We had the good fortune of connecting with Jennifer Duggan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jennifer, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My balance has changed greatly because I used to not have any. It was work, work, work, work some more — and I finally realized, that wasn’t me driving, it was the corporate structure driving, making me believe that if I just continued to work, I’d grow and my merits would be recognized. Sometimes, that did happen — but not always the way it should have been. When I realized this, I started thinking about what I wanted for my career and how I could achieve that in a way that works for me! And, this is EXACTLY what I encourage my clients to do! Careers are going to look different on everyone, but the key to having a successful one is creating something sustainable that you can manage, that has meaning and purpose for you — and that allows you to be balanced. There should also be JOY at this table. So for me, I’ve figured out a great dance of balance — and I say no to things. I also realize, that for now, climbing the corporate ladder, isn’t the number one priority. There are other ways to make a living and find success.

What should our readers know about your business?
I actually started Career Coaching independently on the Career Contessa platform during the pandemic. I was already working in the HR field — and they were looking for Talent Acquisition and HR Leaders from the industries I’ve worked in. As time has gone on, I ended up starting my own private practice, so that I could offer more robust services and tools to my clients (and to small businesses who need HR support).

As a Career Coach, I’m a little bit different in that I’m using my 15 years of HR leadership expertise to look at your career and your journey through that lens — so I just see things a little bit differently because I’m thinking like a recruiter, talent development leader, hiring manager and business executive all in one. I often see opportunity for my clients where they don’t see it necessarily — and I know exactly how to help them get what they want. Coaching is amazing this way. My role is to support clients in getting what they desire — yes, this does require work on their part — but when they reach their goals, it’s an amazing feeling for both of us!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This one is tough! I would actually start off in Fort Worth at the Marty Leonard Chapel, and then go tour the Modern and have lunch in Cafe Modern….then for the night, head back to Dallas stay at Turtle Creek Mansion and have dinner at Le Bilboquet (as I type this, it definitely sounds exactly what we did for our wedding!). Then the next day I’d stay at the Spa, have breakfast and then bring guests out to Collin County (which is where I live — even though we love Fort Worth and Dallas for different reasons) — Tour the Star, do some shopping at Legacy West and grab dinner in Legacy Hall or at North. Then, to make this the must tour — the following day, we would head out to Mckinney to eat BBQ at Hutchins.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’m going to dedicate my shoutout to my husband. Without him, Joy of Work wouldn’t even exist! It’s something I’ve always wanted to do — and had ideas about in my heart, but never had the time or courage to execute it. When I realized I wanted to make some pivots in my career to be more present in other areas of my life, he was like what are you waiting on, and why wouldn’t you start this? He’s been so supportive along the way — and for that I will be forever grateful. Sometimes, you need others to see something in you that you don’t see in yourself, and he did that for me.

Website: https://www.joyofwork.co

Instagram: @joyofwork.co

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsimmons2

Image Credits
Melissa Spurrier Photography

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