Now Hiring!!

In the recent years I've noticed an unfortunate decline in jobs within the turf industry but honestly, who hasn't? I've personally experienced conversations that many individuals in the industry are struggling to either move into another role or are out of work completely. Many individuals are attempting to use social media and other resources to network which is wonderful but in more cases than not, doesn't do the trick. Obviously, this is taking place all over the country in almost every industry.
I truly believe fulfilling employment and being able to adequately provide for yourself/your family is one of the largest stresses individuals face. And unfortunately, with the way our world is today faced with desires of immediate gratification and a materialistic philosophy - this puts even larger strains and stresses on individuals struggling to move onward and upward. Through this epidemic, I've seen families fall apart, fun friends become drunks, marriages fail and worse, suicide.

It continues to be my goal to add value for my Turf Wives family. Last blog I touched on being a human resource professional. I currently hold and maintain a Professional Human Resources (PHR) degree and certificate, which although I now work in the turf industry, I would like to continue to put towards good use. In my career I have hired thousands of employees. I have also spent countless hours volunteering and offering services to assist friends, family, strangers, colleagues etc. obtain new employment. As part of my goal, I would like to take this opportunity to offer these same services to my Turf Wives family.

I will be volunteering my professional services on a first come, first serve basis for: customized resume'/CV assistance, interview assistance, employment negotiations, employment law etc. for any wife or husband in the industry following my National Association of Turf Wives facebook page. I will also attempt to stay abreast new career openings within the industry as time allows. All assistance request and inquiries should be sent to Turfwives@yahoo.com.

You are welcome to find my public professional profile by clicking the following link: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/beth-mcdonald-phr/6/825/836

I look forward to adding value to you and yours,
Beth

Who is this Turf Wife?

Just another wife who has nothing better to do than poke at the turf industry? Barely. Actually, finding time to constantly add value and engage with my Turf Wives has proven to be quite difficult.
Like so many of you, I'm a full time mother and up until this past August, I was a full time employee. I have an advanced degree in Human Resources Management - I was the person most of your husbands (and maybe even yourself) love to hate. The person responsible for hiring and unfortunately, firing.

This past summer I took a leap of faith and began to work with (notice I didn't say "for") my husband. It was an extremely difficult decision to go from Fortune 500 companies to a small business in which my husband is the President and Lead Scientist for. My husband and I have been together for almost 14 years and I know we work extremely well together so I dove in head first. There's no other option in the middle of the summer is there? So, what was it like going from suits, meetings and employee counseling to hands on field work? I have many adjectives for my experiences: astonishing, awe-inspiring, awful, beautiful, breathtaking, daunting, frantic, overwhelming, stunning and many many more but really, seriously wonderful and rewarding.Seeing your own hard working hands-on (sometimes back breaking) work actually working, growing and changing from one day to the next gave me a crystal clear vision of why so many men (and some women) absolutely love their jobs in the turf industry. It's not easy work - it's extremely stressful and exhausting - much different then my experience in corporate america. I found myself working harder than I ever had in my professional life. But there is nothing more rewarding than working side by side with your life partner and seeing the fruits of your very own labor paying off.

Of course, I have my very own dreams and aspirations that don't consist of me returning to the 50X50 florescent lighted offices I've grown so used to. When I'm not directly working for our business, being the best wife and mother I can, working out and trying to add value to Turf Wives amongst the thousands of other activities I engage in on a daily basis...I find myself drawling up my very own business plans for owning my very own winery - right in our backyard! Stay tuned...

There are so many other aspects of my life that I'd love nothing more than to share with my Turf Wives. My most proud accomplishment within the past 1.5 years actually has nothing to do with turf at all. For those of you know actually know me personally (a seriously small percentage) they've seen the personal transition and growth that lead me to lose 70+ pounds in the short 1.5 years. That's the entire weight of my 11 year old niece! It was with a lot of hard work, dedication and true commitment to making this the best life for me and my family. Oh p.s., I also quit smoking cigarettes in that period of time as well!!

Well, life is calling (actually she's yelling) so that's a wrap for today. Stay tuned...more about this Turf Wife in due time...
xoxo