Vanguard supports crew members wishing to further their education and build job-related skills by offering reimbursement for eligible programs through the Vanguard Academic Assistance Plan. The Plan provides reimbursement up to $9,000 per calendar year for tuition, books, and certain credit-based exams for undergraduate and graduate education programs. In 2020, over 600 crew participated in the program.

We congratulated those that recently graduated and shared with them a personal poem.

Though this year has been mostly onscreen
You made it look easy and keen.

You persevered because you’re the best
You made it through—you passed the test!

So don your caps and gowns and don’t be late
Because now it’s time to celebrate.

Vanguard sends congrats and a cheer
To the graduates of 2021—hear hear!

Pictured are a few of our crew who submitted their recent graduation photos.

Your well-being matters

Let’s be real for a minute—the last year has not been an easy one. The global pandemic has redefined the concept of well-being at home and at work. Whether you’ve had to adjust to virtual school, working where you live, socially distanced or virtual holidays with loved ones, or any of the other ways the last year has changed how we go about our lives, we could probably all use some time to focus on what our minds and bodies need.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Vanguard, along with our well-being partners, is hosting several events to further support the well-being of crew.

Virtual Wellness Expo: How our well-being vendors support crew

Mental health is more than just acknowledging how you feel. In order to aide crew in their holistic mental health journey, our well-being vendors have come together to create a three-day expo. The event features wellness focused on a variety of topics, including:

• Understanding the relationship between food and mental health.
• Doing desk yoga.
• Assistance in practicing mindfulness.
• Getting to know each of the vendors and how they can support crew.

A special panel with our vendors will give crew a quick overview of how each of the well-being vendors can assist in their wellness journey. Two of our partners are hosting webinars centered on the topic of resilience:

• The first workshop presents a path to resilience via​ practical, research-supported tools designed to help crew develop healthy ways of coping with their emotions, cultivate an optimistic mindset, utilize the power of social support, and move forward toward new goals more effectively. Combined, these tools can promote quicker recovery from life’s setbacks, and even inspire personal growth.
• In the second webinar, crew will see how building resilience can help make daunting tasks seem doable and bring a sense of energy and optimism to difficult situations, which is especially critical for those serving as a caregiver. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, this webinar will serve to provide strategies and practices crew can integrate into their daily lives.

Prioritizing mental health

We encourage taking advantage of our new services, especially if crew or a loved one:

• Never really considered using mental health care resources, but are feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed and want to feel better.
• Considered using mental health care resources in the past, but have never tried it. One new vendor makes the process easy and can connect individuals with a resource quickly.
• Had disappointing experiences in the past. Finding a good counselor can be a little bit like dating, it can take a few tries to meet the right person. Our approach tailors recommendations to personal needs, goals, and schedules.

“At first, I thought I didn’t have an issue with working from home and dealing with the pandemic. I was wrong. You don’t realize the mental toll it takes on you, from the isolation to lack of boundaries between work and home. I took advantage of Vanguard’s new services and was able to talk to someone who could help me work out the tornado going through my brain and focus on having a clearer mind.” – Anonymous crew member.

Vanguard offers a variety of resources and programs to support crew health and wellness goals. We’re invested in our crew and in creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

April 22 is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day. Prior to having kids, I always imagined myself bringing my adorably cute, super well-behaved child(ren) to my workplace and giving them a glimpse of what mom does every day.

Fast forward to March 16, 2020, when a stay at home order was put into effect for Pennsylvania. Overnight, everyday became ‘bring your kids to work’ day. Spoiler alert: it was not as glamourous as my pre-kid self envisioned. It was downright hard. Reflecting on the past year with my husband, who has also been working from home full-time during this period, I recall good times, bad times and hilarious times. Vanguard has been there for us every step of the way and I couldn’t be more grateful to work for a company that has proven time and again how much they value their employees.

