a cookie
factory grinds away in Heidi Nel’s basement-turned-commercial
kitchen.
WHAT WILL YOU BUILD?
Her employees are all neighbors and friends—the same ones
who attend PTA meetings and pick up Nel’s six-year-old daugh-
ter, Carleigh, from school when cookie orders exceed hours in a
day.
and butter. She and her husband, André, would joked about
starting a business, and out of desperation came inspiration;
they decided now would be the time.
They turned their 1,700-square-foot basement into a commercial
kitchen with an $8,000 investment for refurbished equipment.
Nel did her homework, taking a six-week course at Georgia
State University on how to start your own business.

“ Growing and retaining a high performing,

diverse workforce that reflects the marketplace
is a business priority for The Home Depot.
Last Christmas, the same friends helped Heidi’s Heavenly
Cookies produce more than 20,000 cookies for orders across the
country. Not too shabby for a business that only became incor-
porated in 2002.
“There was a lot of red tape involved in starting a business and
I would’ve given up if I hadn’t been desperate at the time,” she
says. “If you’re in this for just a hobby, it’s not going to work.
You have to make sure everyone in your family is going to sup-
As associates, customers and vendors of port you because it becomes a priority.”
The Home Depot, women are powerful.
– Gloria Johnson Goins, Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion” But her sweet success didn’t come easy.

After September 11, 2001, Nel, a then stay-at-home mom with a

three-year-old (and two older children—high school students
Heidi started baking, while André, whose background is in
advertising, took over the look and packaging of the cookies.

Kyle and Keali), realized she would need to return to work
when her husband lost his technology job due to the economic
downturn.
“I wasn’t a bored housewife. I had plenty to do that kept me
busy,” she says. “But when 9/11 hit, we were like, ‘What do we
do?’”
Nel was seven credits away from a marketing degree, but she
stopped focusing on school to bring in money waitressing and
teaching English to Korean students.
“Those two jobs really helped me. I learned how a professional
kitchen operates and the tutoring helped fine-tune my writing,”
she says. “Even the most mundane jobs can prepare you for
life.”
For exciting career opportunities, visit us online at:
Nel’s revamped family cookie recipes—toffee chocolate chip,
careers.homedepot.com oatmeal raisin and chocolate eclipse—had always left lucky
recipients addicted to the oven-toasted almonds, fresh vanilla
Although word-of-mouth has been their only advertising, this
March Heidi’s Heavenly Cookies shipped 400 times the number
of cookies it did during the same month last year through orders
at heidisheavenlycookies.com. They’re now in the process of
doubling kitchen capacity to produce 50,000 cookies a month.
“This business is something that won’t go out of style and can’t
be outsourced,” Nel says. “It’s important for me to set up an
environment where my staff or I can leave if we have to get our
kids from school. It’s been good for my kids to see all the hard
work that goes into it.”
It’s no surprise Nel’s friends became her staff. If the comfort
and warmth of a fresh baked chocolate chip cookie could be
found in a person, she’d embody it.
“I find that women help other women because they want you to
succeed,” she says. “People feel that if it can happen to you, it
can happen to them.”

The Home Depot is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. womenforhire.com 19
 After Hours

Summer is finally here and the daytime “after hours”

are longer than they’ve been in a while. Between pic-
nics, parades, beaches and baseball, take time to focus
on your future. Perfect your finances, kick a bad habit,
further your education and consider other self-
improvements for your future success and fulfillment.
Even a small change can make a big difference for your
well-being and happiness. It’s never too late to start an
IRA, go back for the degree you’ve always wanted, or
tackle your health and well-being. The lifestyle you
want takes work and the rewards are immeasurable.
21
 AFTER HOURS

According to New York Life, much like auto, homeowners or life

Long-term insurance, long-term care insurance is designed to pay benefits, up to

Care
predetermined maximums, should something unfortunate happen.

Invest in your career Such policies can help pay the costs of qualified long-term care servic-
es, including physical care and day-to-day living assistance, should you

Insurance
become chronically ill and unable to care for yourself due to a lengthy
illness, severe accident or effects of aging. Given the rising cost and

at TD Waterhouse demand for these types of services, long-term care insurance may help
those who want to protect their assets.

Many people who become chronically ill go through stages of care,

including in-home, adult day care and assisted living facility care
before they require a skilled nursing facility. There are a host of serv-
ices available to help chronically ill persons and their family members
enjoy as much independence as possible, for as long as possible. A
quality long-term care insurance policy takes this into account, and is
Since 2000, TD Waterhouse USA has been a ready to help ease the transition from one stage to another. One of the
most appealing aspects of long-term care insurance is its ability to
sponsor of various Women for Hire events and allow you the dignity of determining your own level of care.
is also a President’s Circle Platinum Member New York Life offers several tips when considering whether to pur-
of the Financial Women’s Association. chase long-term care insurance:

We are committed to providing women with • Research the carrier. Buy from a financially strong and top-rated
insurance company that is likely to be secure for the long haul. Long-
educational and training opportunities. Become term care benefits often do not become necessary for 20 or 30 years
from the time of purchase.
a part of our team! For further information on
• Buy from a carrier with a history of stable rates; keep in mind that if
careers at TD Waterhouse USA, please contact: a carrier is raising rates now, it may potentially do so several times
during the life of the policy.
TD Waterhouse
100 Wall Street, 2nd Floor • Purchase at a young age. Premiums are based on an individual’s age
New York, NY 10005 at the time of purchase, so the younger the purchaser, the lower the
premiums will be for the life of the policy. Unfortunately, there is also
Attn.: Recruiting an increased likelihood that an individual may not be insurable at an
careers@tdwaterhouse.com older age due to changes in health.

