May 28, 2024

This paid piece is sponsored by MarketBeat.

From the bustling streets of New York City to the close-knit community of Sioux Falls, Jessica Mitacek’s journey to becoming associate editor at MarketBeat has been far from ordinary. Her story exemplifies the belief that if you ever feel you’re not where you’re supposed to be, you can always change direction.

Jessica Mitacek at the MarketBeat office

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, Mitaceck spent the past 20 years on the East Coast and has been writing for as long as she can remember. Her passion for languages was evident in her favorite classes — English and Spanish — and her role as co-editor of the O’Gorman High School newspaper. She continued to nurture this passion at the University of Vermont, where she graduated with degrees in English and Spanish, and a minor in sociology.

Jessica Mitacek and roommates at college graduation

Surprisingly, her career path led her to finance. “I spent nine years working in marketing and investor relations at hedge funds and a private equity firm in New York City. Aside from a handful of college courses, everything I know about the markets and finance I learned at those jobs,” she said.

After the birth of her first child, Mitacek left the long hours in alternative investments and the commute to NYC behind and became a stay-at-home mom. A few years later, after the arrival of her second child, she sought a way to reconnect with her passion for writing while still being present for her family. This led her to freelance writing, a path that eventually would bring her to MarketBeat.

Despite her success, there was always a part of Mitacek that longed for her roots. Though a move back to the Midwest hadn’t always been the plan for her family, it has become a key moment in her story.

“I ended up back here on a whim, actually,” she said. During a family visit to Sioux Falls last summer, her 7-year-old daughter asked, “Do we have to go back to Connecticut?”

Mitacek family

This simple question sparked a pivotal conversation between Mitacek and her husband.

“We went out for a burger and a beer at JL Beers and discussed every possible reason why we could and couldn’t make it work, ultimately deciding to let God guide us. All the stars aligned, and three days later, our kids were registered at school here in Sioux Falls. It was pretty wild.”

Mitacek describes the effects of the decision to move back to Sioux Falls as “amazing and widespread.”

“Our kids are thriving here; they love being around family, love their new school and have made some very good friends. My husband works from home three weeks a month and is able to see the kids’ games or school events, and we are able to have family dinners – all of which was basically impossible before,” Mitacek said.

The move not only has benefited her family’s quality of life but also opened up new professional opportunities for Mitacek. Finding her way to MarketBeat, she has settled into a role that perfectly combines her love for writing with her financial expertise.

As associate editor, Mitacek works closely with senior content manager Don Miller and a team of talented writers. “I love working with Don and our awesome freelancers to put out the best possible content for our community of investors,” she said.

Miller praises Mitacek’s contributions. “Jessica brings a unique blend of creativity and financial acumen to our team. Her ability to mentor new writers and produce high-quality content has been invaluable to MarketBeat’s success.”

MarketBeat has proven to be an excellent fit for Mitacek, who particularly values the company’s workplace culture. She attributes this positive environment to CEO Matt Paulson’s leadership.

“What makes MarketBeat such a special place is the people, and it all starts with Matt. In an era where working from home has become the ideal, Matt has created an environment where people want to come to the office,” she said.

MarketBeat team

This supportive atmosphere has allowed Mitacek to thrive in her role.

“Jessica has been a great addition to our team,” Paulson said. “She has brought new energy and creativity to the content team, and her commitment to excellence is evident in every piece she touches. We’re fortunate to have her on board.”

While moving back to Sioux Falls and stepping back into an office wasn’t part of her original plan, Mitacek said she “couldn’t have asked for a better life surprise.”

Her journey is a powerful reminder that being open to change can lead to wonderful opportunities.

“If at any time you feel that you aren’t where you’re supposed to be, you can pivot – whether that be starting a brand-new career, moving to a different city or picking up a new hobby,” said Mitacek. “You are only stuck somewhere if you let yourself be.”