For some perspective, I have three children: an eight-year-old, a four-year-old and a one-year-old. I have had at least one child home each day during work hours for over a year (379 days to be exact as my daughter started back at school full time on Monday, April 5). Here are some highlights that we’ve shared together:

The Good Times

• Having multiple family meals together each day.
• Watching my youngest son grow up before my eyes and being present for milestones like sitting, standing and walking.
• Being a part of my third grader’s education and truly understanding what she is working on each day.
• Learning that my four-year-old can nap at any time, in any place – if he’s tired he closes his eyes and goes to sleep.
• Appreciating the divide and conquer approach to household responsibilities that I have with my husband.

The Bad Times

• I lost my four-year-old one afternoon and after 20 minutes of panic and frantic searching, we found him sound asleep under the couch.
• Not only do I play the role of Vanguard professional and mom, but I also hold the title of housekeeper, lunch lady, referee, playmate, teacher, orthodontist and enemy number one (sometimes all in the same day).
• Personal space and quiet time cease to exist.

The Hilarious Times

• When asked what I do for Vanguard, my four-year-old replied that I talk on the computer phone (not entirely wrong).
• I have gotten really good at ignoring the noise around me. On a call one day, one of my kiddos was trying to get my attention by repeating the word “mom” over and over. I was in the middle of presenting a topic and as soon as I finished, I asked if anyone had any questions. Without missing a beat, one of the participants on the call said, “I think someone has a question for mom.”
• My one-year-old learned how to hang up calls on my headset – that was fun.

I can’t think of anyone who would say this past year has been easy. Employers have had a real opportunity to step up for their employees, and Vanguard has done so in a big way. It is OK if my kids pop on video calls to say hi. It’s OK if I need to reserve my lunch hour to make sure my kids are fed. It’s OK if I must step away from a meeting to help my child. Vanguard has welcomed my children into the mix with open arms, and I have never had to make excuses for having a life outside of work.

-Schuyler T.

Vanguard’s Total Rewards Package provides benefits for the unique needs of each of our crew members. Over the past year, it has become even more evident that these needs are ever-changing and different for each person. We continue to offer expanded benefits to fit various definitions of family and work-life balance, and aim to provide crew with the tools, resources, and programs they need to operate at their full potential – in both work and life.

“Every crew member is in a different place when it comes to their needs, wants, and thoughts on how their employer should support them from a benefits perspective. To navigate these differences, we think through our crew members’ own journeys on an individual level to truly understand how they experience our benefits program, which helps us identify where we might – or might not – be meeting their needs today.” -Amy W., Benefits Manager

Benefits and Well-Being

Healthcare

• A medical program that leads the market in both design and cost subsidy. Medical costs are subsidized significantly above competitive benchmark.
• Long-term savings opportunities with access to a Health Savings Account (HSA), allowing crew to take advantage of tax efficiencies now and investment opportunities for the future.
• Coverage and enhanced advocacy support for fertility services that supports all families (same-sex, opposite sex, transgender, and single-by-choice families), including crew wishing to delay pregnancy.
• Enhanced coverage for transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals, which aligns with the World Profession Association of Transgender Health (WPATH) Standards of Care in 2021.

Financial

• Competitive pay that aligns with market practices, and rewards crew contributions through annual incentives that align client outcomes with crew and company performance.
• Vanguard’s Retirement and Savings Plan (RSP) remains one of the premier defined contribution arrangements with a benchmark participation rate (97%), high average balance (3x national average) and diversified investment offerings. Our crew in the United States are immediately eligible to participate and Vanguard provides a generous match program to ensure our crew are retirement ready.
• Tuition assistance for student loan repayment and an academic assistance program for crew fostering growth inside and outside the office.
• Vanguard’s Dependent Scholarship Program assists crew members in funding a dependent child’s post-secondary education.

Wellbeing/Lifestyle

• Generous vacation and volunteer time off, with a flexible work week for many positions.
• Parental benefits that include paid time for birth parents and non-birth parents, as well as financial support for adoption and surrogacy.
• Wellness centers with on-site health clinics and fitness centers in our Malvern, Charlotte and Scottsdale locations. In response to COVID-19, these services have shifted to virtual platforms so crew can take advantage of them in our remote environment.
• Digital platform and therapy solution to provide care for emotional and mental health—how, when, and where it’s needed, at no cost.
• A new program that offers personalized support to help caregivers tackle the often complex logistical and administrative tasks associated with caring for a loved one. A dependent care FSA and paid family care leave are also provided.