• Self-insuring the risk for long-term care services can be imprudent,

even for individuals with significant income and assets. At today’s
escalating home health care and nursing home rates, an entire nest egg
can be depleted in just a few years. Affordable insurance can help con-
sumers to enjoy their retirement and leave a legacy to their heirs.

• People are living longer. Individuals may need long-term care servic-
es for a longer period of time and therefore the need for adequate
TD Waterhouse Investor Services, Inc., Member NYSE/SIPC insurance can be even greater.
TD Waterhouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer — M/F/D/V TDW 4205 Rev. 05/05

• Medicare and Medicaid offer only limited coverage. Medicaid will

pay for long-term care but only for individuals who meet strict asset
and income eligibility requirements.
Debilitating injuries or illnesses can strike at any time, so consider
long-term care insurance as a way to take control of your future and
help preserve your options for care.
Learn more by visiting newyorklife.com.

womenforhire.com 23

© 2004 United Air Lines Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Usually our advice is about persevering…not quitting…never giving up.
But this is different. Now we’re turning the tables and we’re saying, go ahead,
be a quitter, we dare you! It’ll no doubt improve your life.
Are you trying to stop smoking? Do you
swear too much but don't know how to
stop? How about biting your nails? All of
us have bad habits but there are some
tried and true tricks that can help you
beat them.
SMOKING
You know it's a killer and you know that
at some point you'll have to quit. Here's
what doctors know: the sooner you do,
the better, because every day you smoke
increases your chances of lung cancer
and heart disease. Plus, face it: it's a dis-
gusting habit, no longer symbolic of
glamour like the old days.
• Get help. According to
tobaccofree.org, 95% of smokers who
try to quit on their own are back smok-
To g e t h e r w e c a n t o u c h t h e w o r l d . ing within a year. So reach out to people
—preferably a smoking cessation group
—and tell your family, friends and doc-
The time is right to join United. We’re on the move and headed towards an exciting new destination. We are currently in search tor that you’re serious about quitting
of individuals who understand our commitment to meeting our customers’ needs – we need people like you to play an integral and need their help. Consider quitting
part in exceeding those goals. with a close friend so that when you get
the urge you can call her to talk. And if
United Airlines has built an innovative organization from a customer base and workforce that is representative of unique lifestyles, that doesn’t work, rejoice in the fact that
backgrounds and perspectives. As a record breaking performance leader, United offers the opportunity to grow, learn and you're human: most of us fail several
succeed. With strength, vision, and determination – make a move for the better. times before quitting successfully. Just
commit to getting back on the wagon.
Come soar with United and enjoy worldwide travel privileges for you and your eligible family members, among other key benefits.
• Reward yourself along the way. Go a
Visit united.com/jobs to learn more about our exciting career opportunities. United offers a variety of professional positions at day without a smoke and treat yourself
our Corporate headquarters in Chicago, as well as additional permanent and temporary, administrative, airport operations and to a nice dinner. One week: a new dress.
professional positions throughout the country. One month: a weekend get-away. Chart
all the money you’ve saved by not
smoking. Put it in a jar, watch it accu-
mulate, and then spend it when you've
gone smoke-free for three months.
Remember: if you can go three months
you can go six, and if you can go six
United is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V
AFTER HOURS
Be a
Quitter
you can go a year. And once you’ve hit
a year, you’re there.
• Worried about packing on the pounds?
Stop worrying and face it: you probably
will gain a couple here and there. Most
people who quit do, but the health bene-
fits to nixing the nicotine are well worth
it. Get into a regular exercise routine to
feel your absolute best.
CURSING
An occasional &@*$#^!% here and
there isn’t the end of the world, but
what if every other word you utter
makes you a gutter mouth? We’ll help
you sound like a lady instead of an x-
rated rapper.
• You may have incorporated cussing
into your dialogue to the point you don’t
even notice anymore, so ask friends and
family members to call you on it every
time you curse.
• Pinpoint your cussing style. Do you
cuss when you are genuinely angry? Do
you cuss casually when socializing with
friends? What environments are you
most likely to cuss in? If you cuss when
you’re angry, practice constructive ways
of expressing your feelings when you
are calm. If you often cuss because of
frustrating traffic on your way to work,
instead, say forcefully, “This traffic is
really making me angry because I need
to get to work on time today, and I wish
I’d left about ten minutes earlier.” Get in
the habit of expressing yourself more
clearly. If you cuss most often during
casual conversation, find a replacement
word or catchphrase you think is partic-
ularly clever or expressive and start
using it instead of curse words. Even
womenforhire.com
something as simple as “dang” or
“darn” will do.
• Spend a weekend with children, grand-
parents, or anyone you’d feel embar-
rassed cussing in front of. It will get you
in the habit of minding your Ps and Qs.
• Start a public cuss bank in a location
that’s visible to your family. Every time
you cuss, put a dollar bill in the bank.
It’ll add up quickly, and you’ll ultimate-
ly tire of giving up so much cash.
NAIL BITING
You know it’s an unsightly habit that
makes you want to hide your hands.
Biting typically shows that you’re nervous
or insecure—qualities that nobody wants
to exhibit.
• Invest in manicures. Get silk wraps or
acrylic nails so they look amazing. It’ll
be a big improvement from the chewed-
off nubs you've been sporting. Since
you’re spending some cash, there’s an
added incentive not to bite so the money
doesn’t go to waste.
• Whenever you catch yourself biting
your nails, apply some bright lipstick.
It’s a great deterrent to biting since you
wouldn’t want to get the lipstick all over
your fingers.
• Pop your favorite gum or candy into
your mouth whenever you get the urge
to bite. Train your mouth to focus on
that instead.
• Keep a mini manicure set handy at all
times. If you spot a hangnail, which
often drives the urge to bite, pull out the
nippers and file to make like new.
25
Diverse Details

