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WORK TITLE: The Best of Both Worlds
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: http://www.bethbrykman.com/
CITY: Cincinnati
STATE: OH
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
http://www.bethbrykman.com/about.html * https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-brykman-3ab09a47/ * http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/1191654.Beth_Brykman
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
Has children.
ADDRESS
CAREER
Writer and sculptor. Previously, worked as a senior marketing executive for companies, including Pittsburgh Brewing Company and Kraft General Foods; worked as a product manager for Frito-Lay, HJ Heinz, and Ralston Purina; former part-time marketing consultant. Sculptures have been exhibited in venues throughout New England.
MEMBER:New England Sculptors Association.
WRITINGS
Contributor of articles to publications, including the Sudbury Town Crier and the New England Journal of Public Policy.
SIDELIGHTS
Beth Brykman is a writer and sculptor based in Cincinnati, OH. She has written books on balancing career and motherhood. Her sculptures have been featured in gallery exhibitions throughout New England. Before devoting herself to her art and writing, Brykman worked as a senior marketing executive for companies, including Pittsburgh Brewing Company and Kraft General Foods. She has also help product management positions at Frito-Lay, HJ Heinz, and Ralston Purina. Additionally, Brykman ran her own marketing consulting firm for a time.
The Wall Between Women and Second Wind
In 2006, Brykman released her first book, The Wall Between Women: The Conflict Between Stay-at-Home and Employed Mothers. She notes that she knows both sides of this conflict well, having been a both a stay-at-home mom and a working mom. Brykman discusses the stereotypes that are attached to each type of mother. Stay-at-home moms are sometimes characterized as being lazy, not smart, and self-righteous, while working moms are considered cold, selfish, and egoistic. In order to develop a more realistic view of working moms and stay-at-home moms, Brykman performed market research, interviewing 101 mothers about their employment choices. She also conducted informal conversations on the topic with even more women. Brykman identifies key factors in women’s choices of whether to work or to stay home. Among those factors are childcare options, insecurity, career history, education, and support from family members and others. Brykman urges women to redefine what success means to them. She also encourages mothers not to feel guilty, no matter what they choose to do with regard to employment. Brykman asserts that women should not judge others who have made decisions that are different than their own. Reviewing the book in Library Journal, Erica Foley remarked: “Brykman’s argument and commentary, with proposed solutions that range from dropping guilt … to broad cultural change, become repetitive.” In a more favorable assessment in Publishers Weekly, a contributor suggested: “Brykman’s basic message–that women should define success for themselves …is a useful conclusion.”
In Second Wind: The Resilience of Women, Brykman includes twelve true stories of women overcoming difficult situations. Among the women she profiles is Emily, the mother of young twin daughters and the victim of domestic violence. Though she was unemployed and only had five hundred dollars to her name, she left her abusive husband and established an organization to help other women in abusive relationships. Another story in the book is that of Candace, who fell into a coma after having an accident while riding her bicycle. She experienced a traumatic brain injury. When Candace finally woke up from the come, she was told that her prognosis was not good. It was not likely that she would speak or walk on her own again. However, Candace defied the medical odds and learned to walk and talk again. She took part in the Boston Marathon in 2011. In addition to telling these women’s stories, Brykman also discusses the concept of resilience. She notes that having a good support system can help, as can leaning on one’s religious beliefs. Brykman suggests that the most important element of resilience is a can-do attitude.
The Best of Both Worlds
Brykman again discusses mothers’ employment choices in her 2016 book, The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work. In this volume, she highlights the advantages of mothers working part-time. Brykman discusses transitioning from not working at all to working part-time, as well as transitioning from working full-time to working part-time. As in The Wall Between Women, she gathers information from market research data collected through interviewing over one hundred mothers who work part-time. Brykman collects their suggestions on types of part-time employment, including starting a small business. The women she has interviewed also offer advice on gathering contacts in one’s profession of choice and comment on the difficulties women can have when they work part-time. Among the women Brykman profiles in the book are part-time accountants and fitness instructors.
The Best of Both Worlds received mixed reviews. “While readers who are struggling with this question may find Brykman’s work helpful, there’s just not enough solid content,” commented a Publishers Weekly critic. However, Emily Compton-Dzak, reviewer in Booklist, suggested that The Best of Both Worlds offered “good therapy for mothers who have already switched to part-time work or are considering doing so.” In a lengthy assessment of the volume on the Shann Eva’s Blog Web site, a writer asserted: “Whether you’re deciding what to do when you first child arrives, or you’re deciding to return to the workforce because your youngest will finally be in school, there is great information in this book for you.” The same writer added: “If you’re about to start a family, if you’re re-entering the workforce since having children, or even if you are thinking of leaving your full-time job, this book can be really helpful to you. It gives you realistic options for you and your family.”
