Every L&P employee has a story. After 13 years of being a stay-at-home-parent, Leslie LauBach transitioned back into the workforce by joining L&P as a Senior Communications Specialist. We invited Leslie to share about her experience.

What did you do before becoming a stay-at-home parent?

When I graduated from college, I worked for a newspaper in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as the Staff Writer and Designer for its weekly arts and entertainment magazine, The Weekender. It was a fun job, and I was able to interview a lot of celebrities and entertainers.

I later joined Mohegan’s Internal Communications and was on the opening team in HR that helped transition a defunct racetrack to a world-class gaming and hospitality destination. I loved meeting new people and helping shape the values and culture through communication and engagement.

I worked there for four years before I had my first child and decided to stay home full time.  

Tell us about becoming a stay-at-home-parent.

I always dreamed of being a mother but never dreamed of staying at home with my kids. I had a job as early as I could work, so the idea of not having one never really occurred. When I met my husband, he was in a place in his career where we could afford for me to stay home, and that was the first time both ideas became a reality. 

Leaving the workforce wasn’t easy, though. As much as I loved being a SAHM (stay-at-home mom), I wrestled with my identity. I tied so much of my value into my title and role outside of the home that, when I was home full time, I seemed to lose the idea of myself and my intrinsic value. It didn’t matter that I was keeping tiny humans alive and teaching them everything they would know.

It was a long process, but in retrospect, I realize my work at home is the most important work I’ll ever do. Raising them will always be the greatest privilege of my life.

What was it like to re-enter the workforce?

I recently re-entered the workforce because my children are now in school full-time, and I was eager to rediscover the passions that I had put on hold.

The most challenging part of re-entering the workforce was the actual act of getting back out there. The world has changed completely. Social media just begun when I left work; LinkedIn didn’t even exist when I left! There weren’t applicant tracking systems that read resumes. I didn’t know if I had any qualifications to do any job. It was daunting and full of self-doubt. I didn’t let that permeate, though, and kept plugging away.

My interview with L&P was the first time I truly felt confident about what I was doing. My talent advisor and my future team came to the interview believing in me. They were so kind and engaging. I left feeling excited about L&P’s culture, people, and what I could contribute. 

My decision to join L&P has been the easiest part of re-entering the workforce. It was clear from my first interview that I was joining a company that takes pride in its products and people. Also, L&P understands work-life balance and the flexibility remote work provides. If not for remote work, I’m not sure I would be able to work full time and be a mother. L&P has enabled me to be a great mom and contribute my time and skills to a job I love.

What makes you proud to be a woman in the workforce?

I am proud of the example I am setting for my children. Until recently, they’ve never known me as a professional in the workforce. They’ve only known me as their mom. They’ve watched me interview and transition to full-time work while balancing their needs and home life. I hope they realize that there are no limits to what they can be.

In honor of International Women’s Day, Sonia Smith, President of L&P Automotive, shares what this day means to her:

I wanted to share with you the significance of International Women’s Day for me, personally. As a woman, I have encountered numerous challenges and obstacles that women face in various aspects of life, including, but not limited to, gender discrimination in the workplace, unequal access to education and healthcare, and limited opportunities for advancement.

With that said, I have been so fortunate that here, in the Leggett family, I was given so many opportunities to advance my career, learn new skills and have exposure to different aspects of the business. Not only does it fill me with pride to be able to do what I enjoy so much, it drives the sense of responsibility that I feel to ensure that others get such opportunities so that they may thrive as I do.

International Women’s Day is an annual global event that is observed on March 8th to commemorate the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women worldwide. It is also a day to advocate for women’s rights and gender equality and to raise awareness about the ongoing struggles and challenges faced by women.

For me, this day holds a special meaning as it provides an opportunity to reflect on the experiences of women from diverse backgrounds, to celebrate their achievements and contributions, and to advocate for their rights and equal opportunities. It is a day to recognize the tireless efforts of women who have made significant strides towards gender equality and to acknowledge the work that still needs to be done.

International Women’s Day is not just a symbolic event, but a powerful platform for women to raise their voices and advocate for their rights. It is a day to inspire and empower women to overcome challenges, break stereotypes, and pursue their dreams.

International Women’s Day is an important occasion for me and for women around the world to celebrate, reflect, and take action towards achieving gender equality. I hope that we can all join hands to create a more inclusive and equitable world where women can thrive and reach their full potential.