The Future of Work

The Majority of the Workforce will be Freelancers in Just Ten Years

A New Study by Upwork and the Freelancers Union Provides a Lens into the Future of Work

Last month, a new study on the future of work by Upwork and the Freelancers Union looked at the growing number of freelancers to see how the gig-economy is growing. The study revealed some interesting statistics about the freelance workforce; we took a deep dive into the results:

·       57.3M people freelance.

·       Only 10% of freelance workers like the name gig-economy – they prefer freelance economy—(we agree!)

·       63% of freelancers think having several sources of income and multiple clients more secure than one – the average freelancer has 4.5 clients a month.

Here’s the who, what, where, when, why and how of the freelance economy:

Who is the driving force behind this rapid change?

“Almost half of working millennials (47%) freelance.” As a result, the common negative perception of freelance as a primary earnings method shifted, with 67% of people agreeing that it’s a stable form of work.

What is likely to keep the freelance economy going?

“Freelancers are more realistic about artificial intelligence’s (AI) impact than non-freelancers.” As a result, they are more likely to seek the training they need to continue to compete in a technologically changing workplace – “65% of full-time freelancers are updating their skills to ensure that they are marketable as the job market evolves.”

Where are freelancers earning their living?

The majority of the freelance economy isn’t moonlighting; 29% work full-time, 53% work part-time, and only 16% work occasionally for extra income in addition to another traditional job. “Most freelancers started within the last three years,” and freelancers are increasingly choosing to join the freelance economy by choice, which is indicative of a move to towards more creative outlets to earn a living, often not requiring formal education. Freelancers are finding their work through friends and family, professional contacts and social media – personal connections are more powerful then technological ones—(something we hope we are solving!)

When are freelancers working?

“Most freelance weekly: freelancers indicate, on average, having 27 different clients within their last six months of work,” and 52% of freelancers will work for the same clients repeatedly on different projects with most full-time freelancers working 36 hours per week. Among workers who find their projects online, 77% start their projects within a week – 21% start the same day.

Why is freelancing the wave of the future?

“54% of the entire U.S. workforce is not very confident that the work they do today is likely to exist in 20 years,” and both traditional and freelance workers agree. The study goes on to differentiate that freelancers are more aware of how their work is changing due to increased AI and robotics used in the workplace. Ultimately, the data reveals that the changing nature of the freelance workforce makes them more adaptable and is why they are likely to outnumber traditional workers in ten years time. Perhaps more importantly, 77% of workers believe that these same technological improvements are making it easier for them to find freelance work.

How will this impact our economy?

The numbers don’t lie, the freelance economy is good for the U.S.; “freelancers contribute approximately $1.4 trillion to the U.S. economy annually – an increase of almost 30% since last year.” Part of the economic boost comes from freelancer’s preference to purchase their own benefits in the marketplace; 67% agree that “a healthy freelance economy boosts America’s middle class.” A current practice they’re likely to be able to continue because 72% of freelancers are willing to vote across party lines for candidates that support the freelance economy. They’ll be able to have a tangible financial impact on elections as well because 36% earn $75,000 or more – double the percentage that did from 2014. Further to, 66% say they earn more in the freelance economy then they did in a traditional workplace; 75% of them earned more in just their first year, with 37% earning more immediately.

One last interesting fact: “Freelancers skew more male than U.S. workers overall.” Ladies, given all the benefits the freelance economy brings, let’s get out there!

The data proves The Second Shift model and our members know that the findings of the study are true. We are the vanguard of the future of work– so let’s get more women to join us! Refer 5 new members and you will get a surprise thank you from us! 

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The Power of the ASK!

Last Thursday night a group of powerhouse women gathered at the home of Linnea Roberts to learn about The Second Shift. At Linnea’s art-filled home in Silicon Valley Gina and I presented our business to local female leaders in finance and technology. At the end of the our talk we pointed to note cards and pens laid out on the table and asked each woman to write down the name of one person that they could introduce us to—whether a future member or a contact at a company that could provide jobs for our members. That was our “ask;” gathering the women in the room was the first step, getting them to activate their own networks on our behalf was an invaluable next level of connections.

“I am often struck by the number of women who are afraid to ask for what they want and then qualify by saying “I hate to ask” —it really is okay and my pleasure to help,” says Linnea, a former MD and current diversity advisor at Goldman Sachs. She is an advocate for professional women and an investor in female start-ups, including The Second Shift. She is often asked for favors (like throwing a dinner for her friends and colleagues on our behalf–thank you Linnea) and strongly believes it the power of helping others in any way possible.

