CatchUp - Jess Timmerman

MomUp CatchUp

The biggest challenge was finding a job that offered both flexibility and a real opportunity for growth.

Jess Timmerman, Office Manager, Barry & Farrell Insurance Agency

This month's CatchUp is with MomUp superstar Jess Timmerman, now the Office Manager at Barry & Farrell Insurance Agency, a small family-owned agency.

Tell us about yourself and what you do now.

I'm a mom to a three-year-old son, and I recently started working at Barry & Farrell Insurance Agency, a small family-owned insurance agency. I work in an office support role and have also been learning more about the insurance industry. Since starting, I've completed my Property & Casualty licensing courses, and I'm continuing to learn and grow within the agency.

What were you looking for when you connected with MomUp?

I was looking for a position that would allow me to get back into a professional work environment while still giving me the flexibility I needed as a mom. Having a schedule that worked well for my family was extremely important to me, but I also wanted to find somewhere I could grow, learn new skills, and hopefully stay long-term.

What had been most challenging about your search?

The biggest challenge was finding a job that offered both flexibility and a real opportunity for growth. So many positions seemed to require choosing between a schedule that worked for my family and something I could really build on professionally. I didn't want to feel like I had to sacrifice one for the other.

How did MomUp help?

MomUp really listened to what I was looking for and connected me with an opportunity I probably would not have found on my own. Michelle took the time to understand what was important to me, both professionally and personally, and matched me with Barry & Farrell. The entire process felt very personal, and I never felt like I was just being placed into any available position.

Why did this role feel like the right fit?

From the beginning, it felt like the right balance. Barry & Farrell is a small, family-owned business, which is something I really like and have worked in before, and the schedule works incredibly well for my family. At the same time, I've been given the opportunity to learn an entirely new industry and take on more responsibility as I grow in the role.

What are you enjoying most about it?

I really enjoy how much I'm learning. Insurance was completely new to me, and there is always something new to learn or figure out. I also really appreciate working in a smaller office where I feel like I'm part of the team. Most importantly, I'm able to have a job I enjoy while still having the time and flexibility to be present for my son.

What do you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, most of my time is spent with my husband and our three-year-old son. I love spending time with family and friends, traveling, cooking and baking, and planning events. I also have my own small event-planning business, Jess Timmerman Events, which gives me another creative outlet and lets me do something I really enjoy.

More CatchUps: Lizzie Starr and Zara Mahmood