I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 18

Shedding the last of Corporate America

As I’ve worked to rebuild my life, career and happiness this year, there has been one little thing staring back at me and making me a bit uncomfortable. I mean, literally, staring back at me. It was my profile picture, taken as a professional business shot when I worked in Corporate America. Oh sure, it was nice. Very appropriate, Photo Shopped to remove each imperfection, and every hair in place. But, over the past eight months, it started to taunt me. Who was this person? She looked so together, so professional, so…. boring!

Time for a New Image

No, I don’t mean the makeover kind, I mean the literal kind. I needed a new electronic image. A new profile pic. One which reflects that I’m human and not a Stepford Wife. So, I called up my good friends at Titus Photography to hook me up!

When picture day came, I suddenly felt awkward. I started questioning whether I was being ridiculous and my current profile pic was, in fact, just fine. Or, maybe I was just trying to talk myself out of it. Let’s face it – no one likes picture day at school. It’s too much work. What should I wear? How should I smile? Is that a zit on my chin?!

But, drawing on my 2013 theme of what do I have to lose, I summoned the courage and trekked to the studio. It felt a lot like the high school senior picture session I had 22 years ago – with Spanx replacing spandex and under-eye concealer replacing eyeliner in the 2013 version.

How Much is that Doggie in the Window?

After the session, I waited for delivery of my images. When the CD arrived in the mail, I popped it in to survey the results. On initial look, I thought, “Wow! These look great!” Then I noticed something I hadn’t seen in my Corporate America photos. I looked really, really happy. Like, dog hanging her head out the window on a summer day happy. Wow, I guess self-employment really agrees with me! I looked through the images until I found the perfect profile pic. One that reflects my personality and happiness, but was also taken later in the session, giving my face muscles time to tire out and loosen up that Cocker Spaniel smile.

So, I give you the new and improved Kristina Marsh profile pic! No more Corporate America staring back at me from the corner of my social media screens. Thanks, Titus Photography, for helping me shed the last of it!

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 17

I never saw it coming, but it happened last Friday. Perhaps it was the weather. We woke up to a beautiful, crisp day in Michigan. It was beginning to feel like fall and the changing seasons always did invigorate me. Maybe that’s why I’ve stayed planted in Michigan so long, despite the bitter cold of winter.

When I woke up on Friday, the stress and underlying anxiety I’ve felt since being laid off in January seemed to have disappeared. I’m not sure where it went, and I sure hope it doesn’t find its way back! In fact, despite the uncertainty that comes with owning my own business, I found myself thinking that layoff just may have been the best thing that ever happened to me.  

Let’s break down the 24 hours leading up to this:

9:00 a.m., Thursday, I went to the dentist for my semi-annual checkup. No cavities! Off to a good start!

1:30 p.m., Thursday, I went to a client meeting, where I was told I had earned my fee in the value I provided two weeks into a four week project. Not bad for the ego! I’ll still show up next week.

4:30 p.m., Thursday, I discovered my favorite apple orchard had opened for the season. Now, if you’re not from Michigan, you may not understand how loyal we are to our favorite caramel apples and cider donuts. They’re only available for a limited time every year, people! I scored my favorite, nutty chocolate chip caramel apple, and headed home.

6:00 p.m., Thursday, I drove carpool duty for my son’s football team. I love football season! GO LANCERS!!!

9:00 p.m., Thursday, I arrived home from carpool duty to find my favorite pasta take out waiting for me. GO HUSBAND!!!

7:30 a.m., Friday, I met a great friend for breakfast. As she filled me in on the latest office drama and politics, I realized how thankful I am to be removed from it all. The last drama in the Marketing Flexibility office revolved around who ate the last Oreo (I’m looking at you, interns)!

10:00 a.m., Friday, I met a former colleague for coffee. As we discussed his new venture, my new company, and shared ideas, I felt the last regret and disappointment slip away. In fact, I realized that I had been unsatisfied, restless and feeling stuck for two years prior to being downsized. Hmm. Maybe everything does happen for a reason?

As I write this, an intern just lifted a Crispy Fudge Mint off from my desk. I tell you, if it’s not an Oreo, it’s a Crispy Fudge Mint! The drama around here never ends!