Gina and I are frequently asked for an introduction or to give someone advice and we do the same to others—that is the nature of business.  However, meeting for a drink or a coffee without a clearly outlined goal attached is a waste of time for both parties.  This was the topic of a panel on networking at the Fortune Most Powerful Women Under 45 conference that I recently attended. Here are a few takeaways from the panel:

·      Get to the point—don’t waste time with small talk and then save “the ask” for the last 5 minutes.

·      Follow up—if you asked for a favor make sure you update the person who helped you and thank them.

·      Take charge—If someone connects you to another person don’t wait to reach out–take the reins and start the conversation.

·      Be specific—come armed with exactly what you want and don’t be afraid to ask for it.

Both Linnea and the women on the Fortune panel are clear on the point of setting yourself up for success by knowing exactly what you need and being armed with goals attached to your ask. Linnea says, “be as specific as possible. Make it easy for me to follow through for you. Don’t lay all of your problems at my feet and expect me to solve them. Rather, have a few actionable things in mind that would genuinely help and are within the reality of what I can do for you.”

Finally, if you don’t ask, you don’t get—so don’t be afraid to ask! Too often women are worried about being perceived as pushy or inappropriate, but that’s all in the way that you set up THE ASK. Good rules to follow are: be polite and grateful, follow up and if you are uncomfortable, get over it!  Just remember that people want to be of assistance and asking for something concrete helps them to help you. What’s the worst that happens, they say no?

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Every Workingwoman Needs a Wife

A
recent study done by Pew Research
Center
showed that only 14% of civilian working Americans in the U.S. receive paid family
leave. Author Lisen Stromberg found in writing her new book Work PAUSE Thrive that the answer may lie in an increase in paternity
leave. In an NBC News interview about her book, Stromberg
said “if it’s equally a man or a woman who’s likely to be out because the
company offers parental leave, then the notion that a person is not committing
to their career or that they’re going to be a problem because they’re going to
leave is taken off the table.”

The
stigma in the workplace is real, but it isn’t the only problem.

If
you’ll allow a brief personal digression: I asked my own mom, a workingwoman of
the 80’s, “how did you do it all?” She replied effortlessly “every workingwoman
needs a wife.” (Full disclaimer my parents shared childcare duties equally –
something that was radical for the time.) I thought my mother’s words were
wrong, but after thinking about it I know she’s absolutely but not for the reasons we initially think of.

As
Stromberg explained, and is sadly widely accepted, workingwomen are seen as
uncommitted, because of their personal investment in childcare; yet, women without
children still feel the stigma of the notion that women aren’t focused at work.
It’s not just children that imply a lack of focus – it’s everyday life.

Workingwomen,
with and without children, feel an innate responsibility to ensure everything
both at home and at work goes smoothly, that everything and everyone is taken
care of. From consoling a co-worker over a bad breakup, to ensuring your team
has their own personal lives, to replacing the paper in the copier when it runs
low so our co-workers won’t have it run out in the middle of a project – we
worry about everything. If we can’t stop the worry, how do we at least equalize it?

Today,
more and more men are choosing to be stay at home dads, more and more partners
are taking on the housework. Yes, that’s progress, but not in the way we should
be thinking about it. The one issue we haven’t cracked is the worrying.

Here
are some tips to stop our restless minds:

  • Before winding
    down for the evening, make a list of everything that needs to be addressed the
    next day. It’s all there for you to handle in the morning and you won’t need to
    worry about forgetting something. Bonus: if you’re a bit more organized you can
    set up a weekly calendar of tasks for the next week on Fridays for worry-free
    weekends.
  • Create a shared
    calendar and task list for everyone in your family and/or in your workplace.
    You can see where everyone is whenever you want and you don’t need to worry
    about anyone.
  • Set email
    reminders ahead of time. Do you have a colleague who always forgets to submit
    their expense reports on time? Set a reoccurring reminder email that
    will automatically send.

What
do you worry about? What are your thoughts on sharing this intangible burden
with your partner? How do you tackle your everyday worry-free? Share your
thoughts on our Facebook
page.  