Benefits are important at every stage in life, but your

compensation package takes on a whole new impor-
tance when you start a family or are thinking of retire-
ment. Employers understand that happy employees are
more productive, have better attendance, and save
time and money from less turnover and lower disabil-
ity and healthcare costs. The current trend among
employers is to offer more flexible work options and
increased benefits for moms and older employees.
Take a look at what some employers are offering as a
litmus test against your own benefits package.
27
 AFTER HOURS
American Express
Tax and Business Services Inc.
Three Cheers For...
These leading companies are innovating benefits beyond the basics that speak to the
REACH IMAGINE FOCUS PURSUE REACH IMAGINE FOCUS PURSUE
specific needs of their current workforce. By offering programs and services that are
One Firm, designed to accommodate a variety of challenges and changes facing their employees,
REACH IMAGINE FOCUS PURSUE REACH IMAGINE FOCUS PURSUE

they increase satisfaction, loyalty and retention among the troops.

REACH IMAGINE FOCUS PURSUE REACH IMAGINE FOCUS PURSUE
REACH
REACH
REACH
IMAGINE
IMAGINE
IMAGINE
Many Pathways
FOCUS
FOCUS
FOCUS
PURSUE
PURSUE
PURSUE
REACH
REACH
REACH
IMAGINE
IMAGINE
IMAGINE
FOCUS
FOCUS
FOCUS
PURSUE
PURSUE
PURSUE
REACH IMAGINE FOCUS PURSUE REACH IMAGINE FOCUS PURSUE
Abbott Laboratories
Many new moms understand the struggle with trying to plimentary kit containing products, information and
breastfeed upon returning to work. Nursing on the job breastfeeding accessories designed to support mothers
merican Express Tax and Business Services offers
A exciting careers for CPA’s and Consultants who
ASPIRE to be the best in their field. Our vision, to be
is rarely easy or convenient. before and after the baby is born.

To address this challenge, Illinois-based Abbott To support other moms coming back to the workplace
“The Premier Accounting and Consulting Firm Laboratories created onsite lactation rooms in their main after childbirth, Abbott's onsite child care center also
Serving Mid-Market and High-Net Worth Individuals” office building and at the child care center that the phar- established a Breastfeeding Buddy program, which
means that we are focused on helping our clients maceutical leader operates onsite. They also introduced pairs an experienced mom who has successfully breast-
achieve financial success through long-term relation- a program last year called Mothers at Work, which fed a child while working, with a new mom who needs
ships based on trust and superb client service. includes free 24-hour lactation counseling, information support.
on health and nutrition during breastfeeding, and a com-
If you are looking for a place where there is endless opportunity to grow
and develop, where each day you will face new challenges, where your
passion and intelligence will be rewarded then we encourage you to visit
www.americanexpress.com/tbs to learn more about our firm! Enterprise Rent-A-Car
American Express Tax and Business Services Inc. has a professional serv- All fulltime Enterprise employees, regardless of level
ices relationship with the New York public accounting firm of Goldstein or length of service, who are returning from maternity A returning daily rental employee working 50 hours
Golub Kessler LLP ("GGK LLP"), which is a separate and independently or adoption leave and are primary caregivers, are eligi- per week is eligible for this phase-back schedule,
owned and operated entity. GGK LLP is a practice 100% owned by CPAs, ble for a unique phase-back benefit. while receiving fulltime pay:
and through our relationship with GGK LLP, our staff can acquire the
experience to meet the requirements for CPA licensure. American Express Rather than returning to a fulltime schedule, which can Week One: 50% of average hours = 25 hours
Tax and Business Services Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of American be challenging after a baby’s arrival, the phase-back Week Two: 70% of average hours = 35 hours
Express, a publicly owned company. American Express employs CPAs but period provides employees with a full week's pay for Week Three: 80% of average hours = 40 hours
is not a licensed CPA firm. working a reduced schedule during weeks one through Week Four: 90% of average hours = 45 hours
four. During week five of this transition, employees Week Five: Back to average hours = 50 hours
We currently have the following positions available return to regular hours, as appropriate for the position.
across our different practice areas:

Senior Accountant
Accounting Manager
IBM
Tax Accountant The technology giant recognizes the importance of
benefits targeting its employees in the so-called sand-
wich generation: baby boomers who face the dual chal-
Please visit us online at www.americanexpress.com/jobs where you can lenge of caring for their own children, while also tend-
find detailed position descriptions and instructions on how to submit your ing to the needs of their aging parents.
resume as well as information about our comprehensive benefits.
Even though eldercare programs have been offered
since 1988, IBM has recently added a range of
AMERICAN EXPRESS TAX AND BUSINESS SERVICES l AMERICAN EXPRESS TAX AND BUSINESS SERVICES l AMERICAN EXPRESS TAX AND BUSINESS SERVICES
enhanced services such as care planning and monitor-
ing, a phone check-in service, an elder facility review
American Express is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. ®
program and online discussion groups. More than a
quarter of the company’s employees take advantage of
these offerings, according to Maria Ferris, manager of
work/life and women's initiatives at IBM.
Having a dependent parent can be “very isolating,"
Ferris told the Boston Globe. “It's not a very happy
topic. Around the watercooler, everyone wants to talk
about babies. No one wants to talk about a sick par-
ent.”

