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Home My WebLink AboutThe Citizen, 1997-07-30, Page 10PAGE 10. THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 30, 1997 Career circumstances force young mother’s hand By Bonnie Gropp Citizen staff Look on it as a time to re-evaluate and make the most of it. This is precisely the attitude Pauleen Kerkhof of Brussels took when the word came down that in the near future she would be losing her job. Having graduated in 1982 as a Mental Retardation Counsellor (now known as a Developmental Service Worker), Pauleen worked for one year at the London and District Association for the Mentally Retarded (now London Community Living Association). For the past 11 years she has worked at the Mid Western Regional Centre, just south of Palmerston, as a Residential Counsellor II. The numerical status indicates she is fully qualified and trained to work with the clients who reside at the centre in all aspects of their care, including the handling of medications. Now, with the provincial government’s decision to integrate these residents into the community, the staff has been informed that the doors will be closed March 31. In a world of downsizing and cutbacks, this situation is becoming all too familiar. For many, having the proverbial rug yanked from under their feet on the career trail is a demeaning and often debilitating thing. Not so, Pauleen. "I knew that there would probably be a job for me in another association, but when this announcement came down I began to start re thinking my career and family." As a 37-year-old with most of the financial burdens typical of her generation, Pauleen knew that staying home wasn't an option. "We needed a second income." But as the mother of three small children, ages seven, five and four, the idea was attractive. Shortly before hearing of the province's decision last July, Pauleen had been at a retreat, where she says she did some introspection on what she wanted in her life and realized that she wanted to be at home. "Soon after that I got the news that the Centre was closing, and I began to wonder if this was God's little plan for me." In addition to her full-time job, Pauleen had also dabbled in a small home-sale business as a consultant for Jocus, a Canadian company begun in 1978 by a group of parents who wanted quality educational toys for their children. Pauleen was introduced to Jocus three years ago when she started buying the product for her small family. Because she was so thrilled with the toys, the woman she bought them from, Cathy Bredlo of Gorrie, convinced her to try her hand at selling them in June of 1995. "I didn't really try too hard that first year, because it was just a sideline, but there was a steady flow of business and financially I did alright." In the beginning, Pauleen was content with the local exposure she got through setting up a table at the annual fall fair. Since making her decision, however, she has taken on the challenge of building a respectable part-time, home-based business. Last year she began doing parties to enhance sales and for self-promotion. Pauleen notes that in this competitive world, it's important for anyone trying to build a similar home-based business to be enthusiastic and energetic. They also need to be creative. She peruses local newspapers for the names of new mothers, whom she visits personally and gives a gift certificate. She bids on corporate Christmas parties, and last year in conjunction with Bredlo, established a store in Listowel for the Christmas season. Of the close to $10,000 in sales, the pair donated $1,000 to the local Salvation Army. Trying to build the business to this point has been a little on the stressful side, Pauleen admits, as she is still working full-time at the Centre. However, with layoffs occurring at intervals since July, she has no way of knowing if she will be there until March, so is jumping into her new focus with a vengeance. And it seems to be working. Last Testers Pauleen Kerkhof says believing in the product you sell is the only way to do it. And with her on-the-job testers, Annamieka, left, and Emily she knows how well a toy is received. year she ranked 19th in sales for Canada. There are 500 toy consultants in Ontario alone. She admits that this type of business isn't for everyone saying that unless they have the "heart for the product" it's difficult to sell. "This one is easy for me because I speak of it from my heart. I don't have to convince me to convince others." Besides her work as a toy consultant, Pauleen also earns a modest income, selling decorated cakes and craftwork. Though Pauleen acknowledges she has given up a solid, steady income, to follow her plan, she is quick to point out there are other rewards. "I knew I couldn't stay home and do nothing and financially this is a sacrifice," she says, "but to have the opportunity to be my own boss, set my own hours and contribute to the household is worth it." The bottom line is that the end may not need to signify the end, but could instead be a push to a new beginning. Pauleen said had her hand not been forced, she may never have made the decision that for nowjhe is satisfied with. Also, she is quick to add, that this may not be the answer, but rather for now, is an answer. Noting that Bredlo has now worked her way into a full-time position with Jocus, Pauleen says, "You never know where roads are going to take you. For now I am happy to be on the one that keeps me home with my children. 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