{written by Second Shift member & copywriter Chelsea Connor}

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Never Be Afraid to Ask – The Worst They Can Say is No

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Until recently, there was a perception that in the freelance economy women were paid equal or even more than their male counterparts. However, three current studies reveal the opposite—that there is in fact a staggering gender pay-gap in the freelance marketplace. The findings of the studies showed anywhere from 19.5% to a 32% disparity between women and men.

If what we long believed isn’t true than what is the cause of these surprising statistics? One theory from a recent article in Fortune cites “the adage that men tend to be more confident in their own capabilities than women and thus are comfortable charging more.”

We can’t help but wonder – do women in fact lack confidence to ask for what they are worth?

Linda Vogel, a member of The Second Shift and an expert employment agreement negotiator, thinks the issue is more complex – “there are several issues that women have in common, even at the highest levels, with regard to asking for compensation. I have found over the course of many years of negotiating employment agreements that there seems to be the same narrative thread that repeats itself.” She shared the following advice to close the freelance pay-gap:

  • Likeability: Women want to be liked; we feel that if we are more aggressive in the “ask” whether it’s for compensation for a freelance job, or for a raise, it will make us unlikeable. Ask for what you require and deserve every time.
  • Entitlement: Men, generally, feel more entitled and more deserving of greater compensation or of a larger salary; women on the other hand, ask themselves “do I deserve this much?” Rather, what women should be saying is ”YES, I deserve this compensation.”
  • Advocates: Women are typically not good advocates for themselves. Part of being a good self-promoter is being able to talk about your accomplishments. Many women think of this type of advocacy as unseemly, not in good taste, or out of their comfort zone. They are wrong!

Often pitching freelance jobs can feel like a race to the bottom, but not at The Second Shift. According to co-founder Jenny Galluzzo, “it’s not always the lowest priced pitch that is selected for a project, there are many other factors that go into a client’s decision making: personality, location, and specific expertise being the most common. It’s important to ask for a fair price that realistically covers all potential time and expenses on a project – not just what you think will win the job.”

Women should be never be afraid to ask for what they think they deserve. Ever.

  • We should feel empowered by our skills and our creativity and ask for a fair price for our work.
  • We should ask ourselves what someone who is the perfect fit for the job would ask for as payment.
  • We should, perhaps, even ask a male friend what they might charge.

Ultimately, what’s the worst thing that can happen – you are told no? Turn that negative into a positive and have confidence that you did the right thing for you. In the future that client may come back for another project that’s a better fit.

These studies sparked quite the conversation among the writers of The Second Shift Blog. We’ll be going deeper into the issues and solutions around the gender-pay gap conversation in the coming days. In the meantime, we’d love to hear your reactions and thoughts on this very timely and relevant topic on our Facebook page. 

{by Chelsea Connor}

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When the Second Shift Becomes the Third and the Fourth Shift

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Recent
statistics show that our country is making a clear shift in our definition of
work from traditional full-time employment to the “gig-economy.” Members of The
Second Shift know firsthand that the new economy of work is positive for women
for myriad reasons: new moms looking to re-enter the workplace or take on
part-time work, women trying to make ends meet on their own and women looking
to explore new creative avenues are going it alone and taking on second, third
and fourth shifts by both necessity and choice.

With
the new found freedom of flexibility, however, comes a new set of rules to
navigate, while we may not be chained to our desks we are now remotely chained
to our devices. When work is ever-present, what is the solution?

Here
are 3-ways to take back the freedom that technology allows to set boundaries in
the new 24/7 “gig-economy”:

  • Pick one day for you. Compartmentalize – clients assume they can get a hold of you at all hours, however, most
    understand a day off, especially if you are upfront about your schedule. By
    blocking off an entire day and telling them ahead of time that you are off-line
    they can prepare, and you look responsible!
  • Divide your day. Let clients know what days and
    hours you are dedicating to their project. To manage the worry that you’re
    being unresponsive, create a set times during the day when you respond to all
    emails. While it can be tempting to want to finish a task immediately for a
    client, sometimes just a confirmation of receipt and a timeline for returning
    are what a client needs to hear.
  • Keep a detailed calendar. As the saying
    goes, “want something done, give it to a busy person.” Anyone balancing
    multiple jobs knows that the calendar is key. When you follow a strict allotment
    of time per task and outline that on your calendar you will find that you will
    likely finish your work much faster. The critical part of this is that the
    calendar shouldn’t just include work tasks, it should also include all tasks. 

How else do you manage multiple jobs and responsibilities? Share with us on Facebook and be sure to “like” our page to receive all news related to The Second Shift and gig economy.