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 16

I’m writing today from 30,000 feet, on an airplane somewhere over Minnesota. It’s been a long time since I’ve traveled on a business trip, but here I sit, on my way to Salt Lake City to support a Marketing Flexibility client at a tradeshow. And as I travel, I’m considering what a long journey this year has been. Together, my family and I have weathered some storms and conquered some mountains. I’m truly blessed to have them.

It’s a strange thing to travel. I can’t help but watch the strangers around me and wonder where they’re going; what personal journey they may be on this year. Are they happy? Are they sad? Whatever their journey, I hope they are as blessed with family and friends as I am.

Next to me sits a young man, maybe 20 years old. He’s traveling alone, fidgeting and flipping through a Sky Mall magazine while listening to his iPod. I wonder where he’s going today, and I hope it’s someplace good. Several rows ahead, a mother is trying to sooth her crying baby. I want to say, “don’t rush it, the time goes by all too quickly”. Our son will turn 13 this year, and I don’t know where the time has gone. Across the aisle sits a beautiful little girl, about the same age as our 8-year-old daughter. She looks happy, and we share some stolen glances and smiles. I think she’s with grandma, and they seem happy to be sharing each other’s company.

Somewhere on the plane is the couple I saw stealing kisses at the gate. Are they on their honeymoon? Perhaps it’s an anniversary. I see business travelers who are all business. In a hurry. Gotta get where they’re going to close the deal. I want to tell them to slow down and enjoy life. That I learned a valuable lesson this year about time and priorities. But, that lesson may come on their own personal journey.

156 people on the same plane, traveling, at least for a short time, to the same city. All on their own paths and on their own journeys. I feel good today, like this year is just the beginning of my amazing journey.

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 15

15 Minutes of Fame

They say everyone gets 15 minutes of fame during their lifetime. Mine came in 2005. I was managing a global marketing communications job, a four-year-old son, and a one-year-old daughter. Life was full, to say the least!

A Mom on a Mission

I clearly remember the day I had to return to work after having our son. It’s a tough thing for a mom, to drop her baby off with a caregiver and trek back to the office. Yep, I cried in my office. Not my proudest moment at work, but it was honest, I suppose.

I was struggling to balance a full work day with the demands that come with nursing a baby. That meant two trips each day to an unsecure conference room – or bathroom stall – dragging a bag with a nursing pump and cooler. It was tough. It became even tougher when a manager asked how I planned to cover the time for my two 10-minute “breaks” each day. Ouch. Really?!

Second Time’s a Charm!

When I was expecting our daughter four years later, I was determined to make a change. Armed with data and determination, I scheduled a meeting with the HR manager to discuss the benefits of a company lactation program. With his blessing, I pulled together a business case for investment and policy change. By the time my maternity leave rolled around, a corporate lactation support program was in place, complete with a supportive policy, private and comfortable rooms, hospital-grade equipment, and the support of a certified lactation consultant. Don’t believe this type of program is worth investment? Federal studies have proven that lactation support programs reduce employee turnover, reduce medical care costs, and increase employee engagement.

This is Who?

Happily settled into maternity leave with our daughter, I was surprised by a phone call one afternoon. Turns out a journalist from Working Mother magazine had heard my story and was interested in running a feature about my experience. The phone calls and interviews culminated in a photo shoot, four-page article, and a trip to New York City.

I walked into our small town Barnes and Nobel one afternoon and was asked, “Hey, didn’t I see you in Working Mother magazine”? Yep! That was me!

I’ve experienced a lot of cool things over the years, but Working Mother magazine makes the list of highlights. Not for the 15 minutes of fame, but for the validation that I was a successful working mother – effectively balancing my work and family.

Over the years, I’ve kept a copy of that magazine at every desk I’ve occupied. When the day is tough, I pull that article out to remind myself that no obstacle is too big. Great things can be accomplished when we stick to our core values - maybe even a little fame!

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 14

I Need to Get Out More!

Since being downsized, I’ve had a lot of time for personal reflection. I’ve thought, blogged, thought some more, written articles, and spent quality time with old number one. Me, myself and I have had some good times together. I mean, I’m a pretty interesting person, right? But, like a good friend who grows tiresome after too much togetherness, I decided I needed a break from myself!

So, last week I got dressed up (out of sweats), and told my husband we were going out. Where? I didn’t care! With whom? Doesn’t matter! Just, please, get me away from myself! We had dinner with friends, but eventually I had to go home to myself. Bummer. I think myself and I have just run out of conversation!

