I’m honestly really beginning to feel like this industry is just not right for anyone that wants to be a very present parent. To have to say, I just need three hours in the evening with my family and then I’ll be back online - is really fucked up. I shouldn’t have to say this. We shouldn’t be spending not just a little more time but a shitload more time with our coworkers than we do with our kids. I really didn’t realize the ramifications of getting in this industry that it meant giving up life

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And what’s just as fucked up really is that I know the money I make is good and that it will help give my kid a good life - but it will be a good life that I will miss out on for so much. It makes me incredibly sad. I’m mostly venting bc I don’t think there’s in solve or answer. But definitely want to hear suggestions if anyone has any!!

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I think some of it depends on the accounts you work on, who you work with and the agency you work for. I work in media so I know it is different than the creative side. Are your kids small? I feel like that makes a difference too, it is harder to balance in some ways. I am assuming that you have some direct reports, can they take on more work? It definitely is a tough balance. You aren’t alone!

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I’m right there with you. For me, the solution was to go freelance and look to transition to the brand side in the future. The idea of “always on, rise and grind” is not only not conducive to being a working mom, it’s often in direct opposition. This industry is youthful and filled with fun happy hours and “culture” that consists of beer on tap, in-office baristas, and ping-pong tables. While this obviously has evolved with the pandemic and WFH, it’s not made for those with young kids who have to deal with childcare and being a present parent.

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I set boundaries pretty early on. I make sure people trust me to get my work done. I’m VERY efficient on days I have to be and I’m a mom otherwise. I get up and leave at 4:30 (pre-pandemic) because a human life is waiting for me on the other side. If something is due that night, I’ll keep my phone near me, if not, I put it away and decide whether I want to put in another hour or not after kids bedtime. It really depends on what’s pressing. And what can wait. It’s hard to do but I have no apologies for having children. I talk about them often and I tell people when/why I’m not reachable (kid is home sick and sits on my lap all day, I’m not very available or I’m at my child’s school volunteering in the AM. Here’s my out of office. Also, you would see me after hours often. I only go to happy hours or vendor dinners when I enjoy the people. I’ve been in the industry long enough that I’m not trying to save face. Or I try to see them when I’m traveling and in their city. I put it my long hours when I was younger. Now I work smarter, not harder.

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This is me, too.

No solves. Just with you 100 percent and starting to think about an exit plan.

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I'm in the same boat, I have a 2.5 YO and I really had to take a hard look at where my priorities are. Yes, the money is good and I can afford nice things for my child, but money can always be earned and you will never get the time back in the key foundation years (0-5). We're young and think that we can live forever, but the truth is that life is fragile (my best friend was diagnosed w/ breast cancer at age 35 last year, not genetic) --so be honest with your own priorities. Discuss finances with your partner or even engage a financial advisor and see if you can swing things w/ you or your partner working part-time or going into business for yourself. Or transition into another career that may offer more flexibility. You're not alone, we're all with you. <3

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Same…starting to figure out an exit plan but short term is trying out health to see if I can get better WLB…the pay is better for sure. 2 kids and I am no longer buying into missing out on 2 out of 4 weekends/month for crazy client requests, or the 12+ hour days that leave me too zapped to actually engage.

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I switched to health in March of this year and it has been a game changer. We are still fully remote, with option to stay that way permanently. Lots of women at my agency in top down leadership roles that have kids. It's been such a breath of fresh air. Granted, the work is a little more dull and prescriptive, but that has left me with so much more creative energy to spend how I want. My previous agency sucked me dry creatively and hours-wise.

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Boundaries. I work from home now, but even in the office, I made it clear I bill for all overtime. I rarely get asked to work overtime. There are still many remote opportunities and if you are very efficient, and set clear expectations, you can work from home with good clients. I get to pick my kid up from school, help them with homework and still manage to get my work done, make clients happy and have quality time with the family. It's not easy, but it exists and has rewards. I did put in time and a serious grind to start to pave this path before I had kids though.

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Love is patient and kind.
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Humbled, convicted, but thankful. Our Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit love us this way!

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