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Booklist, November 1, 2016, Emily Compton-Dzak, review of The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work, p. 5.
California Bookwatch, February, 2017, review of The Best of Both Worlds.
Library Journal, February 1, 2006, Erica Foley, review of The Wall Between Women: The Conflict Between Stay-at-Home and Employed Mothers, p. 96.
Publishers Weekly, January 9, 2006, review of The Wall Between Women, p. 44; August 15, 2016, review of The Best of Both Worlds, p. 66.
ONLINE
Beth Brykman Home Page, http://www.bethbrykman.com/ (May 18, 2017).
Missy/s Product Reviews, http://www.missysproductreviews.com/ (February 22, 2017), synopsis of The Best of Both Worlds.
Shann Eva’s Blog, http://www.shanneva.com/ (February 28, 2017 ), review of The Best of Both Worlds.*
About Beth Brykman
Picture
Right brain/left brain, artist/author… I am pulled in both directions, never knowing whether the day will be a visual extravaganza or verbal journey.
As an author
I would love to talk to your group about my latest book, The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-time Satisfaction in Part-time Work. Send me a message through the form under the "contact" tab.
In 2005, I started writing books, focusing specifically on women. My corporate experience with Fortune 500 corporations combined with the running of my own company and motherhood gives me the skills necessary to write authentic and interesting works about women.
Other books I've written are Second Wind: The Resilience of Women and The Wall Between Women: The Conflict between Stay-at-Home and Employed Mothers. I have also written for the New England Journal of Public Policy and The Sudbury Town Crier.
On the business side, I founded and managed my own part-time marketing consultant business. Prior to that, I held senior marketing positions at Kraft General Foods and Pittsburgh Brewing Company. I also worked in product management for Ralston Purina, HJ Heinz and Frito-Lay.
As an artist
In today’s world where many artists are utilizing technology as a tool for art development, I explore contemporary themes in an ancient medium, raw stone. Starting with the love of the stone itself, each sculpture is a dialogue between myself and the raw material; an expression of an idea in an ancient medium. My sculptures are very much dependent on the natural stone – it’s variations in color and hue, direction of stratification, degree of roughness and size. Sculpting primarily in alabaster, I analyze each piece to ensure that the final sculpture will leverage the textures, colors and nuances of the stone to its fullest. To help the viewer fully appreciate the stone, I leave a part of the stone raw to contrast with the highly polished image being portrayed.
I am a juried Member of the New England Sculptors Association.
http://www.nesculptors.com/Artists/Artist_Brykman/index.html
Exhibitions
2014 - Concord Art Association Members Juried 1; Painting and Sculpture
Juried Exhibition, Concord, MA
2013 – Pret a Porter- Brush Gallery Exhibition 2013
Juried Exhibition, Lowell, MA
2013 – Concord Art Association Annual Holiday Originals
Concord MA
2012 - Brush Gallery and New England Sculptors Association Members Exhibition 2012
Juried Exhibition, Lowell, MA
2012 - Expressions
An Exhibition of Sculptures by Beth Brykman, Photography by Evan McGlinn, &
Paintings by Randi Siu
Gleason Public Library, Carlisle, MA
2012 - Six Summit Gallery
Juried Exhibition, Ivoryton, CT
2012 - Works from Members of the New England Sculptors Association,
Juried Exhibition, Massachusetts State Transportation Building, Boston, MA
2012 - DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum
Juried Student Exhibition, Lincoln, MA
2011 - Brush Gallery and New England Sculptors Association Members Exhibition 2011
Juried Exhibition, Lowell, MA
2010 - DeCordova Sculpture Park & Museum
Juried Student Exhibition, Lincoln, MA
2003 - Ridgefield Guild of Artists All Members Show
Ridgefield, CT
2002 - Ridgefield Guild of Artists Holiday Market
Ridgefield, CT
2002 - First Year Anniversary Observation of 9/11 Exhibit
Ridgefield Library, Ridgefield, CT
2002 - Silvermine Arts Center 12th Annual Juried Student Exhibition
Juried Exhibition, New Cannan, CT
2001 - Silvermine Arts Center Christmas Gift Show
New Cannan, CT
2001 - Ridgefield Guild of Artists 24th Annual Juried Show
Juried Exhibtion, Ridgefield, CT
Beth Brykman is the author of The Wall between Women: The Conflict between Stay-at-Home and Employed Mothers and Second Wind: The Resilience of Women. She has also written for the New England Journal of Public Policy. She has managed her own part-time consulting business, Brykman Consulting Services; has held senior marketing positions at Kraft General Foods and Pittsburgh Brewing Company; and has worked in product management for Ralston Purina, HJ Heinz, and Frito-Lay.