The Power of Working Relationships

Back in my corporate days, surrounded by busy cubicles of co-workers, there was always someone to stop by, run into, or seek out for a good chat. Although I’m busy now managing Marketing Flexibility, my office colleagues include a Golden Retriever and a goldfish named Speckles. I used to have coffee breaks with co-workers. Now I have afternoon Milk-Bone breaks.

Time to Get Back in the Game!

The good news is, Marketing Flexibility has been busy! The downside is that it hasn’t left much time for networking or socializing. So, I’m on a mission to make and renew connections in an effort to spend less time with myself! Today, I took an hour out of my day to have lunch with an old friend. I came back feeling refreshed and inspired to churn out some work.

Never underestimate the power of connection. If you’re up for a Milk-Bone - er, coffee, drop me a line!

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 13

Ahh, 1974…

The world certainly has changed since the days of my childhood. I was a child of the ‘70s. In those days, we would pile into a station wagon without thought of seatbelts or load capacity. That Buick sure could fit a lot of kids in the back. I even recall one summer night in July when we loaded into the bed of a pickup truck for a 45 minute drive to see fireworks. As a mother now myself, I cringe at the thought and wonder what our parents were thinking! But, those were different times.

Breaker, Breaker, Can I Get a Honk, Honk?

If you’re an American over the age of 35, I’d venture a guess that you know exactly what I’m talking about. Back in the days before DVD systems, iPods, and other mobile entertainment devices, we had to make our own fun on road trips. We would lean out the window, pumping our arms in hopes that a passing semi-truck would reciprocate with a loud sound of their air horn. On any given road trip, you could get at least a few, which totally makes a kid’s day!

I Guess Not…

On a recent road trip to Chicago, my son decided to test this crazy idea (his iPod was lost, so he was desperate). For six hours, he pumped his arm at passing semi-truck drivers, without one air horn in response. What a sad, sad time we’re living in.

Back When I Was a Kid…

As I strolled with my children through the streets of Chicago, telling stories about the way things used to be, it occurred to me that I’ve become the parent who wishes our children could experience a simpler time.

So, I give you a few of life’s observations from Chicago.

Did you know that for $28, you can get your doll’s hair styled? Back when I was a kid, we spent hours brushing and braiding our dolls’ hair. It wasn’t perfect, but it was done with love – not cash.

Did you know that for $8, you can go to the aquarium, but not see anything interesting unless you buy the $30 upgrade? Back when I was a kid, an admission ticket meant you were actually permitted inside.

Did you know that people put shirts and boots on dogs? Back when I was a kid, we put collars on dogs.

I Wonder What the Future Holds

Looking back on the memories of station wagons, air horns, and naked dogs, I wonder what our children will remember about their childhood. I hope it’s time spent with family, when iPods were lost and life was simpler.

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.

I've Been UPSIZED: Chapter 12

My Greatest Achievement

What a roller coaster ride this year has been. I’ve lived the peaceful existence of corporate stability, the emotional crash of being downsized, the confusion of figuring out who I am, and the excitement and fear of launching a business.

All of those things came into sharp focus today when I read my daughter’s second grade journal. Like the narrator of a story that pulls you in, she was following my story the entire time, pulling for me like an audience feeling the pain of a wounded hero. “My mom lost her job, but she’s not giving up,” she wrote in February. “I’m so proud of my mom,” she wrote in March. On a separate paper, she made a list of her personal heroes: Abraham Lincoln, Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King, Kristina Marsh. I could live 100 years and never receive a higher compliment.

Of Support and Love

Today, I attended the year end field day and picnic at my daughter’s school. I learned that she had been handing out business cards at school, trying to drum up some business for me. Talk about a support system! But even more so, talk about the love of a daughter.

My greatest achievement hasn’t been surviving a challenging year, landing a writing gig, or launching a new business. It’s realizing that we’ve raised two amazing children who love us unconditionally. I’ve always known that I’ll have my children’s backs no matter what life throws at them. It took this year for me to realize that they have mine too.

Kristina Marsh is an accomplished marketing, communications, and business process leader.  In 2013, she launched Marketing Flexibility, LLC, a flexible, strategic marketing resource company. Want to connect? You can reach me at kris@marketingflexibility.com.