As a temporary employee, she’d worked for 50 companies in eight years: 50 corporate cultures she’d mastered, 50 CEOs she’d assisted, 50 skill sets she’d honed, and in 14 distinct industries. She was a Jill of all trades. However, now that her youngest child was in school, she no longer required the flexibility that temping offered: the freedom to work when and where it was conducive to her lifestyle. She wanted something steady to fill the void that can only be sensed in a quiet house. She learned that the executive assistant she’d been covering for was not returning: The position was vacant and she was being considered for the job. This company was like no other place she’d worked. The employees could bring small pets to the office and take naps or work on personal projects. The cafeteria was actually an in-house gourmet restaurant. Beside it, a gym, massage parlor, and dry cleaner—all for staff members and their families. Family was the word used to describe the corporate culture. Management understood that adults have families and family is first priority. As long as quality work was turned in on time, progress was being made, and shareholders were happy, employees could have a personal life without penalty. She was excited about the prospect of making these people her second family. When she met with the CEO, there was a sense between them that she was a shoe-in for the position. He gave her résumé a cursory glance, then a double-take: “You’ve been temping for… eight years?” Despite the family-friendly environment, she felt it inappropriate to explain she’d been childrearing; instead, she focused on the skill sets she’d acquired—50 in 14 distinct industries. The CEO seemed genuinely remorseful when he said, “Sorry, but we’re looking for someone with experience.”
April 8, 2013
