Meet Jacob Kendall

With another week comes another Pathlabbers Highlight! This week, we'll introduce you to Jacob Kendall , one of our newest Pathlabbers.

Jacob is a creator, a lover of learning, and seems to truly recognize that we are on this earth for a good time. Not a long time. So we should live it up!?

Let’s learn more about Jacob below:

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What was your original career prospect when growing up? Did you expect to have this trajectory??

I really liked building stuff as a kid, and my dad said if you become an engineer, you can build stuff and make a lot of money. So I had it set in my brain that’s what I would do. I got straight A’s in high school, but college calculus and physics destroyed me. I had to find a new goal. I joined the navy to bide my time and think about what I wanted.?

I learned that at my core I am creative, curious, and a problem solver. As long as I found a job doing that, I could thrive. Marketing seemed like a versatile industry that would fit my strengths. At PL, I’m a media coordinator with the awesome opportunity to simply learn as much as I can and eventually narrow down my skills to find an ideal position.

I did not expect this trajectory. I entirely expected to leave Missoula for the West Coast to find work in the competitive world that is marketing. I consider myself extremely lucky to have a career that I enjoy with the potential to grow, while also being near my family. Nothing is missing. I’m super happy.?

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What societal or career expectations do you struggle with??

I like to think I’m wise enough to see past the facade of “hustle culture”, “wanderlust”, and keep up with societal expectations. Buy a house, buy a car, travel the world, start a family, start a business. It’s taken some maturing to realize that it’s okay to take your time. As long as you’re doing your best with what you have and staying true to your values, there’s no sense in worrying about it.?

Although, I do struggle with my retirement plan and the expectations with that. There are so many things I should’ve been doing 5 years ago that I hope I don’t screw myself over when I’m 65. I’m making a conscious effort to learn about this extremely uninteresting subject.?

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Who in your family do you compare yourself to?

I’m a healthy blend. From my dad, I got his seriousness, integrity, and scientific curiosity. From my mom, I got her creativity, organization, and care for people. I’m pretty happy with the outcome. I avoided most of their bad habits and created my own that are just for me.

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Why do you work? Period.

I work for the satisfaction of life. Having money is a priority in the sense that it allows me to care for myself and recreate. But no amount of money could make me do a job I didn’t find satisfaction in doing. And if I had enough money to do nothing, I would not be able to stay idle. I would have to find something to work on to bring value to myself or my community. You also spend a huge chunk of your life working, I make it one of my goals to find satisfaction in that time spent.?

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Why did you want or choose to work at Pathlabs??

I took the LumenAd class in 2020 and in 2022 I heard great things from Mario and Shane. I liked the relevance to my skills, the location near my family, the hybrid option, and most importantly the non-linear internal growth potential that’s built into the culture.?

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What excites you about the future??

I’m excited to see where technology takes us, hopefully making the world better, and for the opportunity to pass on the lessons I’ve learned to younger generations.?

My philosophy toward the future is that you can only worry and prepare so much. I realized at some point that as long as you don’t get complacent and do your best to grow, opportunities will present themselves.?

Even if you fail at that opportunity, you probably didn’t die, so you’ll get another chance. As far as timelines, meeting goals or spending time with people you care about. Do it all in moderation. Work and sacrifice within reason. Enjoy your hobbies, enjoy people, and relax within reason. You can’t commit 100% to everything. It all depends on what’s most important to you.?

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Wow! Lots of great content in this one. Thanks, Jacob, for giving us this snippet into your life. We are excited to have you join our team, and for the positive, human energy that you bring!