{by Chelsea Connor}

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You in 2000 Characters or Less

LinkedIn is the world’s largest professional network with more than 500 million users in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. When you’re looking for work, your LinkedIn profile is a 24/7 information resource for all who are seeking talent. Your summary is the first thing talent seekers will see, so giving it some love is essential, but LinkedIn gives you just 2,000 characters (including spaces) to summarize your unique professional brand.

When I’m helping a client craft their LinkedIn summary, I encourage them to keep three things in mind.

#1 KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE

Don’t confuse the summary on your resume with your summary on LinkedIn. When you submit a resume, the intended audience is another person – the person responsible for screening candidates for a particular job that you are interested in. The summary on your resume should therefore be tailored to that position.

Recruiters and hiring managers use LinkedIn to search for talent matching their needs, so when it comes your LinkedIn summary, the goal is to capture attention via a search. Sprinkling your summary with keywords and their variations is therefore of the utmost importance.

#2 WRITE FOR THE JOB YOU WANT, NOT THE ONE YOU HAVE

While it’s important to tell talent seekers what you’ve done, it’s even more important to tell them what you want to do next and why you are qualified to do it. This is especially important if you are looking to change fields or step into a more senior role.

#3 BE AUTHENTIC

Don’t be afraid to communicate something personal about yourself. While a recent Forbes article claims that, “as more companies strive for diversity and inclusion, the term ‘culture fit’ is falling out of favor,” companies are still ultimately seeking to identify talent with traits that align with their core values. The only way to demonstrate that fit is to share authentic stories that exemplify your experiences and beliefs.

To see how these points ‘play out in real life’, let’s look at the before and after of a summary I recently worked on. When I met Mike, I learned that he was a seasoned supply chain expert. He had lots of hands-on experience with a wide range of popular technology. He was passionate about implementing new solutions, versus maintaining systems, and was ready to make a move from a company that was shrinking to one that was growing. In his words, he wasn’t afraid of “hard work and big ugly projects” and “was tired of politics and teams that didn’t play well together.” I was ready to hire him myself, but instead I set out to help him craft a profile that summarized everything I heard him say!

Here’s what he started with:

Global IT Manager, Distribution and Logistics Systems

Accomplished IT leader with over 15 years of experience successfully delivering global Supply Chain systems and large-scale implementation projects. Reporting into the Chief Information Officer with a strong dotted line to the Senior Vice President of Distribution and Logistics, currently provide leadership, vision, and direction to implement, support, and improve the company’s suite of distribution and logistics solutions from leading industry vendors including Manhattan Associates, GT Nexus/Tradecard, and SAP. A proven hands-on professional responsible for partnering with the global Supply Chain leadership to deliver against IT needs and objectives

And, here’s what he ended with:

I’m a Global IT Leader with 15+ years of strategic and operational experience delivering and supporting mission critical Supply Chain systems. My expertise includes selecting, architecting, configuring, implementing and integrating Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Enterprise Resource Planning Systems (ERP), Enterprise Application Integration (EAI), Global Trade Management solutions and Transportation Management Systems (TMS).

I’ve lived and worked on both sides of the pond, and I’m especially passionate about helping high-growth companies implement technology practices that add value to the bottom-line. I’ve never met a company in the Retail, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), Third-Party Logistics (3PL), or Direct to Consumer industry that I couldn’t help out of a jam because I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves, get my hands dirty, and leave things better than I found them.

I’ve worn many hats throughout my career and worked for many supply chain leaders, including Manhattan Associates, JDA, Ernst & Young, and M&M Mars. My experience has taught me that my professional value boils down to the following:

  • I love making the impossible possible. Big scary projects with tight timelines don’t scare me. I have an ownership attitude, and I am willing to gather the resources required, put the time in, and get the job done.
  • I don’t care who gets the credit – I just want to make things better for my company and our customers.
  • I’m the calm one.
  • I don’t play politics – I enjoy working with a team of passionate professionals who have one another’s back.
  • I’m the one you call in the middle of the night – because you know I’ll answer and do whatever I can do to put out the fire.

I love talking shop. Reach out if you want to know how some of today’s largest companies are managing their supply chains.

The difference is obvious, but a few things to note are all the keywords and searchable terms he layered in, the way he clearly defined what he was looking to do next, and how he demonstrated his values and beliefs about hard work and teamwork.