The Best of Both worlds
(Feb. 2017):
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2017 Midwest Book Review
http://www.midwestbookreview.com
The Best of Both Worlds
Beth Brykman
Prometheus Books
59 John Glenn Drive, Amherst, NY 14228-2197
9781633882478, $17.00, www.prometheusbooks.com
The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work is for mothers who want to return to the world of work, and pairs real-life stories from interviews with over a hundred working mothers with discussions of how to identify the roots of a balanced live/work life, and how to put such a plan in action. Part-time work can be handled, especially with specific knowledge of the possibilities and pitfalls, covered here in a guide for any mother who would redefine goals and family life while retaining high quality in both worlds.
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The Best of Both worlds." California Bookwatch, Feb. 2017. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA486641894&it=r&asid=0b73779316bb492abd11c99a3ec0ea7c. Accessed 8 May 2017.
QUOTED: "good therapy for mothers who have already switched to part-time work or are considering doing so."
Gale Document Number: GALE|A486641894
The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work
Emily Compton-Dzak
113.5 (Nov. 1, 2016): p5.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 American Library Association
http://www.ala.org/ala/aboutala/offices/publishing/booklist_publications/booklist/booklist.cfm
The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work. By Beth Brykman. Nov. 2016.280p. Prometheus, paper, $17 (9781633882478); e-book, $11.99 (9781633882485).
Written for mothers seeking that notoriously elusive work-life balance, this guide argues adamantly for the value of part-time work. Whether a mother is working full-time or not at all, Brykman (Second Wind: The Resilience of Women, 2012) believes the transition to the part-time working world is not as impossible as one might think. Brykman's strategies are culled from the experiences of more than 100 part-time working mothers, from accountants to Jazzercise instructors, and she covers such topics as scaling back from full-time work, starting your own business, returning to the workforce with no professional contacts, and finding the right child care for your situation. The author operates on the assumption that most working mothers are married with a husband available for support, which limits the scope, however. While there is nothing especially groundbreaking about Brykman's latest, the treasury of anecdotes from women who found creative solutions to their employment woes could serve as good therapy for mothers who have already switched to part-time work or are considering doing so. --Emily Compton-Dzak
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Compton-Dzak, Emily. "The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work." Booklist, 1 Nov. 2016, p. 5. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA471142716&it=r&asid=67dec11d52d9d61efb1c976b428849b1. Accessed 8 May 2017.
QUOTED: "While readers who are struggling with this question may find Brykman's work helpful, there's just not enough solid content."
Gale Document Number: GALE|A471142716
The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work
263.33 (Aug. 15, 2016): p66.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2016 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work
Beth Brykman. Prometheus Books, $17 trade paper (280p) ISBN 978-1-63388-248-5
This soothing if not particularly directive guide from author and part-time consultant Brykman urges mothers to find the much-vaunted work-life balance in part-time work. Part-time employment, she says, is the "ultimate solution" for women who are looking to continue earning income and gaining fulfillment from their careers, but want to work shorter hours to spend more time with their children. According to her, employers are more accommodating of mothers' schedules now than in the past. Part-time workers are particularly valuable because they can fill in peak hours that the full-time workforce doesn't want to take. Through dozens of stories detailing the experiences of her interviewees, Brykman talks through the advantages (and disadvantages) of shifting from full- to part-time employment, starting a business, following a passion, networking, and working from home. While she does give some suggestions for finding success, the book is more an attempt to assuage concerns and show readers that they can have what other women have; it includes far more personal experience than data or concrete direction. While readers who are struggling with this question may find Brykman's work helpful, there's just not enough solid content to help a mother begin on this path. (Nov.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-Time Satisfaction in Part-Time Work." Publishers Weekly, 15 Aug. 2016, p. 66. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA461444591&it=r&asid=20a2cde0ca8186658a7979a14f430787. Accessed 8 May 2017.
QUOTED: "Brykman's argument and commentary, with proposed solutions that range from dropping guilt ... to broad cultural change, become repetitive."
