This document summarizes a panel discussion about navigating career and personal life challenges. The panelists shared their personal stories of dealing with work-life balance issues, career stress, major life changes, depression, illness and death. They discussed themes of reaching crossroads in one's career or life, disruptions that require adaptation, seeking balance, and building resilience through difficult times. The panelists provided tips and resources to help others facing similar challenges.

1. Pain Points and Sweet Spots - Exploring the Intersection of Career and Life
An open & honest discussion about professional development and personal life stages
Julia Falkowski, Douglas Hegley, Adrienne Lalli Hills, Sharon Osofsky, John Turner
November 15, 2018

2. This is an abridged slide deck
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● This MCN session was conducted under the Chatham House Rule
● Panelists shared personal stories of work-life balance through difficult times.
● While this deck does not include those stories, the presenters would like to
share tips and resources that may be of help to folks who are working
through similar issues.
This deck shared on google docs and on slideshare via dhegley

3. Sharon Osofsky
● Curatorial Assistant
2.5 years @ Tennessee State Museum / 2.5 Years in the Field
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Julia Falkowski @jdfalko
● Content Designer
< 1 year @ Intuit / 8 Years in the Field
John Turner @jmattturn
● Sr. Mgr. Museum Technology
12 years @ University of Michigan Museum of Art / 16 Years in the Field
Adrienne Lalli Hills @PrairieTrawler
● Board of Directors, Museum Education Roundtable, Exhibitions and Programs at ahha Tulsa
< 1 year @ ahha Tulsa / 10 Years in the Field
Douglas Hegley @dhegley
● Chief Digital Officer
7 years @ Minneapolis Institute of Art / 21 Years in the Field
Introductions

4. This is going to get personal
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MCN is our trusted community
We are going to be honest, personal, vulnerable, emotional
Including: career stress, major changes, depression, illness and death
We ask that everyone agree to the Chatham House Rule

5. Chatham House Rule
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Paraphrased:
● Feel free to use the information
○ even on social media
● However:
● Please do not reveal the identity/affiliation of the
speakers (no attribution)
○ Nor that of other participants
○ Unless explicit permission is given
The Chatham House Rule [has] the aim of providing anonymity to speakers and to encourage openness and the sharing of
information. It is used throughout the world as an aid to free discussion. Source: https://www.chathamhouse.org/chatham-house-rule#

6. Theme One: Crossroads
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8. Theme Two: Disruption
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9. MCN 201809

10. Theme Three: Balance
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11. Balance
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Unknown Artist, China
Balance, early 17th century
Huang-hua-li hardwood and pai
tung hardware
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Dayton
Minneapolis Institute of Art
96.120.1a-p

12. Theme Four: Resilience
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13. Resilience
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Peter Turnley
Bosnian-Muslim Displaced
Refugees, Croatia
1995
University of Michigan
Museum of Art
1995
2016/2.503
Gift of David and Jennifer
Kieselstein

14. Resilience
How Resilience Works - Diane Coutu, Harvard Business Review
“Resilient people and companies face reality with staunchness, make
meaning of hardship instead of crying out in despair, and improvise
solutions from thin air.”

15. Ways work folks were supportive
● Talked about heavy stuff when I wanted to
● Didn’t avoid the topic
● Didn’t make it about themselves and their grief
● Didn’t prescribe solutions
● Didn’t typecast me or my spouse as tragic “survivors” - we just wanted to be
“normal”
● Fed my animals when we were away for surgeries and treatments
● Sent us Postmates gift cards

16. You're not alone. Confidential help is available for free.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
Or Text GO to 741741
Available 24 hours everyday
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17. More Resources
Psychology Help Center (American Psychological Association)
The Psychology Of Dealing With Change: How to Become Resilient (Psycom)
How to Make Room in Your Work Life for the Rest of Your Self (HBR)
Self Care 101: 10 ways to take better care of you (Psychology Today)
How to be more mindful at work (New York Times)
Cancer Caregiver Support (American Cancer Society)
Women At Work podcast (HBR)
TED Playlist: Talks to watch when you have a big decision to make (TED)
Why You Should Take Time to Mourn During Career Transitions (NYT)

18. Thank you and take care
Remember: We have each other
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