Being a Mom in Pulic Relations

[Anonymous]

I have had a long and successful career in PR thus far..but I'm at the stage I've been dreading most. I'm a new (older) Mom and trying to figure out how the heck I can have work life balance and stay in this profession. I need a salary, I can't afford to SAH. But most jobs in my field require long hours and lots of travel.

If you are a Mom in this field, how do you handle it?

We're you able to find a job with flexibility?

I no longer feel the need to move up in the firm ranks as I have in the past, but I do want to do meaningful work.

Any advice, experiences or recommendations would be great!

[Anonymous]

Can you find an in-house position?

[Anonymous]

I wish I could help you,OP, but I left PR when DS was born 6 years ago because I just didn't see how to make it work. Some women seem to do it but not at the agency where I was working.

If you wouldn't mind a separate question.. DH is an editor for a trade publication. He'd like to leave and get into corporate communications but he's having a hard time securing interviews because he doesn't have typical agency experience. He wants to be in-house vs at an agency and won't accept the fact that to get these jobs, you need to put in your blood sweat and tears at an agency. What are your thoughts as an industry veteran?

Really appreciate it- thanks!

[Anonymous]

OP here...

PP re: your question about your husband. Based on the firms where ive worked, most journalists have struggled with making the transition to PR. They often struggle with the "on call" client service aspect of the job and sometimes even the pace and workload....the Billable hours /profit mindset specifically. it is the absolute best training though...amazing experience and the opportunity to work with the best minds and most creative people in the business.

As for Associations or Corporations, they often prefer to hire agency people because They look for people who have a wide breadth of practical PR experience because those positions dont usually have the luxury of specializing. They require someone who can not only do the strategic thinking, but also do a lot of the implementation of the work themselves and deliver results. That said, he likely will have more success making the transition to in house within his vertical...but he should be prepared for the wide variety of work he will likely have to know how to do to be successful in-house. Also, those jobs don't come open very often, so it can be tough to make your way in.

[Anonymous]

PP and others who left PR....

Do you work in another area or are you SAHM now?

[Anonymous]

Thanks, OP. Agree with your assessment.

I'm a SAHM now but I do know some other PR moms who left agencies to freelance.

[Anonymous]

The other problem is this town is crawling with moms who were in PR. It'll be really hard to get back into it if you step out. I have an APR and it's been hard.

[Anonymous]

I work in an association. Work life balance is okay. I'm just bored.

[Anonymous]

Bottom line is you can't do agency work where you are beholden to multiple demanding clients unless you want to go crazy or are willing to outsource your entire life to hired help. You have to go in-house corporate comms or association work if you ever want to spend time with your kid.

[Anonymous]

I could have written the same thing!! Burnt out on PR after 14 years, and it is hard to get psyched up to go to work now that I have a little tiny beautiful baby at home.

I am half torn between sticking it out at my current job and quitting. I am 40 now and cant imaging trying to "break in" to a new position/ PR firm when 3 or 4 years older. The one thing I am mulling over is taking the next few years to go to grad school and get my MPH and start a completely different field when I go back to work -- one that I always had interest in and that would help me do something "more meaningful." But, I have no idea if this is a complete pipe dream, or if it will actually work. Sorry for another off-track of your original question but I would any input about whether this sounds like a good idea...

[Anonymous]

Yikes. I just "retired" from politics and went into PR because the work-life balance seemed better (I have a 1-year old). I don't mind putting in a few hours after baby bed time, if it means I can cruise home in time for day care pick up. I also find that I have to work out pretty early in the morning too, so I can catch up with the lil, but it seems to be working thus far.
I'd love to hear more about why you are having a hard time with the schedule - just so I know what I can expect/what I'm getting myself into!

[Anonymous]

OP: We hired an in-house PR person just recently who's not blowing my socks off. But, it's the kind of job that a mom could do. There is travel but most of it is discretionary. Our organization is a dc-based health policy one. I know of another hiring internal pr. Direct boss is awesome although the one above could be difficult. Not sure how the pay would compare. We hired a mid-level for 80K with reviews at 6 and 12 months. Although I would not give her a raise now, i think boss will. Prob bringing her to 90 now and 100 by 12 m.

[Anonymous]

OP here...

Thanks for all that are continuing this conversation. I'm still trying to figure out what to do.

I had an interview early this week...agency job. As much as I love agency work, they were very clear that their culture is 24/7. I just can't sign on for that at this stage of my life. I guess if asked back I will decline a second interview.

PP....I've been in health PR for a long time and would like something like that but for more $. I'm at the VP level now.

I'm starting to wonder if I should just suck it up where I am now to take advantage of the flexible work enironment and just hope that the internal strife calms down.

[Anonymous]

Not in PR, but my good friend was. She did PR for a high ranking elected politician. When she got pregnant and had the baby, no way could she keep that insane schedule. She quit and went to a NGO. That drove her nuts and ended up SAHM. She now is a ghost writer for blogs and really does it for a little spending cash.