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In show business, they say that its all about who you know.
Well, youre in luck because now you know Priyanka!
Im in my mid-20s and about to start my first non-assistant gig.
We both come from big families and definitely want kids eventually.
Everything is on track to work out like I always dreamed … but Im freaking out!
How am I supposed to have a baby (or two!
), run everything by 45 (is that realistic?
), and have any time left over to be a person?
Is it as daunting as it seems?
First, lets look at the goals you lay out.
And of course working and building a family are daunting!
There are a lot of horror stories out there about how having children slows down womens careers.
Even without kids, thestatistics within entertainmentareabysmal, andwork environments hostile to women with families abound.
Its harder to be a woman, and one who wants kids thats a fact.
However, the only other option here is to … leave the business?
Which leaves us a good woman down.
We cant lose any more women!
I believe we are entering a period in which the noise we are making will be heard.
But everyone needs to make noise.
Panicking about financial stability is a little more pertinent because the costs of child-rearing add up.
Its also an argument for asking for raises every year before you really dive in.
You dont mention where you work, so Ill paint with a broad brush here.
But to be honest, women in the business should be asking for (and getting)everythingright now.
If you become a guild member, research what is covered in terms of family planning.
Again, employers need to retain women.
Have your partner talk to their job about family leave, too.
After my first kid, I wasshockedat the immense lifestyle change.
As for professional productivity, parenthood made me scrutinize how I spent every second of my day.
A manageable commute suddenly became an extra two hours away from my baby.
Evening drinks became incomprehensible.
But I started to work from home more, and drinks turned into lunches, and eventually coffees.
I think most working parents I know would say the same.
I had the worlds best office job when I had my son five years ago.
Its a good system, for now.
However, the business is unpredictable.
But, yeah, having a kid was the most terrifying thing Ive ever done, until it wasnt.
Falling in love is terrifying.
New jobs are terrifying.
Everything great youve ever done is terrifying, but youve done them anyway.