Gale Document Number: GALE|A461444591
Brykman, Beth. The Wall Between Women: The Conflict Between Stay-at-Home and Employed Mothers
Erica Foley
131.2 (Feb. 1, 2006): p96.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2006 Library Journals, LLC. A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.libraryjournal.com/
Brykman, Beth. The Wall Between Women: The Conflict Between Stay-at-Home and Employed Mothers. Prometheus. Mar. 2006. c.200p. ISBN 1-59102-394-7. pap. $18. SOC SCI
Brykman, who has been both a marketing executive and a stay-at-home mother, examines the barriers and hostility between mothers who work outside the home (a majority) and those who do not. Are stay-at-home mothers dimwitted, self-righteous, and lazy? Are employed mothers arrogant, selfish, and unkind to their children? Using market research techniques, Brykman formally interviewed 101 mothers and conversed with dozens more in an attempt to understand the barriers between these two groups. Using her study as the backdrop for this book, she explores such factors as education, insecurity, misperceptions, and schedules as well as the circumstances that lead women to their mothering and employment decisions, including daycare availability, career status, family and community support, and part-time work options. She then makes suggestions for breaking down the barriers by redefining success, abolishing guilt, and changing cultural perceptions. Although the many examples of women's lives, choices, and thoughts, with numerous quotations from those interviewed, add interest to the work, the text lacks drive, and Brykman's argument and commentary, with proposed solutions that range from dropping guilt to coparenting to broad cultural change, become repetitive. Recommended for some public libraries.--Erica Foley, Flint P.L., MI
Foley, Erica
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
Foley, Erica. "Brykman, Beth. The Wall Between Women: The Conflict Between Stay-at-Home and Employed Mothers." Library Journal, 1 Feb. 2006, p. 96. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA142297022&it=r&asid=0e13fa5282f81306aaff66fd858ea794. Accessed 8 May 2017.
QUOTED: "Brykman's basic message–that women should define success for themselves ...is a useful conclusion."
Gale Document Number: GALE|A142297022
The Wall Between Women: The Conflict Between Stay-At-Home and Employed Mothers
253.2 (Jan. 9, 2006): p44.
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2006 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
The Wall Between Women: The Conflict Between Stay-At-Home and Employed Mothers BETH BRYKMAN. Prometheus, $18 paper (200p) ISBN 1-59102-394-7
Imagine a coffee klatch of upper-middle-class women with nuclear families, asked to discuss the barrier the author believes separates stay-at-home and employed mothers. Some might say there aren't problems because the two types of women's paths simply don't cross. Some might air grievances about the flex-time or part-time work policies of their employers. Others might recount the demeaning remarks ("you stay home all day--what do you do with yourself?") made at cocktail parties by dressed-for-success career morns. Imagine a few more comments, and you can skip reading this tiresome pseudo-survey. Brykman, a mother who's worked in marketing, says she questioned some 100 rooms about their feelings concerning this "wall" between women. She neither includes a copy of her survey nor describes how she located her contributors; and the book is rife with run-on sentences and grammatical errors. Still, Brykman's basic message--that women should define success for themselves, not feel guilty about it and be supportive of other women's choices--is a useful conclusion. (Mar.)
Source Citation (MLA 8th Edition)
"The Wall Between Women: The Conflict Between Stay-At-Home and Employed Mothers." Publishers Weekly, 9 Jan. 2006, p. 44. General OneFile, go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?p=ITOF&sw=w&u=schlager&v=2.1&id=GALE%7CA141048856&it=r&asid=97190c218e6dbb893f2e3eaf6c517d72. Accessed 8 May 2017.
Gale Document Number: GALE|A141048856
QUOTED: "Whether you’re deciding what to do when you first child arrives, or you’re deciding to return to the workforce because your youngest will finally be in school, there is great information in this book for you."
"If you’re about to start a family, if you’re re-entering the workforce since having children, or even if you are thinking of leaving your full-time job, this book can be really helpful to you. It gives you realistic options for you and your family."
Part-time work: The Best of Both Worlds Review
February 28, 2017 By Shann 18 Comments
*This is a sponsored post. All honest opinions are 100% my own.
Part-time work
As a woman, there are so many decisions that go along with starting a family. Will you stay home with your new baby full-time, will you go back to work full-time and put your child in daycare, or will you do a little of both? Is there a way to do both? Is part-time work a good option for you?
For me, I’ve stayed home as a full-time mom, and I’ve also worked part-time. While I love being home with my children, I think I’m always happier when I have some part-time work.
Why is that? What are the benefits of working part-time as a mother? Could it be the solution that you’re looking for?
If you’ve been asking yourself these questions and wondering what to do, I’ve just read a book that can help you figure things out.
