At Spokane Media Credit Union, CEO Sarah Dahmen says work-life balance isn’t just a perk — it’s embedded in the institution’s mission. 

Spokane Media Credit Union, located at 6103 N. Astor and doing business as Media Credit Union, has built a flexible work culture designed to support employees who are artists, journalists, filmmakers, writers, and other creatives navigating gig-based careers.

“(As) with a lot of employers, not only do we control schedules, but we control brand and we control people,” Dahmen says. “Part of (being an employer) is changing our mindset — that we are not in control of people as employers. They are not just commodities to be used for our end. These are people with their own aspirations, independence, and stories.”

Media Credit Union serves 1,200 members comprised of journalists, visual artists, musicians, filmmakers and gig workers — many of whom live with unpredictable income streams, Dahmen explains. That understanding shapes everything from the credit union's operations and marketing strategies to the customized loan products for its members. 

For instance, rather than invest in traditional advertising, the credit union reinvests its profits into arts and culture organizations that its members already value and support.

That same value-based approach shapes a workplace that operates differently compared to some other financial institutions, Dahmen adds. 

Two full-time and four part-time employees work at Media Credit Union, which structures its workforce around staff member's lives rather than rigid job descriptions, she says.

Some employees moonlight as filmmakers, theater professionals, editors, content creators, and writers outside of the office. Cross-training has proved essential to provide coverage when someone lands a short-term gig, such as a month-long film shoot, a six-week editing project, or a touring opportunity.

"It's about structuring what the credit union needs day to day, but also what our employees need in order to have the lives that are important to them," Dahmen says.

Amanda Paulson, a part-time loan officer at the credit union, says the scheduling flexibility offered by her employer has been life-changing. Paulson joined Media Credit Union after over a decade in the banking industry, and just as her writing career was accelerating. Shortly after she was hired, Paulson signed a nonfiction book deal with New York-based publishing company HarperCollins Publishers LLC, she says.

Paulson says she balances a 34-hour workweek with a disciplined writing routine, producing about 500 words a day for a book due in June. She credits the flexibility of her work schedule — and Dahmen’s understanding — for allowing her to sustain both careers.

“Sarah is aware that by 2027, it's a mystery what my life will look like,” Paulson says. “She understands and respects this. I'd love to work here as long as possible, as long as I need to work here. But she respects that I have dreams outside of that and the idea that I can grow past it.” 

Paulson says the supportive environment also improves her work performance.

“I want to give back the respect that’s been given to me,” adds Paulson.

Tiffany Perez, a part-time member service representative at the credit union and film professional, notes that her flexible schedule provides a measure of stability while seeking opportunities in an unpredictable film industry.

“Film work can be inconsistent,” Perez says. “Having a great place and a boss who understands the creative side is really nice to have. It’s a foundation when you know film dates aren’t consistent. Sarah has been really supportive.” 

Work-life balance is an important factor for Trent Dash, who joined the credit union in December following careers spanning professional eSports, legal work, and competitive debate. 

“Ultimately, I just grew burnt out of the legal system,” Dash explains. “Coming here was like a breath of fresh air for both my personal projects and for my work life.”

Dash, a full-time member service representative, says the credit union’s structure gives him the mental capacity to explore other interests.

“I get to maintain a good schedule, still have more than enough work-life balance, and have a positive experience while working here,” Dash says. “That gives me enough bandwidth to keep working on my personal stuff.”

Looking ahead, Dahmen says she hopes to develop the credit union’s staffing model into a case study to benefit other employers. Media Credit Union is partnering with Spokane Arts, a nonprofit organization supporting arts and culture in the Spokane region, to share evidence and practical strategies showing how flexible, artist-friendly workplaces can thrive.

“I want to test this out, get proof in the pudding, and then educate business owners on why this works,” Dahmen says.