Flexible working: Is it that much of a stretch?
Flexible working seems like a far-off dream for most of us, but as copywriting consultancy founder Emma Heath discovered, it’s actually far more important than most of us realise.
Prior to setting up my own business, I worked in an environment notorious for its lack of flexibility: the advertising agency. While not all agencies are the same, it’s fairly safe to say the rumours are mostly true – this is an industry that doesn’t exactly encourage a healthy work/life balance.
I spent my twenties in a state of constant insecurity and dread, always terrified that if I wasn’t the last to leave each night, I’d be out of a job. We basically all felt this way. We didn’t even question it. Hey, we’d seen the Devil Wears Prada, we knew our situation wasn’t exactly unique.
When I finally decided to go off and do my own thing, the main reason wasn’t because I was being ignored, oppressed as a woman, or sidelined for a promotion – it was purely because I wanted a life!
Rather than being judged by the hours spent at my desk, I wanted to be valued for the work I actually produced. I suspected that I was actually making my employer a fair bit of money – but the faster, more productive I was, the more I was asked to do.
Good on you, Emma. Smart enough to dictate your working hours. Clever enough to know office hours never equate with creativity. Pity more ad agencies aren’t as rational.
Great article – the hours shouldn’t matter as long as you put in the work. I wish more agencies would adopt the same mindset!
Great article Emma and fantastic photo! All the best with your flexible work life.
I too spent a couple of decades in advertising and media agencies both putting in long hours and trying to look like I was putting in long hours.
These days however I work a flexible four day week mostly remotely but also going to the office when and if I am needed – my work is judged purely on merit and no one questions where I am and why my phone didn’t answer at 5.15pm. And yes I still work in advertising for one of the largest agency groups, so I think things have moved on a lot from the old days.
Hey Alison, this is so good to hear! I think you are right too, things are changing & will continue to do so. One of my mates who still works for a big shop now works from home two days a week too – this kind of thing shows it’s def possible 🙂
You’re speaking my language Emma! Taking a break and working flexible hours can bring a new perspective and better results for work as well as bringing happiness at home. It’s definitely a balancing act but if you can get it right the rewards are there.
Thanks, Emma – great story. I’m on a similar path, albeit at a much earlier stage (maybe paragraph 7, pushing for paragraph 8!). A large part of my motivation is to build a business/workplace around similar values, as well as being able to work with clients/industry sectors I care about. So I take heart from what you’re achieving. Cheers!
Too true… More flexibility means more life, means more happy, means more creativity. And as you say, it is indeed easier to make work than some may think. Love the Mirvac “Simple Thing” idea too… easy baby-step into the new world for businesses who are clutching to the old.
Hi Emma, my goodness was I nodding along in agreement with pretty much everything you said. Thank you for changing the conversation and sharing your story. The advertising and media industry has a way to go, but people like you who are showing what success looks like when ‘work’ looks different are paving the way. I love that you are shifting the conversation from the mum side of the equation – we at Juggle are vehemently saying the exactly same thing: making flex only there for working mums, makes it actually not work at all for those mums as they end up feeling guilty, and working stupid hours to deal with the guilt. And it makes everyone else resent the fact that their lives are not thought to be as important. Wonderful article I am hopping over to share on LinkedIn right away! Thank you!!!