Cheers to 20 Years!

January 2025 marks my 20th year in the field of Human Resources. And what a journey it has been!

Why HR for me? It goes back to 1982 – I was 3 years old and telling everyone that I wanted to be the President of the United States when I grew up. (NOTE: My grandmother was so excited. She really wanted to stay in the Lincoln bedroom in the White House.) When I was 5, I decided I should do something before I became the President, and I landed on becoming a lawyer. This aspiration carried me through high school; I graduated with the intention of attending law school. I entered The Ohio State University as a political science major.

Up to this point, I did not have a true picture of what a lawyer actually did. I knew what I saw on TV. But this career was a typical choice of high-achieving individuals. I liked the idea of being in court and making a lot of money. So I continued my studies.

During my junior year at OSU, I received information about a business-focused minor program specifically for students in Arts & Sciences. I had a strong interest in business, so I enrolled. One of the initial courses I took was an ‘intro to HR’ class. I can actually remember physically sitting in Schoenbaum Hall during this class when it hit me – this was so cool and this was what I needed to do with myself. I finished my degree in political science but shifted gears and applied to graduate school for HR instead of law school.

At that time, it was difficult to get into the field of HR for work. My first job after college was in association management and I did that for a few years all the while applying like crazy for jobs in HR. I finally got an admin job at a local PEO, Sequent Inc., and started in 2005. I also began work on my master’s degree in HR. The pieces started to fall into place.

I grew up in HR at Sequent; I learned so much from that experience. I loved it so much I went back for a second stint after I took time away to become a mom. What a blessing to be surrounded by smart, talented, dedicated professionals who were willing to teach me everything they knew. I was also able to work in virtually every industry simply by the nature of being in HR outsourcing – from non-profits to manufacturers to trucking to tech start-ups – I literally supported business owners and employees across the spectrum. But the best thing to come from that time in my life were the relationships I developed. To this day, I have maintained so many wonderful friendships with my former co-workers. And when I have questions or need advice, you better believe they are on speed dial. My first two bosses at Sequent were Carole Robinson and John Baker. I had the privilege of meeting up with them this past week for a long lunch. By the end, my heart was full and my cup was overflowing. I am so grateful to both of them for the lessons and the support. They both helped to shape the HR professional I am today. (NOTE: Do yourself a favor and get John’s book, ‘Influence on Purpose.’ You won’t regret it.)

I have learned a lot over the past 20 years. I want to share a few key lessons:

1. HR is an experience game. Degrees, certifications, books, etc. are all great but there is no substitute for practical experience in this field. Nothing I ever read taught me what to do when an employee came to work drunk; I had to learn that one first-hand.

2. Outsourcing is the best HR training ground. Whenever someone asks me how to get into the field, I tell them to find an outsourcing company. The depth and breadth of experience you will gain is truly remarkable. You can also explore all of your options in one place – employee relations, benefits, HRIS, recruiting, etc.

3. Don’t make it a bigger deal than it is. This is extremely important. People are, by nature, emotional beings. We have a tendency to assume, to tell ourselves stories, to judge. We blow things out of proportion. HR professionals have to learn how to discern between facts and fantasy. We have to get to the heart of the matter and deal with the true issue, all the while ignoring the noise. The most simple solution is usually best.

4. Payroll and benefits are the most important parts of HR. At the end of the day, we all go to work because we have responsibilities. Bill to pay. Families to support. People go to work to get paid and have access to the benefits they need. So payroll and benefits need to be done really, really well. We have to dedicate resources to make those aspects of work the best they can be for all employees. We need top-notch professionals who can assist employees in these areas. A special shout out to all of the wonderful payroll and benefits administrators out there – you are amazing!

5. Find your passion and purpose in this life. I have been so blessed in this area – God literally gave me the initial nudge back in that classroom at Ohio State. I know that at least a part of my purpose on this Earth is to create wonderful workplaces and to support employees. I am lucky that I actually love what I do, and I carry that passion with me every day. But it takes work. I encourage everyone to embark on their personal journey to discover their true passion and purpose in life. It is a game changer.

I want to thank everyone who has been with me on this journey. I thank God regularly for all the amazing people He has brought into my life. I get overwhelmed just thinking about the love, encouragement, support, and advice I have readily available. In good times and in bad, you have been there. And I am eternally grateful.

As we close out January 2025, I want to acknowledge that we are in unprecedented times. The past two weeks have been interesting to say the least. And I thought the pandemic was one for the books (and it was – way to go, HR! We earned our stripes!!) As we navigate this new administration, I want to remind everyone to stay true to yourselves, remember why you got into HR to begin with, and never back down on your principles. The world of work is about to experience challenges we never saw coming. And while this is scary and frustrating, I have hope. I believe in our industry. I know that we care about people and their wellbeing. I am confident we can and will make the workplace the best it can be for all employees. Stay strong – we’ve got this!

(And please don’t turn your HR departments on their heads based on Executive Orders. Everything is going to be challenged and drawn out. Stay focused on your priorities.)