About Sarah JanTausch: Sarah JanTausch is a speaker, coach, and founder of SRJ Coaching & Consulting, specializing in values-based careers and generosity-based networking. With a rich background in government leadership roles under Ohio Governor John R. Kasich, she brings extensive experience in public outreach, program management, and advocacy. Sarah holds a Bachelor’s in Politics & Government and a Master’s in Management and Leadership, and actively contributes to career development communities. Outside of work, she enjoys community volunteerism and quality time with her family and cats.

In this episode, Brian and Sarah JanTausch discuss:

• Strategic approaches to job searching and professional development
• The importance of workplace flexibility and aligning career values
• Leveraging networking and personal assessments for career growth
• Overcoming career stagnation through strategic personal development

Key Takeaways:

• Clarify your core values to assess whether your current role or employer aligns with what truly matters to you, and look for ways to lean into those values even before making a big career shift.
• Start small with career changes—even if you feel “handcuffed” by responsibilities, begin exploring potential paths now, since meaningful transitions can take a year or more to plan effectively.
• Use a two-pronged job search strategy: combine selective, high-quality job applications with "generosity-based networking" to uncover opportunities in the hidden job market.
• Tailor your resume into focused “buckets” aligned with different interests or skills, rather than one generic version, to increase your chances of breaking into multiple career directions.

"I help people identify the work that they really want to be doing... finding those passions and aligning with their work, with their lifestyle, because flexibility is really important, I think, especially for most people today." — Sarah JanTausch

Connect with Sarah JanTausch:

Website: https://www.valuesbasedcareers.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-jantausch/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093106125367

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah_jantausch/

Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/12iyEjLB28I96APWmFcuuc

Host contact information: 

• Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com



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About Amy Friesen: Amy Friesen is a senior living expert, business coach, and the Founder and CEO of Tea & Toast Inc. She leads a team that helps families navigate eldercare decisions and supports professionals in building thriving senior care businesses. A best-selling author and speaker, Amy is known for her clear guidance and compassionate approach. She is also a Forty Under 40 honoree and the 2019 Emerging Entrepreneur Businesswoman of the Year.

In this episode, Brian and Amy Friesen discuss:

• Navigating the challenges of eldercare and making decisions for aging parents
• Financial, legal, and logistical planning required for long-term senior care
• The emotional and relational strain of being in the “sandwich generation”
• The role of advocacy and proactive communication in caregiving transitions

Key Takeaways:

• Proactively initiating conversations around aging, care needs, and future plans—long before a medical or safety crisis arises—can help families avoid panic decision-making and allow for thoughtful, step-by-step preparation.
• Because assisted living and retirement communities offer widely varying levels of care and amenities, asking detailed questions (like whether they support two-person transfers or palliative care) is essential to ensure the facility can accommodate future health decline.
• Visiting senior care facilities at unpredictable times—not just scheduled visits—can reveal the true quality of care and hold staff accountable, as consistent, unscheduled check-ins often lead to noticeable improvements in attentiveness and service.
• Without early access to critical legal and financial documents like powers of attorney, wills, and long-term care directives, caregivers risk making uninformed or delayed decisions during emergencies, potentially compromising their loved ones’ safety and wishes.

"What you want to make sure is that you don't run out of money, that you've budgeted properly, and that you don't run out of care." — Amy Friesen

Connect with Amy Friesen:

Website: https://www.amyfriesen.com/ & https://www.teaandtoast.ca/

Book: Breadcrumbs by Amy Friesen: https://www.amazon.com/Breadcrumbs-Familys-through-Eldercare-Journey-ebook/dp/B0DJ3HGC7V

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyfriesen1

Host contact information: 

• Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com



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About Anastasia Arauz: Anastasia Arauz is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Registered Play Therapist (RPT), and certified family coach with over 20 years of experience supporting children and families. She holds advanced training in EMDR, trauma-informed care, and parent-child relational work, and is a certified facilitator for the Circle of Security program. Anastasia is also a former National Board Certified Teacher and has served on several boards, including the North Carolina Association for Play Therapy and Zing Zumm Children’s Museum. Through her private coaching practice, she helps overwhelmed families create healthy routines, strong communication, and sustainable support systems. Anastasia blends her clinical expertise with real-world parenting insight to guide families toward healing, connection, and balance.

In this episode, Brian and Anastasia Arauz discuss:

• The struggle to stay mentally and emotionally present during overwhelming life phases
• Navigating communication challenges in family dynamics
• The emotional toll of being stretched across multiple demanding roles
• The importance of setting boundaries and practicing self-care

Key Takeaways:

• Taking time to journal about your limits and responsibilities can help clarify what you can realistically handle and what support you need to ask for.
• Creating a weekly schedule that includes personal self-care time, such as breaks, fun, or recharging moments, is essential to avoid burnout and stay emotionally available to loved ones.
• Open communication with children and partners about ongoing caregiving situations builds mutual understanding and creates space for them to become part of your emotional support system.
• Bringing in outside help—whether through services like meal delivery or hiring someone to drive your child—can lighten the load and make space for being fully present with those who need you.

"Figuring out where you can pull supports in is very helpful." — Anastasia Arauz

Connect with Anastasia Arauz:

Website: https://www.anastasiaarauz.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasia-arauz-322b4598/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anastasia.arauz/

Host contact information: 

• Email: briansacksnewsletters@gmail.com



Sign up for your FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER at www.stuckinthemiddlenews.com