Lastly, COVID-19 presented a unique opportunity for us to enable our strategy and develop new programs to support crew needs in this unprecedented time:

• New time-off programs that provided sick, caregiver, and childcare leave for crew who are balancing new care responsibilities.
• Enhanced access to medical care which removed cost barriers to seeking care for COVID-19 and covered telemedicine visits through Teladoc at 100%.
• Virtual wellbeing options that offered virtual fitness classes and a weekly schedule of mindfulness and resiliency drop-in sessions.

“Helping our diverse crew members thrive means that our benefits strategy needs to be an evolution to meet changing needs and preferences. The program is built on a strong foundation of core benefits like health care, time off and retirement, but also includes many other value-based benefits like education assistance, enhanced mental health support, and solutions to aid caregivers. Our intention is to ensure each program aligns to one of our guiding principles – whether it’s offering a specific digital tool to improve user experience, or simply because it’s the right thing to do for our crew. Crew feedback is an important part of this process as it helps us shape our benefits program, now and into the future.” -Amy W., Benefits Manager

Staying active, focusing on a healthy diet, and getting adequate sleep are essential to maintaining optimal health. However, as we settle into our new working environment, we recognize this can be a challenge for times when we might feel anxious or don’t have access to typical resources like gyms or group exercise classes. We asked our trainers with EXOS, the company behind Vanguard’s ShipShape fitness facilities, to provide insights into the current service offering for crew and to share tips for getting creative with incorporating healthy habits into your daily routine at home. Further, Vanguard crew have also weighed in to share feedback about their recent wellness experiences.

EXOS Senior Program Manager Andrew B. touches on Vanguard’s virtual wellness offer

At EXOS, our goal is to upgrade lives through our four pillars of performance: mindset, nutrition, movement and recovery. Now more than ever, our ShipShape members and the crew at Vanguard need a sense of normalcy to get through this unprecedented time. When ShipShape centers closed in mid-March, our team quickly responded to pull together the following fitness service offering that has been made available to all crew:

• 22 live group exercise classes available virtually each week.
• Healthy breaks, designed to reenergize or de-stress during the workday, and to allow crew to learn more about physical and emotional well-being.
• EXOS Live Well blog: this page offers great tips and resources to support your brain and body.
• Access to a wellness app, which provides over 500 on-demand workout videos, including no-equipment options for every age, interest, and ability.

Vanguard crew open up about their fitness regimens

Working out is a part of my daily routine, so I’m pretty set here at home in the way of space and equipment. But having access to the home workouts has really helped to add variety and motivation. It’s a great way to take that necessary break, and the coaches do an excellent job.
—Kim U.

Staying active was a major concern for me when I realized we’d be working remotely for an extended time. I take advantage of our ShipShape fitness center as much as I can, but now I’m on my own! What I’ve been trying to do is exercise before I open up my laptop in the morning, and then again in late afternoon after closing up shop. It’s a great way to clear my head and refocus. Usually I walk around the neighborhood, or if I’m lucky, I can play basketball with my teenage sons or get a family backyard volleyball game going. I’ve also been working with a ShipShape specialist who customized a workout plan that I can do without a ton of equipment. Her input has been fabulous! Now, if I can just stay away from the fridge . . .
—Jeff B.

Because our family is usually on the go, we have really had to make sure we are squeezing in daily workouts during this long work/school from home period. I have been taking advantage of our awesome virtual Ship Shape classes, online yoga sessions through my local studio, and completing my daughter’s assigned soccer workouts with her. I also try to take a quick walk during the day to get fresh air and, if I am lucky, I can slip outside to shoot a quick round of HORSE with the whole family. While we all want to stay physically fit during this time, the one thing we quickly realized is the importance of maintaining this physical activity as a way to maintain good mental health, too—both are so important!
—Kym G.