womenforhire.com 29

a solution for
sequencing
moms
When Simone Grant first laid eyes on her
new born baby, her priorities drastically
changed. As a young marketing profes-
sional moving her way up the corporate
ladder, Grant decided to temporarily put her
career on hold to focus on her family.
After a year, Grant decided she wanted to
dip her feet back into the business world.
She wanted to keep current with her profes-
sional skill set and attain a work/life bal-
'LYHUVLW\ DQGHGXFDWLRQ DUHNH\HOHPHQWV
ance that she didn’t have at her old job.
“I missed work but I didn’t want to miss
significant time spent with my family,”
RIWKH:DO0DUWFXOWXUHDQGHPEUDFHGDW Grant says.
DOOOHYHOVRIWKHRUJDQL]DWLRQ CPRi, the largest national firm to deliver
interim marketing professionals to Fortune
500 companies, provided Grant with a tem-
porary marketing management position
$W:DO0DUWRXUFRPPLWPHQWWRGLYHUVLW\LVIRVWHUHGWKURXJKRXWWKHFRPSDQ\DQGLQWHUZRYHQLQWRDOORI within one of the country’s largest pharma-
RXU$VVRFLDWHSURJUDPVUHFUXLWPHQWHIIRUWVVXSSOLHUUHODWLRQVFKDULWDEOHLQLWLDWLYHVDQGFRPPXQLW\HIIRUWV ceutical companies.
2XUGHGLFDWLRQWRHGXFDWLRQDQGOLWHUDF\LQLWLDWLYHVLQWKHFRPPXQLWLHVZHVHUYHSOD\VDIXQGDPHQWDOUROH “It was a great experience,” Grant says.
LQRXUVXFFHVV “After taking a year off of work I was able
:DO0DUWLVSURXGWRVSRQVRU:RPHQIRU+LUH to jump right in and benefit from the
dynamic environment of a successful com-
pany. Not only did it provide me with the
relief that I could actually achieve a
work/life balance but it was a great career
builder.”
‹:DO0DUW6WRUHV,QF
AFTER HOURS
“After taking a year
off of work I was
able to jump right
in and benefit from
the dynamic
environment of a
successful company.”
Because CPRi works with marketing pro-
fessionals with experience to hit the ground
running, corporate executives say that using
CPRi’s interim resources offers flexibility,
speed-to-market execution, talent access
and cost-effectiveness. Due to an expected
surge in marketing deliverables at the phar-
maceutical company, Grant’s experience
was greatly needed to help meet deadlines.
The position lasted approximately 3 months
and Grant is currently in between jobs and
enjoying the summer with her family.
“Working with CPRi has provided me with
a chance to work with a broad set of com-
panies,” says Grant. “Also, I don’t have to
worry about asking for time off to be with
my family. CPRi understood what I was
looking for and matched me with a great
opportunity. I’m waiting for the next
opportunity to come along, but in the
meantime I can enjoy the time I have with
my family.”
Visit cpri.com or call 800.650.0550.
womenforhire.com 31
 And there is only one you.

As the world's largest bottler of nonalcoholic beverages, we can

Recognized For My
It’s About Being
offer individuals with your unique brand of talent, drive and

Accomplishments. And Rewarded

vision, a career with numerous advantages. We provide global

opportunities, exciting career paths, excellent compensation and

For My Achievements. benefits, and a dynamic, positive culture that is truly our own.

There's only ONE you...

and we'd like to get to know you better.
Log in and complete your online profile.

I’ve found that having the talent to succeed often times isn’t enough. You www.cokecce.com/careers
also need plenty of support and a great workplace too. That’s why I’m so
glad I chose Enterprise. Here, it’s all about growing a business, advancing
my career, and having a lot of fun doing it.
Our People. Our Products. Our Pride.
At Enterprise, there’s an entrepreneurial philosophy that guides everything
we do. This means that I get to approach the business like it’s my own and
I get to share in the profits I help create. And, what’s more, my hard work
and ability never go unnoticed here. Just the opposite – they lead to more
promotions, more autonomy, and bigger rewards. I also like that an
industry leader backs me every step of the way. By putting customers and
employees first, Enterprise has created a unique business and work
environment that’s perfect for me.
Getting acquainted with talented people is important to our success. Tell us about your skills, education, goals and experience by creating your professional
profile on our newly redesigned career site. Search our current openings, complete an online profile and instantly seek your dream job using our concept
search technology. You can also set up a search agent which will send you automatic e-mail notifications of future positions that match your interests.

Explore Opportunities in these Functional Areas:

Sales/Management Operations (Production/Warehouse)
Distribution/Logistics Finance/Accounting/Internal Audit
Apply online at: www.enterprise.com/careers.
Service/Repair Human Resources
Or call: 1 888 WWW-ERAC.

©2005 Enterprise Rent-A-Car Company. Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc. and its Bottling Companies are an equal opportunity/drug free employer requiring drug and background checks on all new hires.
"Coca-Cola" is a trademark of The Coca-Cola Company.

Size 8” x 10.75” 4-Color Bleed Output at 85%

 Want flexibility?
Be flexible.
Smart bosses know that granting
Re-balancing
employees flexibility reduces costly
absenteeism and improves loyalty
and productivity.

And smart workers are learning

Work
&
what to do to keep it once they get
it:

1. Communicate regularly with

your manager and your peers. It’s all
about return on investment—and
Life
If you are a working woman with children, a partner or aging par-
recognizing the return.
ents, you join the ranks of others like you who feel trapped in an
2. Announce your success. Collect unwinnable battle to balance your work and your life—and to do
information about your productivity
and make sure everyone knows both well. But relief is on the way.
about it. It may feel like bragging, but
think of it as marketing the success
Today, many companies offer flexible work options for professional employees—part-time
of your program.
positions, job-sharing, staggered hours, telecommuting, compressed work weeks, and more.
A recent Harvard Business Review Research Report highlights flexible work success stories
from prominent companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Ernst & Young, and Pfizer.

