Jen Rios on LinkedIn: As someone who grew up with parents who always rented, it was a goal of… (2024)

Applications are now open for the Independent Book Publishers Association Innovative Voices Program. This awesome program supports publishers from marginalized communities who are publishing work focused on people and topics of importance to marginalized communities. June 16 is the deadline to apply. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gNvfSQYu.

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I’m delighted to share that today I started a new position as Communications Supervisor at Austin Board of REALTORS®. I’m looking forward to working with this fantastic team!

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Friendly heads up: Long post. Just over a month ago I took a leap of faith and left a job that was not for me. The day I resigned I knew it was the right thing to do, but it was still an incredibly scary decision. After giving my notice, I retreated to my office where I closed the door and sobbed. I have had a job since the day I turned 15. Working hard is in my blood. And as a single mom, leaving a job with nothing lined up seemed incredibly irresponsible and reckless — two things I am not. I’m a rule follower. I crave order and stability. But after nearly two years of 10 to 12 hour days that drained me and left me little to no time with my son, and working for a boss whose unhealthy leadership style and lack of support had me starting to question my own skills and abilities, I knew it was time to move on. A bad work situation can have so many ripple effects on your body and mind. I was angry and frustrated, and this mood affected both my personal and professional relationships. For that, I apologize. My anxiety and stress levels were through the roof, I was having trouble sleeping, and my blood pressure was sky high. During the last month off I have had time to breathe and reflect on this experience. I am not angry about it, as it has reinforced to me what I want and what I am willing to accept moving forward. This self-imposed mini sabbatical has restored my confidence and reminded me that I am good at what I do. I have been humbled by the number of amazing colleagues and friends who have reached out to ask if I am OK and to see if they can help in any way. Thank you to every single one of you. Please know I am always here to support you as well. This month has given me time to sleep, stretch, catch up on true crime shows, take walks with my dogs, and calm my mind. But most importantly, it has given me time with my son. We’ve laughed a lot, hit golf balls, and talked. This week I volunteered at his school, and it was a treat to do something I typically would not have the time to do. This break has been just what I needed and I have absolutely no regrets. That being said, if you know me, you know I like to be busy and I can’t live this life of leisure forever. It’s been a lovely pause, but I am ready to work again. With that being said, I am happy to announce that I will start a new role as communications supervisor with the Austin Board of REALTORS® on Monday. I am so ready to be back in a comms department and I am excited to join their team. Shout out to Jaime Lee for putting in a good word for me during the interview process! To anyone out there dealing with a tough work situation, please know I have great empathy for what you are experiencing and feeling. If I can be of any help, or if you just need someone to listen, please know I’m here. Life is too short to be unhappy. Find a workplace and colleagues who bring you joy and support you. You deserve nothing less. Never be afraid to start a new chapter. You got this.

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Exciting changes are afoot for the Independent Book Publishers Association book awards. I am currently researching potential judges for the new AAPI and Latina/o/e communities award categories. If you know anyone who may be a good fit, please send me a DM. https://lnkd.in/gZADSKQk #bookpublishing #DEI #diversitymatters

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Such a fun time today at the GoodPop Good Deeds Day event. E and I made cards for sick kids, braided rope toys for shelter dogs, rolled seed balls for planting, wrote notes of encouragement to new parents, and of course, ate popsicles. Kudos to the GoodPop team and to all of the volunteers helping today for setting up such a great community event! #gooddeedsday

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My favorite thing in our house might be the Ted Lasso believe sign that hangs above the entrance to the bedroom. It’s such a solid daily reminder to believe in myself and to remain positive (and kind). It helps me remember that everything will work out just as it should. Sometimes I try to jump up and hit it before going to bed, but at just under 5’4, I’m not always successful. But just like with so many other things in life, the fact that I try is really all that matters. #tedlasso #believe #positivemindset #lassoleadership

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Many publishers have a rinse-and-repeat approach to marketing and promotion, and for books by and for a diverse audience, this tried-and-true approach can often mean overlooking the most important element of the book’s success: the book’s target reader. #DEI #BookMarketing #Publishing

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Attention nonprofits! Don’t miss out on this great opportunity from the talented team at Mighty Citizen.

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Hi Everyone. I wanted to share a professional update that Monday, April 1, will be my last day with Greenleaf Book Group. I will be taking a little break to spend some time with my kiddo and determine what my next career adventure will be. Obviously, as someone who is a single mom and not independently wealthy, I will need to work again, so please keep me in mind for any opportunities you think I may be a good fit for. Thank you to everyone who has already reached out with ideas and offers of support. I am so grateful for the amazing personal and professional community I have cultivated over the years. I feel incredibly lucky, and I know the best is yet to come. Adelante!

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