ShipShape’s EXOS trainers share tips that can help you cope

Mindset

Stay Active. It’s a slow process, but quitting will not speed it up. Dedicate this time to reach the goals that you’ve set for yourself. Drink lots of water, make healthy choices and exercise!
—Gianna T., Health Fitness Specialist, ShipShape PA

Spend 10 minutes each day doing something you enjoy: reading, journaling, listening to music, or going for a walk.
—Jess H., Health Fitness Specialist, ShipShape PA

Nutrition

Portion out snacks for the day for yourself and your family to control over-snacking. Designate a bowl or basket for each family member’s snacks. When planning out snacks, think about including all the colors of the rainbow like green apples, yellow peppers, red tomatoes and more!
—Becky M., Program Manager, ShipShape NC

Movement

Set a timer every 20-30 minutes throughout your work day to get up and either stretch or walk around the house for 2-3 minutes at a time. This way, you can come back fresh and more focused for your work day.
—Shannon O., Health Fitness Specialist, ShipShape AZ

Set a reoccurring alarm on your phone 3-5 times/day and label it as 10-20 repetitions of a specific movement i.e. squats, pushups, plank hold, lunges, etc. Movement is medicine!
—Brandon K., Program Manager, ShipShape PA

Recovery

Sleep is essential to having a healthy immune system. Dropping the thermostat between 65 and 72 degrees can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, allowing your body to naturally recover.
—Melissa K., Health Fitness Specialist, ShipShape PA

Group exercize

Regardless of your situation, you can set up a great workout space wherever you are! Whether it’s your bedroom or your backyard, make sure your area is clear of obstacles and distractions. Gather any equipment you need, grab water, and turn on some music to set your space and your intentions for your workout!
—Noah G., Program Manager, ShipShape PA

The end of the year is often a time to reflect on all that’s been accomplished in the last twelve months. We pulled together the top four career stories from 2019. Whether it’s your first read or you’re revisiting a favorite, we hope you enjoy!

12 Vanguard interview tips for experienced professionals

We sat down with five Vanguard recruiters to hear how they coach candidates through the interview process. In this blog, we share 12 ways that experienced professionals can prepare for a Vanguard interview—whether in person or over the phone.

When working in finance isn’t always for finance majors

Annsley opens up about her voyage to Vanguard after college. “To say I was hesitant to join the finance industry is an understatement. Much of my college education was focused on classes like organic chemistry and biomechanics. But my friend assured me that my passion to help people live a better life directly aligned with Vanguard’s mission. With his support along with my family, I took a giant leap of faith, and I couldn’t be happier that I did.”

What a career as a financial advisor looks like at Vanguard

Vanguard’s financial advisors are using time-proven investment methodology to offer investment solutions that lead our clients confidently toward their business or personal financial goals. In this series, our financial advisors share their personal experiences in pursuing a career in this field and the impact they’ve had in driving successful investment results for clients.

Family comes first

Kristen shares a personal story about how Vanguard allowed her to focus on family during a difficult time. “While my personal life was turned on its head, a new leader was assigned to my team. I was experiencing changes both at Vanguard and in my personal life. My first one-on-one was conducted through video conference from my parent’s house. It was during that conversation I finally said the words out loud…my mom had cancer. Not knowing how my new leader would respond, I waited. He took a moment and said, “Family comes first,” a concept I heard Vanguard was known for but never experienced firsthand.”

Inspired? Make your career count—search our opportunities.

Vanguard has an inspiring mission to help investors of all types, and I’ve been happy to be a part of it for more than ten years. I have also found Vanguard to be a place that values employees with families of all types. I experienced this during the adoption of two of my children.

Adopting a child can be a challenging and very expensive process —agency fees, social worker costs, legal and government requirements, and many other things add up. We benefited greatly from Vanguard’s Adoption Assistance Program, which reimbursed a significant part of these costs. Additionally, the Parental Leave benefit provides six weeks of paid leave for all parents, including adoptive parents, which was incredibly helpful to not only finalize the adoption, but also for us to be able to spend time together at home as a new family.

Me and my new daughter

I have used Vanguard’s Adoption Assistance Program twice.  My wife and I had adopted our oldest daughter as a baby when I first joined Vanguard, and we also had a biological son, but felt we had room in our family for one more.

We knew there were some children who were older or had special needs and were still waiting to have a family of their own. Last year, we adopted our seven-year-old daughter from China.

