Being a freelance journalist is rewarding and challenging, being a mother of 5 and a journo that works from home is even more a challenge, but you learn to love working on getting the balance right!
Many parents considering a career in journalism may be worried about meeting deadlines, taking those interviews and even giving interviews on camera. As a mother and a journalist, I can related to having a ‘Robert E Kelly’ moment, (perhaps not on a national scale) but definitely with Skype meetings or in the middle of a radio interview!
Mishaps whilst working from home just makes us human, and there will be a point in time when balancing work and family may crop up. We have a professional side and of course in a normal setting we would not hold interviews with our children contributing to the piece (although in Robert E Kelly’s case it made the interview all the more entertaining).
When the perils of working from home can come into play, it is no wonder that many parents who considered working within the media, may be a little daunted by the thought. However, I want to encourage all those who want a career in the media, whilst raising a family, that you can do it and pave the way for your success.
I have 5 children aged between 9 years old and 5 months old and have been a freelance journalist for 10 years! If you are passionate about your career you will somehow find a way to incorporate it into your life. There are unprecedented opportunities for progression through training, education and flexible learning.
First and foremost my husband and children mean the world to me but that doesn’t mean that just because you are a stay at home parent you need to stop working on a professional level, or on a career that you think may be impossible to balance. I think it is even more beneficial for children to see their parents excelling in life as parents are the role models to their children.
Giving time, love and care to my kids is paramount and there are many days when I spend time when they are at school, nursery or asleep to do my work.
Never let anything or anyone put you off following your dream career path, if you have the support from your spouse or partner than that gives you even more reason to pave the way for your career.
I would like to get into working for a media company in the future but I am currently enjoying being a mother to my young kids whilst also freelancing and getting important stories out there to the world.
It is always great to hear your experiences of juggling work and family and please feel free to contact me with your stories at info@tasnimnazeer.com