Mike found a new opportunity quickly upon posting his new summary (a recruiter found him on LinkedIn). He told me recently that he continues to get contacted about interesting positions weekly. While he’s not currently seeking a new job, he’s happy to know his LinkedIn summary continues to work for him. He’s confident that in the event his dream job comes available, it will find its way to him!

What are your LinkedIn tips? We’d love to hear them on The Second Shift Facebook page and be sure to follow our company page on LinkedIn!

{by Noelle Abarelli}

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Meet Second Shift Member & Copywriter Noelle Abarelli, The “Queen of Content”

Who is Noelle, the accomplished marketer & freelancer?

According to her LinkedIn profile, Noelle is a “B2B Marketing Strategist & Copywriter,” but she is so much more than that! Noelle has over 20 years of experience in the marketing world, serving as a Marketing Manager and International Marketing Director in the tech industry before starting her own business, Soleado Marketing, in 2003.

Noelle is a self-proclaimed “Queen of Content,” and what she’s most passionate about is helping clients tell their stories. “Every company has something special about it, and I love helping clients tell their authentic stories,” said Noelle.

Proud to be a freelancer!

After years of working in the tech industry, Noelle sought to find a better balance between her career ambitions and other parts of her life. While living in Atlanta, Noelle formed Soleado Marketing to create more professional flexibility and she’s been a full-time freelancer ever since! After building her business over a 7-year period, she moved with her family to Colorado, and her business came right along with her!

One of the aspects that Noelle loves most about freelancing is that she’s able to create teams of the best and brightest based on the unique needs of each customer. She’s forged amazing partnerships to round out projects – working with various designers, videographers, and more – since she focuses on content curation and writing exclusively. Whether she’s working on a website, brochure, presentation, or blog, she encourages clients to “get their message out daily.”

Starting her own business and being able to sustain it for 15 years, when most small businesses fail, is really what makes Noelle most proud. Noelle has created her ideal work/life balance through freelancing and still gets excited when she’s able to “roll up her sleeves” and help a client with a project.

Why does Noelle do what she does?

To say Noelle is a “people person” is an understatement. She’s the friendly, eager, seatmate on an airplane ready to strike up a genuine conversation and leave the flight only after exchanging business cards! Her outgoing personality, a knack for listening, and desire to get to know people also works for her business. From entrepreneurs to C-level teams, Noelle has worked with various clients on many types of projects.

Regardless of the size of the company she’s partnering with, typically in the tech industry, Noelle focuses on listening to the “great ideas and great intentions” that clients have. From there, she connects those with the real pains their customers have to help them craft a unique story for every product and service.

Why did Noelle join The Second Shift?

With 15-years of successful freelancing under her belt, Noelle believes that there’s still room for improvement. Her goal is to efficiently connect with good opportunities so she can focus on doing the “work,” not spending as much time pitching or selling her services. Noelle is “excited to find resources like The Second Shift because finding a high caliber of freelance work online can be a challenge. It’s amazing to see a resource of opportunities for professional women that empower us to find the work we want to do, connect with the employers we want to work with, and be compensated well for our talents.”

As a new contributor to The Second Shift blog, she hopes to help readers by sharing her experiences as part of the “gig” economy – the good, the bad, and the ugly. According to Noelle, “there are a lot of positives and I hope we can all share ideas, opportunities, and inspire one another.”

After 15 years, what keeps Noelle motivated?

As a freelancer, you can’t feel creative every moment of every day, but Noelle finds ways to stay productive even in those “off” instances. Here are Noelle’s own words of motivation:

  • Tip #1: “I’ve created my own business and I’m proud of it! Knowing that I’ve put so much into it to and made it this far keeps me going strong. Of course, I take a break here and there when I’m feeling overwhelmed and having that flexibility is part of what keeps me committed.”
  • Tip #2: “Some days you don’t feel creative and that’s okay. So, during those times, I’ll focus on book-keeping, client calls, or some other admin tasks. Knowing that you will have more creativity some days than others helps you accept it and plan accordingly to keep things moving.”

What does the “Queen of Content” do during her downtime?

Noelle is all about being outdoors – hiking, biking, camping, skiing – now that she lives in Colorado where it’s sunny and beautiful 200+ days of the year! She’s also added running to her repertoire and has competed in several half marathons. The outdoors life wasn’t always for Noelle, though, having grown up on the East Coast. Noelle added, “Running is a way for me to blow off steam. I also have 3 bikes…something I never thought I’d say. The old me would ask ‘who needs more than 1 bike?!’”