She didn’t speak English at the time of her adoption, but the orphanage caretakers told us through translators how happy she was to hear the news: “…she looks so excited, she keeps saying, I have a mom and dad!” Can you imagine being seven, without a mom and dad, then finding out you do have a family, and they are coming to take you home?

We spent two weeks in China and took our older two children, then 10 and 11, along with us to meet our daughter and bring her home. Our new “mèimei” (younger sister) was shy at first, but quickly showed that she had a size 10 personality in a size 7 body. I can still picture her marching through the busy city of Guangzhou cheerily calling out to hotel staff, “Nǐhǎo!” (hello) with her family struggling to keep up with her. Spotting a moth on a window, she shouts to her new family, “Jiě jie! Guò lái! Nǐ kàn!” (Sister, come here, look!)

The process was challenging, requiring a lot of trust and faith from her, us, and others, that somehow it will all work out right. In many ways, we pursue things in life that are difficult, and they often end up being worth the effort more than anything else. This is one of them.

First meeting her

During my leave and return, I also experienced an incredible demonstration of support from my work colleagues and management team who were happy along with me and had so many words of encouragement and ensured a supportive and flexible environment as I took time away to go bring our daughter home.

I appreciate that Vanguard values employees holistically and recognizes families can be formed in various ways, not only in traditional ones. By supporting adoptive parents through the Adoption Assistance Program and Parental Leave Policy, Vanguard makes it possible for more people to choose adoption. For the crew members who have room in their hearts and homes to be a family to a child who needs one, I hope they will use Vanguard’s benefits and any other resources to adopt.

-Perry B.

If you enjoyed this post, check out more from our #LifeatVanguard Blog. And if you’re ready for a more rewarding, engaging, meaningful career, search our opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.

In early 2015, I was suffering. Years of working a desk job and a sedentary lifestyle had taken their toll and my health was worsening. My blood pressure was way too high, and gout attacks frequently made it agonizing to walk. Sleep apnea and acid reflux meant I rarely got a decent night’s rest. At 41, I wasn’t too young to be at risk of a heart attack (or worse). It was time to do something. Lucky for me, Vanguard has an amazing wellness staff here to help – at Vanguard’s fitness center called ShipShape.

Small steps and big changes

I started with baby steps, like joining ShipShape’s six-week group weight-loss challenge and hitting the gym regularly. Encouraged by our specialist, I kept a food diary and changed my eating habits. I walked on the treadmill for a half-hour. I used the stairs instead of the elevator to get to my desk on the third floor. At the gym, the ShipShape team greeted me by name almost immediately, which built up my sense of belonging, as well as the accountability that I needed to make this a habit. They have been with me every step of the way.

Jumping to the next level

As time went on, I gravitated to group exercise classes, where I did things I never thought possible. I lifted a barbell for the first time in my life – then did 800 reps in 45 minutes. I punched and kicked through a cardio workout. I swung a kettlebell. I jumped on a BIG box. And then I did it all again. (At home, I annoyed my kids by threatening living-room burpees. Hey, I’m still a dad.)

The results came almost immediately. I lost a tremendous amount of weight that first year, but just as important, was developing the routine and the commitment to make this a lifestyle change. My family tracked my weekly weigh-ins. I had to buy new clothes! My team at work noticed. People who hadn’t seen me in a while were surprised by my transformation. “You did all this at Vanguard?” more than one person asked me.

It takes a (supportive) village

Make no mistake, this can be hard work, but the ShipShape staff are there to guide you through it. Austin has us pedaling for our lives in Group Cycling (but you don’t notice it, with such a fun soundtrack). Shannon doesn’t skip any of the toughest kickboxing choreography. Brandon and Chelsea sweat it out with us in every class they lead.  I can’t argue with the results! There’s nothing more energizing and motivating than pushing yourself to the limit while surrounded by dedicated crew focused on a common goal. I have strengthened my Vanguard network, made new friends, and even found my current job through a workout buddy. And if I haven’t been around in a while, someone notices.