3. Look at your work in a new

way. The guy flipping pancakes with
The horizon looks even brighter.

you at the preschool fundraiser just Research giant McKinsey & Company showed that “Seventy-five percent of companies sur-
might be a good candidate for your veyed were experiencing a chronic talent shortage.” Why? High growth rates and the baby
product or service. bust of the 1970s are shrinking the size of the labor force.

If employers want to hire and retain highly qualified women, they need to match the growing
4. Have measurable performance demand for flexible work. Eighty-two percent of women in the HBR study said they want
goals and show you meet them.
access to reduced-hour jobs. But how do you get one?
Keep a record of your proposal, con-
tract and metrics. Review it with
your manager often.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT

Above all, be flexible and open to
improvements. Be sensitive to peo-
ple’s non-verbal signals, as well as
“Although many smart companies are leading the way in helping employees balance jobs and
families to encourage peace of mind, working mothers themselves need to be realistic about
what they can and want to take on and then they need to be assertive about asking for it,”
says women’s leadership expert Rayona Sharpnack in Katherine Ellison’s new book,

what they say. If something is wrong,

The Mommy Brain.

check in and be ready to work out a
solution to maintain your flexibility
and meet others’ needs.
“What do you want?” is a tough question. The answer requires detailed task analysis,
research and some trial and error. Mary Ellen thought she wanted to work in the mornings
while her kids were at school, but she found that two 10-hour workdays per week allowed
her to focus better at work and at home.

Consider: What compensation package do you need, and what can you do without? Who will
provide health insurance? How are sick days handled by your family? Joanie found that time
was worth more than money after the birth of her child. She switched from a highly demand-

34 womenforhire.com womenforhire.com
 ing consulting position to an academic one with summers off and telecommuting
options to spend more time with her daughter.

Finally, what is your bottom line? If you don’t want to travel, what kind of business
can you generate either virtually or within driving distance? If your commute eats
hours out of your day, would late starts or telecommuting improve productivity?

MAKE IT REASONABLE

Understand what you have to offer a company and what its needs are. Develop a pro-
posal that fits. Smart politics and your intuition should guide you to form a workable
plan.

Are you a star performer? If so, leverage that. If not, determine what steps will
improve your position. Understand that changing to flexible work is a process that
takes time to implement. Your biggest investment is your career, and it is worth the
time to set it up right.

Begin by breaking down your job into a group of tasks. Determine how some can be
achieved flexibly and how others can be reassigned. When Mary Ellen worked a
reduced hour schedule at Oracle, she agreed to be in the office for a core set of hours
each week. She then traded some of her accounts to colleagues, so she could cut back
travel time.

ASK FOR IT

Men do it all the time. Let them inspire you. You may have to reach out of your com-
fort zone to ask for what you want, but don’t let that stop you. Practice and be armed
with the facts.

Phrase your request in terms of how you will meet company objectives, not about how
you need more time with your kids. Expect “no” the first time because you may be
challenging the company culture. Keep a long-term outlook.

Enlist your manager to help you come up with a win-win solution. Author Mary Ann
Mason points out that, in academia, talent losses have less to do with reluctant depart-
ment chairs and more with women’s domestic burdens. Your company can’t force your
spouse to do more laundry, but your manager can ease your time-crunch with a recon-
figured work week.

Develop an implementation plan that addresses when you will start, how you will get
work done, and how performance goals will be measured. Develop a communication
plan with your manager to assess how things are going. When Joanie wanted to
telecommute more, she offered to pilot a new on-line course. This enabled her director

re you a star performer? If so, leverage

to meet the university’s goal to enter the distance-learning industry and made up for
less face time.

Be creative, industrious, and persevere. You will get what you want.

hat. If not, determine what steps will

Dr. Joanie Connell and Mary Ellen Krut are Flexible Work Consultants who help com-
panies and individuals identify, structure, and evaluate the effectiveness of flexible

mprove your position. Understand that

work.

hanging to flexible work is a process that

36 womenforhire.com
 “The Premier Global Networking Resource
for Executives, Professionals and Entrepreneurs”
> Fresh Pre-Qualified Leads
> Interact with Business Professionals & Executives
> Business Casual Work Environment
> Paid Health Benefits
> Salary + Commission + Bonuses
> Earn Over $70,000 a Year
> Beautiful New Office
> No Cold Calling
> No Sales Experience Needed
Located in Garden City, NY, Empire Who’s Who is focused on
creating networking resources for executives, professionals
and entrepreneurs around the globe. We are now in an
expansion phase and are seeking talented, motivated, and
career-oriented individuals to join our sales force as well as
contribute to our other departments. If you possess great
communication skills and are looking to make over $70,000 as
you help foster b-2-b relationships with business professionals
of Fortune 500 companies, then this is the job for you!
We invite you to speak with one of our representatives
on June 8, 2005 at the Moms and Mature Employees
Career Expo hosted by Women for Hire to discuss
our career opportunities. For more information
about our career opportunities please visit our web-
site at www.empirewhoswho.com, or contact Stan
Pitt at 516.535.1515 x 234 to schedule an interview.
By Stephanie Biasi
Boss
Syndrome?
The younger woman is
everywhere—tempting
husbands and boyfriends,
working out at the gym,
having babies, buying trendy
clothing, targeted by adver-
tisers, chased by rock stars
and matinee idols. For the
first time in my career, I’m
now working for one. She’s
a thirty-something and I’m
a fifty-something. It was
bound to happen.
Luckily it’s a strong relationship that
works well for me, my boss and the
company. It involves a little give and
take and a lot of mutual respect. But
doesn’t that apply to all workplace
arrangements—regardless of age or
gender?
Even though I don’t hit the nightclubs
like my much younger colleagues, we
Younger
share the camaraderie that makes for an
ideal environment. I wax poetic about
Paul Newman and Robert Redford
while they’re obsessed with Jude Law
and Orlando Bloom. There’s no deny-
ing that we all fantasize about Brad Pitt
who seems to transcend all age barriers.
Beyond our entertaining chit chat, we
respect one another for our individual
expertise and experience. We’re equal
in the number of successes we con-
tribute, and fortunately or not, we’re
equal in the number of mistakes we
make too. Neither youth nor old age
held against us.
• Leave the walker outside. While this
womenforhire.com
is metaphorical, of course, it’s impor-
tant not to walk into an interview or
meeting feeling or acting old. Age is
often a state of mind. Exhibit your
hard-earned depth of wisdom and
knowledge with confidence.
• Keep emotion out of the equation.
She’s the boss because she earned it. Be
respectful of her and expect the same
professionalism in return. Rather then
focusing on why someone half your age
makes twice your salary, work at being
your best, which is the only thing you
can totally control.
• Knock any chip off your shoulder
about prior negative experiences. As a
mature woman, when you denigrate for-
mer employers, colleagues or policies,
you tend to validate the stereotype of a
bitter old lady.
• Keep your sense of humor. Don’t be
afraid to make light of your differences.
You remember Watergate, but she’s
more familiar with Monica. You can
name all of The Beatles, but she’ll beat
you at identifying the members of
N’Sync. Neither of you are know-it-
alls and that’s a good thing.
39
 “I am making
a difference.”
Make Paone says. “If you've ever seen a program captioned, that's
because of a court reporter.”