Of course, Noelle also loves to read. What “Queen of Content” wouldn’t?

Author’s note: The power of The Second Shift was palpable during my amazing interview with Noelle. Not only did we chat, trade stories, and laugh about our shared experiences, but she even eagerly gave me advice on my own freelancing business. With her 15 years of experience to my less than 1, I became a sponge, soaking up her veteran advice. This exhibits the strength we have as women when we connect and support each other professionally, which is why The Second Shift was founded and why I’m proud to be a member.

Want to get to know other members of The Second Shift content team? Don’t miss our interviews with Keara Piekanski and Chelsea Connor.

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Second Shift Blogger Chelsea Connor Shares What Makes Her Tick

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She’s covered three presidential elections, worked for the Canadian Prime Minister, and traveled around the world. Today meet another one of our newest copywriters, Chelsea Connor, as fellow member, Noelle Abarelli, interviews her.

Noelle: In addition to being a new contributor to the Second Shift blog, you’re also a member at large of The Second Shift. Tell me about the journey that led you to the site.

Chelsea: I’ve always been a working woman trying to have it all! I started working for NBC News at age 18 while attending college at NYU full time. From there, I took a role as a political consultant in New York City, which eventually led to a position working for the Canadian government. When that position wound down, I jumped at the chance to return to NBC to cover the 2016 U.S. election.

Needless to say, that was an exciting election to cover. When it was over, I returned to my job with the Canadian government, and many of my friends commented that, “I must be glad to be out of the U.S,” but I wasn’t. I felt a real need to return home and be a part of a movement that gives voices to people who weren’t heard in the last election process. I wound up returning to New York and taking a position with the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU, UFCW). Today I’m focused on building the 21st century labor movement, which means helping U.S. workers fight for a union voice, fair wages and safe working conditions.

I joined The Second Shift a few months ago as a way to supplement my income. My partner is a retail worker, and we have seen firsthand that job stability isn’t a given in the industry. The work I take on via The Second Shift helps us keep a roof over our heads. He’s nearly seven feet tall and eats a lot – it gets expensive!

Noelle: What excites you most about being a member of this community?

Chelsea: I’m excited to be a part of a community of women. I work in a male dominated field on a daily basis, and The Second Shift offers me a great opportunity to network with other professional women. I also like that I can find extra work that aligns with my skill set and the hours I have available.

Noelle: What’s your experience been like since joining The Second Shift – have you landed any interesting projects?

Chelsea: I’m really just getting started. Thus far, the site has opened my eyes to the kinds of freelance opportunities out there and helped me hone my pitch. I also secured the opportunity to write for this blog through the site!

Noelle: What advice do you have for other members just getting started?

Chelsea: Read our blog! It’s going to be packed with helpful hints from real women trying to do it all. Each contributor has unique experiences and perspectives; our combined knowledge will give you insight into many tips and tricks.

Noelle: What kind of content can we expect to come our way from you over the next few months?

Chelsea: As a former journalist with a news background, you can definitely expect to see some of my posts responding to real time news and events. I’m also fascinated by generational differences. What success looks like for women today is so much different than what it looked like for my mother or my grandmother. I plan to explore those differences a bit, as well as some of the success I’ve had getting my voice heard in a male dominated field. 

Noelle: I can tell from this conversation that you are an amazing journalist, communicator and writer. But I’m wondering if you have any secret talents you haven’t told me about?

Chelsea: Well it’s not a huge secret, but I love to cook! I know a lot of working women don’t want to come home and cook, but I love walking in the door and heading to the kitchen. It probably helps that my partner doesn’t mind cleaning up my messes! I’ve even won a few food competitions, like a mac & cheese cook off at one of the comedy clubs my partner performs at.

Noelle: Okay, let’s say when we finish this interview, you step outside and find a lottery ticket that ends up winning $10 million. What would you do?

Chelsea: I’d definitely open Chelsea Connor Communications! I’d love to build a company that believes in its clients and its people. My experience has been that there are firms that are passionate about their clients, but don’t treat their employees great, and firms that are more about making lots of money from their clients and going over the top with perks. I’d love to create a real family-oriented PR company and combine it with traveling all over the world!

Noelle: Please take me with you Chelsea! Thanks for your time today, I know we all look forward to hearing more from you.