For me, fitness just fits

I have a favorite shirt that I wear to the gym – it has the words MAKE HISTORY emblazoned in big red letters on a gray background. It was a Father’s Day gift from my wife and three children a few years back. This shirt is the symbol of a miracle. I wear it to celebrate how far I’ve traveled on my wellness journey and to remind myself why I so often visit ShipShape. The center is always there for me – I can go before breakfast or at lunchtime, which suits my family’s busy schedule. I know the specialists will greet me with a smile and that I’ll see friends and might try something new. Three years later, my ShipShape family is a significant part of who I am as a Vanguard crew member. I couldn’t be more grateful.

Today, I’m more present and available for my Vanguard team, my peers, and most importantly, my wife and kids. I stay active, and my health has dramatically improved. I find that I contribute more at work and at home. So, what’s next for me? I plan to keep making history.

-Jeff B.

If you enjoyed this post, check out more from our #LifeatVanguard Blog. And if you’re ready for a more rewarding, engaging, meaningful career, search our opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.

I have been playing sports since I could walk. Growing up I was heavily involved in tournament, club, and school softball, and I played college-level field hockey. My athleticism defined me. When I began my full time job working in a cubicle, I found the transition to be pretty difficult. Sure, I would go to the gym in the morning or evening, but I missed organized sports. Enter the Vanguard recreational softball league—a league that consisted of at least 16 different teams, all composed of Vanguard crew members.

The captain organizing the team in my department was admiring this year’s players and their skillsets—noting that they were going to have a great season. This was my chance to become involved with organized sports again! I joined the team and made the starting line-up as the first baseman. Little did I know that playing in the Vanguard softball league and building relationships with my teammates would prepare me for playing in the big leagues at work too.

As I’ve progressed in my career at Vanguard, I’ve seen how the friendships I made on the softball field have progressed as well. I joined the team while part of the Fund Financial Services department, where my role focused on pricing the individual stocks and bonds held in Vanguard mutual funds. I knew there were many directions in which my career could go, but I had no idea where to start. I didn’t know many people outside of my department, and I wasn’t sure if I should go back to school for further education. It was through my softball team that I learned about the many opportunities that existed at Vanguard. It might sound nerdy, but at team happy hours after the softball games, I picked the brains of my teammates. There was the Institutional Relationship Manager that played the outfield, the Investment Analyst that played short stop, the Fixed Income Trader that pitched, the list goes on. And to my surprise, they actually enjoyed talking about their roles outside of work!

The networking that resulted from the softball team extends far beyond the softball field. As the years went on I got to know people from all across Vanguard, and I met with them over coffee or lunch. It was with the guidance of these crew members, teammates, and friends that I landed a job in my dream department doing investment research, and decided to work towards attaining the Chartered Financial Analyst designation (I’m 2/3 of the way there!). Now, as new crew members join the softball team, they ask me about my job. They ask me to grab coffee or lunch with them to provide career guidance.

After six years on the team, I can say quite a few things about what the experience has done for me. It’s helped me transition from an active athletic lifestyle to a healthy work/life balance. It’s made me realize that the confidence I have on the softball field can carry through to the work that I do in the office. And just like in softball—or any sport for that matter—hard work and dedication will pay off over time. The same thing can be said when it comes to your role and career.

I’ve realized how to take the lessons that I’ve learned over the past few years and impart wisdom on newer crew members. I value the importance of a network, and learned that building a network doesn’t just happen in the office. Lastly, I proved to myself that I’ve still got it when it comes to organized sports! How do I know that? We’ve won the softball league championship every year since I’ve joined the team ;).

-Jenna M.

If you’re seeking an environment where you can make a difference and develop professionally, check out our opportunities at www.vanguardjobs.com.

I’d been working at Vanguard for about eight years when my mother, and best friend was diagnosed with Stage 3 Urothelial Cell Carcinoma. As you can imagine, this turned my family’s world upside down as my mom is the heart & soul of my family unit.

My mom, who had cared for me, my brother and my dad, all (or most of) our lives was now the one who needed care. This was a role no one in my family, except my mom, had really ever done. I knew I would play a key part in my mother’s appointments as my family wasn’t sure what questions to ask or notes to take. Needless to say, having served in auditor-type roles most of my Vanguard career, I was well prepared for the challenge.