Yourself With all the opportunities for work, there are virtually no
unemployed court reporters, and job placement is 99 percent

“I am
improving
“I am
of you. And people
taking care
a Court after a two to three year schooling process. Once the theory is
learned, reporters must be able to type 225 words per minute,
which Bendish says is hard but doable.

Date
your life.” you care about .” “I decided to try court reporting after high school because my
parents couldn’t afford to send me to college and it seemed
like a real profession,” says Bendish, 48, who has been a court
People define our success. reporter for 28 years and now owns her own business. “The
by Jessica Gordon
schooling is not easy and there’s a heavy drop-out rate, but
Diverse perspectives and Nancy Bendish’s fingertips have taken her to Tokyo and Paris, there’s a reason why we make great money. As long as you
among other international cities. They’ve allowed her to wit- stick with it and practice, it can turn into a wonderful career.”
ness the World Trade Center lawsuits and CBS stockholders
talents allow us to provide meetings (where she met Dan Rather and Walter Cronkite), Nancy Mahoney, 55, who started working as a full-time court
and she’s even been invited to record presidential debates. In reporter in 1977, continued to practice while raising her three
children, now 24, 19 and 17.

I am innovative food and

fact, her swift hands earn her more than $150,000 a year on
her own schedule.
“When my first daughter was born, I didn’t work for 5

Sodexho
At first it sounds like a gimmick. A 4 a.m. infomercial where months, and then I chose to work two to three days a week
smiling, shiny-haired people announce how many thousands when the kids were young,” Mahoney says. “It was great for
they made last year—“Work only two days a week! Make me, because when they had something at school I wanted to be
$60,000 a year!” But the great thing about court reporting is at, I just didn’t work. As a freelancer, you’re free to work as
that it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. It’s more a never-be- you please. I still take six-to-eight weeks of vacation a year.”
unemployed, work-when-you-want-to, lifelong career.
facilities management Court reporting has always been a career where men and
Court reporting was a popular profession for women in the women are treated equally in terms of pay, because they are
early 1900s when the stenotype machine was invented. But in paid by the page, not salaried; Paone says about 80 percent of
services that improve the
the 1980s, the profession lost popularity with media attention court reporters are female.
about new technology and advanced recording devices in the
quality of daily life for courtroom. It seemed that court reporting was a dying profes- “It's a great job for women. Many of our reporters are moms
sion, but Rick Paone, president-elect of the Certified who work part-time and easily make $40,000 a year working
Shorthand Reporters Association of New Jersey, says it’s quite two or three times a week, and half the work is done at home,”
the millions of people we Paone says. “A full-time court reporter taking what's consid-
the opposite.
ered ‘easy’ work can earn $60,000 a year, while reporters who
“I am ensuring
“On a national level, there is a vast shortage of court reporters, do more involved proceedings, such as the ‘real-time’ events
serve in the U.S. every day.
your safety.” especially since new job markets have opened up for us,” says easily make $100,000 to $150,000 a year and up.”
Paone, who also owns a New Jersey court-reporting agency.
“While school enrollment has declined over the last decade, For those in the field, the flexibility, travel and monetary
new technologies have put us in places where we never rewards that court reporting offers are too good to pass up.
ve r
s i t y and I “I am a step ahead.”
worked before.”
nc l
t e d t o Di

us i on

“There’s no retirement age for me,” says Mahoney. “I can

mit

Com
Food Services, Facilities Management, Vending, Catering, Office Refreshment
Services, Environmental Services, Landscaping & Grounds Management,
Conferencing, Plant Operations & Management
This new technology called "real-time" lets a court reporter
provide a live readout of text onto a computer screen so attor-
neys can get the transcript as it happens. Court reporters are
sodexhoUSA.com also hired to accompany deaf students to school and give them
a live transcript of their lessons.
work one day a week in New York City and make well over
$50,000 a year. When you go into the field, consider yourself a
professional — wear a suit and closed-toed shoes because you
want to command respect. That’s what’s important to get
across; it’s a profession.”

