Episode 16: How Career Choices Change When Kids are Involved with Jason Kleyn

Synopsis

One of the big tradeoffs we make as parents is how much time to spend with kids and how much to focus on work. In many cases that means a career taking a back seat to the new family, but not always.

In this episode, host Greg Martin discusses how Jason switched careers upon the birth of his first daughter in hopes that his new line of work would give more time and flexibility for his kids. The tradeoff never ends. As a salesperson and someone growing a brand, he has the constant tradeoff between kids and work.

Throughout the episode the two discuss the things we want for our children and how they see us as parents and people that “work”. Lots of our world changes when we have kids. When you focus on work and you focus on kids there are always dilemmas and it doesn’t leave much else.

Key Takeaways

• Jason started his career with a business degree and focus on hospitality management which lead to managing restaurants and a future career in hospitality sector

• Recent shift on the birth of his first child into the real estate sector

• Made career change to gain flexibility and have ability to be home for his family

• Balance in life now about juggling both kids and creating his own brand and business

• Covid-19 has given us plenty of times with our kids, maybe more than we need

• Goals for business are usually easier to articulate than goals for your kids, but kids are the helpful distraction you always need

Jason’s Background

• Today Jason owns and runs JK Hospitality Real Estate and is an agent with RE/MAX Ultimate Realty Inc. Brokerage

• Past roles in banquets and events at Ritz-Carlton Hotel and management at Cora’s chain of restaurants

• Degree in Hospitality Operations Management at George Brown College