Part-time work can be the solution Moms are looking for. This book provides ideas and suggestions how to make it work for you.
Beth Brykman has written a book that explores the world of part-time work, and shows just how satisfying it can be to a lot of women. Her book, The Best of Both Worlds:How Mothers Can Find Full-time Satisfaction In Part-Time Work, really resonated with me. I think it will also resonate with a lot of mothers who are at that crossroads right now. Whether you’re deciding what to do when you first child arrives, or you’re deciding to return to the workforce because your youngest will finally be in school, there is great information in this book for you.
About the Book
The Best of Both Worlds shares story after story of women that have found part-time work as missing piece to their happiness. Beth interviewed over 100 women from different geographical areas, backgrounds, races, and stations in life. Overall, she found the majority of them found the most satisfaction and happiness when they were working part-time.
The book is broken down into 10 chapters, each exploring a different aspect of the part-time work world. From the reasons behind working part-time, to how to find a position that’s right for you, to even how to start your own business, Beth shares real-life examples from mothers. While you may not relate to every woman in the book, with so many different stories, I’m confident you will find someone who speaks to you. I know I found quite a few voices that spoke to me, and I found myself nodding my head along with their experiences.
Making part-time work really work for you with helpful tips, stories, and guiding questions in a well written book.
What I loved about Beth’s book was that at the end of each chapter, she reviews the key points and gives you questions to ask yourself. It’s truly both a collection of actual experiences paired with the information you need to start your own part-time journey. She gives you resources and ideas that can guide you as a mother in the work field.
Beth is also very honest in her book, sharing that not everyone does find satisfaction in the part-time work field. As with anything, the same thing doesn’t work for everyone.
Final Thoughts
If you’re about to start a family, if you’re re-entering the workforce since having children, or even if you are thinking of leaving your full-time job, this book can be really helpful to you. It gives you realistic options for you and your family, while also sharing the obstacles of part-time work. It’s a great guide that can help you determine which is the right path for you and how you can get there by providing real-life examples, guided questions, and key takeaway points.
Right now, you can purchase Beth’s Book through my Amazon Affiliate link by clicking any of the blue links in this post or this picture below. There is no additional charge to you.
Raising children is an important job, but staying home with them full-time doesn’t work for everyone. Beth’s book can help you determine if part-time work is the solution for you, and help you realize the real reason that you need that work to feel satisfied. Once you narrow down those reasons, finding the right job becomes a lot easier. Where you can start your search and find that job is another great resource included in the book.
About Beth
Part-time work, Full-time satisfaction
Beth Brykman is the author of The Wall Between Women: The Conflict between Stay-at-Home and Employed Mothers and Second Wind: The Resilience of Women. She has also written for the New England Journal of Public Policy. She has managed her own part-time consulting business, Brykman Consulting Services; has held senior marketing positions at Kraft General Foods and Pittsburgh Brewing Company; and has worked in product management for Ralston Purina, HJ Heinz, and Frito-Lay.
I know that part-time work has helped me explore my passions, while also allowing me to contribute to my family and be with my children. With the help of Beth’s book, I have the knowledge and tools to continue on my journey. It really is a great guide that I will be going back to whenever I have questions or need motivation.
Every mother deserves to feel happy and fulfilled, and this book is a great way to get there.
How Part-time work can lead to Full-time satisfaction
What questions can Beth’s book help you answer? What do you think about working part-time? Is it something that might work for you and your family?
Beth Bryman's The Best of Both World's Giveaway Ends 3/10
(this post contains affiliate links)
Sponsored By: Beth Brykman
Hosted By: Love, Mrs. Mommy
*3 Winners Will Receive*
A Copy of Beth Brykman's New Book Titled:
The Best of Both Worlds: How Mothers Can Find Full-time Satisfaction in Part-time Work
Book Synopsis: How can mothers bridge the gap between the worlds of "mom" and "career woman" to find work-life balance? By working part-time. This informative guide tells both stay-at-home and full-time working mothers how they can reengage or redefine their careers while still having time to care for their children. The author--a mother and a former business executive, entrepreneur, and self-employed writer--provides all the information moms need to find the ideal employment solution in today's job market. For some women that means returning to the job market, while for others that means reducing hours with a current employer or changing jobs to obtain part-time work. The author also offers suggestions for defining personal objectives, networking, approaching job-sharing, and starting a business to help land part-time jobs.
Open To US and must be 18+ to enter
Giveaway Dates ~ 2/21 9:00 AM EST through 3/10 11:59PM EST
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