“Companies hire us for their hearing impaired executives and For more information on court reporting in your area,
Sodexho USA is a proud supporter of Congress passed an act that, as of January 2006, all television visit the National Court Reporters Association online at
ncraonline.org
Women for Hire Career Expos shows must be closed-captioned for the hearing impaired,”

womenforhire.com 41
©2005 Sodexho Member of Sodexho Alliance® At Sodexho, we value workforce diversity. EOE, M/F/D/V
FAST-TRACK MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES
GREAT PAY
Rent-A-Center, the largest rent-to-own company of furniture,
appliances, computers and electronics, with stores in all 50
states, Puerto Rico and Canada, has immediate Management
opportunities at its store locations in your area. These positions
are all fulltime, 5 days a week, Monday-Saturday.

Applicants must be energetic, conscientious self-starters experi-

enced working with the public. Duties include managing customer
accounts, collections, sales, and scheduling customer services
including delivery, product service and pick-up of merchandise in
customers’ homes. Prior retail, sales, customer service or related
experience is required. Retail or restaurant management experi-
ence required for all management positions.

The RAC benefits package includes 401K, with matching, den- SPECIAL AGENTS
tal/health/life insurance, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid com-
pany holidays, and job training.

If you are a professional and want to take advantage of this great

opportunity for unlimited growth in a stable company, apply today.
You have the power to
Candidates must possess top-notch customer service skills,
excellent oral communication and listening skills; have a high
school diploma or equivalent, be at least 21 years of age, no
combat drug trafficking.
felony convictions, and have a valid driver’s license with good
driving record.
Rent-A-Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is
contingent upon successful completion of background investiga-
tion and pre-employment drug screening.
For immediate consideration, apply on-line at
www.rentacenter.com, or apply in person at your near-
est RAC store location. To locate your nearest RAC
store call 1-800-205-2005.
Infiltrate criminal organizations. As a DEA Special Agent, you will investigate unlawful
activities surrounding the trafficking of illegal drugs in the US. Enforce domestic laws
and regulations. Arrest criminals who grow, manufacture and distribute these substances
worldwide. Shut down their operations, and bring them to justice. It’s a challenge we
take on every day — and it depends on your instincts in the field, as you collect and
analyze information, collaborate with local, national and international agencies, and
prosecute major violators. This is a mission like no other. Make it yours. DEA is an
equal opportunity employer. www.dea.gov
We invite you to visit the DEA booth at any of the Women for Hire Career Expos
we will be attending this year. If unable, we challenge you to visit the DEA website,
www.dea.gov, to learn more and see if you qualify.

U.S. Department of Justice

DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION
TOUGH W O R K. V I TA L M I S S I O N.
 If Only I Knew Then… SUCCESS (n.):
- does not equal a 12 hour day
Negotiation Tips From a Life Long Learner
Stop managing people. Start managing your life.
By Carol Frohlinger, Esq.

One of the best things about getting older is that I’ve learned a lot – sometimes the hard way!
Are you looking for a
highly respected company, a challenging job, and a 40 hour work week? Perhaps
Professionally and personally, several life-lessons have helped hone my negotiation skills and, you're looking for an alternative to the pressures of being a manager yet don't
even more importantly, my confidence level. want to sacrifice exceptional pay and benefits? Well, maybe it's time to seize a new
opportunity and begin re-defining your meaning of success!
1. You must know what you want (and what you don’t) in order to get it.
Professional: At first blush, the position, title, or money may seem irresistible but take the time to ask the questions that will allow Our people have backgrounds and interests as varied as the products we
sell.
you to make the decision that is right for you. For example,
Conversations around here vary in topic from jib crane construction,
• “Does this company have the same values I do?”
• “Is this the work I want to do?” warehouse layout, and developments in the nanotech sector to post-modern
• “Are these people with whom I will enjoy working?” aesthetics, the latest opera, and baseball playoffs. This variety of people, ideas,
• “Will I get the resources I need to be successful?” and passions enriches our workplace and enlivens our thinking.

Industrial supplies are interesting.

Personal: Trust your gut about work-life balance decisions; it doesn’t matter what your mother thinks. Decide what your non-nego-
tiables are and stick to them. Delegate what you can and don’t second guess yourself.
2. Hope for the best; plan for the worst. Those people who make life look easy are the ones who are prepared; they’re not winging it.
Professional: Be realistic about what you bring to the organization and be prepared to support what you’re asking for with facts and
figures. Figure out what your alternatives are if you can’t reach agreement. For example, if you can’t get the compensation offer you
know you deserve (and don’t have a better offer waiting in the wings), what are your choices?
McMaster-Carr Supply Company is a 100-
year-old distributor of industrial products with a simple but unusual strategy…serve
our customers by stocking an extremely broad product line, then quickly deliver
those products where they are needed in just about a day. We are known in the
industry for outstanding customer service and fast, accurate fulfillment of orders.

Our expectations are high.

• Stay where you are for the moment and keep looking for alternatives
• Start your own business Initiative drives our business. Successful candidates
have a proven record of accomplishment in previous endeavors. Successful
Personal: Do all that you can to make a bad relationship work (colleague, friend or family member) but be prepared to give it up if employees understand our approach to business and contribute ideas that improve
you’ve given it your all and still aren’t getting what you need. Set a time frame for action and have a plan. It’s never easy but some- our operations. Our employees meet and exceed our expectations on a daily basis.
times it just has to be done. In return, we provide:

x PPO health plan with no monthly employee contribution

3. Be kind to yourself. As the flight attendants say when explaining the safety features of an airline, if the oxygen mask falls from x Company funded retirement plan
the ceiling, place your own mask on first, then assist others. It’s the only way. x 100% tuition reimbursement
Professional: Take control of your career; don’t wait for someone to do it for you. x Corporate profit sharing
• Raise your hand for the promotion x College tuition assistance for dependent children
• Say “no” sometimes
• Ask for the support you need from managers and colleagues
• Negotiate for the resources you need to do your job without working 24-7

THE BEST JOB YOU NEVER

• Take the time to network with others, inside and outside your company and your industry Los Angeles ¸ Chicago ¸ Atlanta ¸ Cleveland ¸ Princeton
• Find a mentor (or two) and “pay it forward” by mentoring others Learn more at: www.mcmaster.com/careers ¸ Apply at: opportunities@mcmaster.com EOE

THOUGHT YOU’D HAVE!