Want to learn more about our member contributors and copywriters? Get to know Keara M. Piekanski and Noelle Abarelli!

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Meet Second Shift Member & Content Copywriter Keara M. Piekanski – “The Creative”

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As part of our company mission we aim to grow and strengthen The Second Shift community; that includes offering topical and cultural commentary, insight into other members and our team and providing necessary skill building information. To achieve this goal we’ve partnered with three experts from our own member network who will regularly contribute content– drum roll please….so please meet Keara, Chelsea and Noelle! 

First up, they’ve taken turns interviewing each other so we can learn a little bit more about them. Below, Keara sat in the interviewee hotspot as Chelsea asked her all about her professional and personal interests:

Keara has been in marketing for the past 13-years and she “really loves it!!!” She recently started her own side business when a colleague at work approached her to help with a project. She didn’t know where to start so she formed an LLC, researched billing structures and of course knocked it out of the park. She immediately began receiving more requests and in January she officially started promoting her company Two Cents Consulting, LLC.

So if her business was booming why did she turn to The Second Shift?

Keara had been searching for what she calls the “unattainable balance – between work and life” – there was a time in her career that she didn’t have that balance. She turned to the Internet not just to add to her growing client list but also to connect to a network of likeminded women that she could share her challenges and experiences with. At The Second Shift she found both!

What does Keara love about her side hustle?

After she aced her first project she took some time to think about what it meant to build a side business. During this transition, she really thought about what made her happiest. Over her 13-year career she has handled all marketing aspects – traditional and digital – of large and small-scale projects. However, she found that what she really loved was writing. That, coupled with a clear industry-wide need for creative and strategic writers, is what launched Two Cents Consulting, LLC. As part of her Owner/Marketing Maven title at Two Cents she’s proud to bring her creative spin to The Second Shift Blog.  

“I am super excited about contributing to The Second Shift Blog because I can reach a target network that I relate to and can share knowledge that I’ve amassed throughout my career.” i

Proudest moment of Keara’s career:

Keara’s proudest moments have been other peoples successes. She started a team at her day job seven years ago, and she happened to have an all female team. Her ability to coach and bring these women along is what she’s most proud of.

Most difficult moment of Keara’s career what advice she would have given herself in retrospect:

There have been a lot of work challenges in Keara’s career, but what she looks back on, as the most difficult, was a period when she was working 12-14 hour days. “I thought the only way to build my career was to burn myself out and a colleague even told me as much – but I brushed it off,” said Keara. For years she thought that the pressure was coming from her employer, but looking back she realizes that it was more a combination of that and her own pressure that put her in that situation. Now, she is committed to ensuring she has a healthy work life balance that puts a priority on her health and wellbeing at all times. “Now I manage my own boundaries and parameters,” Keara advises you should too.  

Is Keara a morning or an evening go-getter?

“I’m most productive in the mornings after my first cup of coffee and on the weekends. I love to go to local coffee shops and set up for a few hours. There’s this energy around you that comes from people being more relaxed on the weekends and sharing stories over coffee that helps me write more creatively,” said Keara.  

How do Keara and her fiancé share the housework?

When Keara approached her fiancé about launching her side gig he was very supportive about it. Not to mention on top of her day job, Keara is also busy taking classes for her MBA and planning their wedding. He’s continued to be her sounding board for new projects and clients, asking her questions about time commitments, finances and project scopes. “He’s really good about giving realistic gut checks,” said Keara. When Keara has to work, her guy steps in; he’s very understanding of her workload and shares the housework – or plays guitar and gets to it later, which Keara totally gets. They’re both artistic in their own ways and they make it work, while ensuring each is fulfilled creatively.

In 10 words or less why should you read Keara’s posts:

Keara is “committed to writing about things that are relevant to women in the workplace.” Okay so it’s 13 words but if we don’t count the two to-s and the the we’re good!

Lightening Round:

  • Favorite color: Purple 
  • Favorite ice cream flavor: Chocolate 
  • Coffee or tea: Coffee 
  • First news source of the day: Facebook “I know I’m ashamed.” 
  • Favorite band/music: Red Hot Chili Peppers
  • PS: Keara is Philly based, so I of course asked her for her take on the cheesesteak, and like every good Philadelphian she was decisive: “Jim’s, ‘wit’ wiz, no onions.”

Want to learn more about our member copywriters and contributors? Get to know Chelsea Connor and Noelle Abarelli!

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