During the first quarter of 2017, while my personal life was turned on its head, a new leader was assigned to my team. I was experiencing changes both at Vanguard and in my personal life. My first one-on-one was conducted through video conference from my parent’s house. It was during that conversation I finally said the words out loud…my mom had cancer. Not knowing how my new leader would respond, I waited.

He took a moment and said, “Family comes first,” a concept I heard Vanguard was known for but never experienced firsthand. To my relief, my manager and I worked out a flexible schedule so I could attend all of my mom’s chemotherapy treatments.

My mom’s 68th birthday in our matching red panda onesies

My first leave occurred in July 2017, for mom’s surgery to remove the cancer cells. Knowing I could assist in her care, this was my first experience with Vanguard’s Family and Medical Leave Program (FMLA). I took the steps necessary to ensure that everything would go smoothly, and it did.

I was nursing my mom back to health, with my dad and brother and other extended family by my side. Every morning, I went straight into mom’s bed where we spent hours talking, laughing and praying. During that leave, I wore many hats, some included: Doctor, nurse, caretaker, therapist, chef, butler, and chauffeur. Before I knew it, the two months had passed & I was back to work.

When I returned from leave, I was notified that my team was undergoing changes. I had a new team and leader. Like the leader before, she was caring and understanding. She went out of her way to help support me, and therefore, my family.

Having been home for the holidays, I asked mom if she needed me to stay. She was hesitant; worried that her diagnosis that was now Stage 4 was affecting my work. Always a mother. But she did ask me to stay. I went back through the seamless FMLA process and was back at home, supporting my family by the first week of 2018.

The first day of that leave we found out that the cancer metastasized in mom’s liver. She was given six months to live… A time frame no spouse, son, daughter, mother, sibling, or friend is ready to hear or accept. However, a few weeks after that appointment, mom was on an upswing responding positively to her new treatment. My mom, our family, was going to win this fight.

Mom graduating from chemo for the first time on my Vanguard work anniversary

I returned to work in early February of 2018 in hopes of making a career move. I wanted to challenge myself now more than ever considering the flexibility Vanguard had given me. Then, my perfect job appeared. I was hesitant to apply, worried that a new department and leader wouldn’t be willing to work with me through this trying time. With that in mind, I went for it and luckily I did, because I began an exciting new journey at Vanguard.

Having the same insecurities I’ve had before, I explained my home situation. My new leader exceeded my expectations even more so since I had only just gotten the job. She didn’t know me, but she didn’t need to. She knew what I needed.

Shortly after starting my new job in June 2018, my mom stopped responding to treatment and my family was overwhelmed. I needed to be home as taking care of mom had become a full time job that did not include sleep. For a third time, I submitted for FMLA. Another straightforward and successful process.

I was on leave from the end of July 2018 until Labor Day. I did my best to remain optimistic. Mom surpassed the six month expectation her doctor gave her in January. Every moment with her beyond six months was a blessing but I wasn’t naive; things looked bleak.

We had mom’s palliative care appointment the Friday I returned to work. The night I arrived home, I knew things were bad. During that appointment, mom was admitted to inpatient hospice care though she had been using their home services for months. I was told she may not make it the 15 minute ambulance ride. My world was falling apart.

My brother, mom & I visiting the casino with dad

Saturday morning, September 8, at 12:08 AM EST, after a year and a half of fighting, my mom passed away, unable to beat the courageous battle all cancer survivors and victims have to go through. More than anything, I wish this blog was ending differently, not only for you, but for me…for my family.

From that experience, here’s what I can tell you: If I wasn’t working at Vanguard, I don’t know how different this story would have been. I don’t know if I would have been at every chemotherapy appointment. I don’t know if I would have been at every doctor’s appointment. I don’t know if I would have been as available to my family. I don’t know if I would have been able to be home.

However, I was working at Vanguard. I was able to be there when my family needed me the most. I was able to go to every doctor’s appointment. I was able to be available for my family. I was able to be home. I was able to take multiple leaves of absence through FMLA. I was able to use personal leave to handle my mother’s affairs. I was able, and that – that is a blessing.

Hospice of the Sacred Heart Memorial walk