Personal: Protect the time to do at least some of the things that make you, as a person, happy.

I live by these lessons. And, as a result, I’m not only surviving, but thriving!

Carol Frohlinger is a principal in Negotiating Women, Inc., the first company to bring negotiation courses specifically for women to
the Web. She is also an author (with Deborah Kolb and Judith Williams) of Her Place at the Table: A Woman’s Guide to Negotiating
Five Key Challenges to Leadership Success (Jossey-Bass/John Wiley, 2004).
44 womenforhire.com
 Ruby Rolodex Your resume is your ultimate marketing tool. Women
For Hire sees thousands of resumes every season,
some that are glowing, and some that could use a
little (or big!) boost. If your resume isn’t getting you
the interviews you want, it’s time to give it a closer
look. Quite often a professional career coach or
resume writer can offer solutions and suggestions to
resume dilemmas you are not even aware you have.

And it’s not just about your resume. A professional

can help you with any job-search and career
advancement challenge you face. A coach can help
you practice your interviewing skills, teach you how
to prepare for a negotiation, work with you to set up
a long-term career plan with specific goals along the
way, and much more.

46 womenforhire.com womenforhire.com 47

Cinnamon Thompson
Pepsi Bottling Company
During her job search last spring,
Cinnamon Thompson faced many com-
mon frustrations: HR managers who did-
n’t return calls, offers from companies
she didn’t feel were stable, poorly pre-
pared interviewers, and even friends who
would remind her that she really needed
to get a job—as if she didn’t already
know that.
After a twelve year career as a flight
attendant for Delta Airlines ended,
Thompson was excited to learn that
Southwest Airlines would be attending a
Women For Hire expo in Dallas.
“Women For Hire seemed so profession-
al from the beginning—from where the
event was held to the quality of the com-
panies that were there to recruit women,”
Thompson says.
In addition to meeting with employers,
Thompson networked with other profes-
sional women, all of whom were encour-
aging each other. “I was standing in front
of a booth and I thought, ‘Oh, I can’t go
work for Pepsi Bottling. I don’t know
anything about their jobs,” recalls
Thompson. “The lady standing with me
said, ‘Go for it—it’s a great company
and you’d be perfect for them.’”
That’s when she met Debbie Kavossi, a
member of Pepsi Bottling’s recruitment
team. “I wanted to join Pepsi was
because of Debbie,” Thompson says
with great enthusiasm. “When I was
speaking with her, I could tell she loved
the company and enjoyed her job. She
said she could see something in me that
would make her company even better.”
Thompson went home and applied
online that night, and followed up with
48
FAIR WELL
Kavossi a few days later. While
Thompson also interviewed with
Southwest Airlines and had a great expe-
rience with their recruiters, she had her
fingers cross that Pepsi would make an
offer.
And they did. Thompson joined as a
sales representative, and after just nine
months she received Salesman of the
Period Award. She’s been with Pepsi
Bottling for more than a year and her
future looks bright. Thompson is looking
forward to moving into management
with the beverage giant and she’s grate-
ful to Women For Hire for enabling her
to make that first connection.
Christi Phillips
Wal-Mart Stores
Christi Phillips was very disappointed
with her job. It held little room for
growth at a time when she was pursuing
a Masters degree. Yet she wasn’t in a
financial position to leave until she had
another offer lined up. That meant even
less time available to focus on a job
search.
The Women For Hire event in Houston
looked too good to pass up: it was the
opportunity to meet with fifty employers,
many of which piqued her interest. Her
first choice? The world’s largest retailer.
“I was attracted to Wal-Mart because
they were willing to train management
staff with or without previous experi-
ence,” recalls Phillips.
Her conversation with Wal-Mart at
the event turned into an invitation to
interview on the spot, which resulted
with an offer for employment. “I give
a lot credit to Women For Hire because
the process of attending the event was
easy and even fun,” says Phillips, who’s
womenforhire.com
now a Management Trainee and couldn’t
be happier with her new career.
Christa Jerome
New York Life
Christa Jerome was determined to leave
her former IT position, but she wasn’t
finding the right opportunities. When she
did come across an opening that piqued
her interest, she was dragged through a
long and arduous process. Jerome inter-
viewed with one small company seven
times, only to hear they still weren't
ready to make a decision.
When she attended the Women For Hire
event in Tampa, Jerome spoke with a
recruiter from New York Life. Even
with her degree and background in
finance and marketing, she was skeptical
since she knew nothing about financial
sales. “The representatives understood
that I was unsure of this opportunity,
mainly because of lack of knowledge.
They were patient in explaining how it
all worked and they were eager to
answer all of my questions,” she says of
her initial experience with the company,
which quickly turned into a job offer.
“I was burnt out from IT, but I didn’t
quite know what I was looking for,”
says Jerome, who proudly accepted a
position with New York Life and
received her Series 7 license last
December to sell financial products
and services last December. “Now that
I’m in a whole new line of work I feel
great about helping people with impor-
tant financial issues that affect them
and their families.”
What a positive and powerful feeling.
“And I never would have considered this
industry without attending the Women
For Hire event,” she says.