I’ll be honest, I’m not where I thought I would be in my career at this stage in my life. 

That’s a little painful to admit, but in my late thirties I imagined I’d be a ‘head of’ something, or at the very least a manager.  Here’s the thing though, I had kids. Nothing slows down a speeding train like two small children tied to the tracks – you have little choice but to stop or slow down. In my case, I went into reverse. 

After I had my children, I returned part time to my job as a marketing manager, but then in 2019 I was made redundant. Two things happened around that time – I lost my confidence and I also lost my childcare. I panicked and I took the first part-time marketing role I came across; it was a massive step back in my career but I didn’t feel worthy of anything more. How could I justify a managerial position when I spent most of my time cleaning Weetabix off the carpet? 

I thought that was my lot, but then I met the Mums in Marketing (the MiMs). I was inspired from the outset. These were real mums working in marketing, who didn’t have the answers to everything, but if they didn’t, someone else did. No question was too silly to ask, and most importantly, nobody judged you for asking. That’s when it dawned on me – even the best people don’t have all the answers.

So I made the bold decision to do something I’d wanted to do for years, I decided to start freelancing as a content writer. I posted on the MiMs’ Facebook Community that I was considering venturing out on my own but admitted feeling a little intimidated. The response of the group was overwhelming, they were supportive and constructive, and their rallying cry made me want to succeed if only for them!  

MiMs’ founder, Claire Ferreira, suggested that get up the next day and say out loud “I am a writer”, and to keep saying it all day. To ‘Step Into’ what I really wanted.  I did exactly that. Just a day or so later, another marketing mum posted an opportunity for a freelance content writer to join a marketing agency. I sent off some samples of my work, in complete trepidation, and I got the gig. 

It’s no exaggeration to say that Mums in Marketing has shown me a different way of life. One where you don’t have to choose between being a mum or a marketer, you can celebrate being both. It’s early days for my new career and I don’t have all the answers, but that’s ok because I know an awesome group of women who can help. 

Here’s to you MiMs – and to the wonderful woman who introduced me to the group, I owe you a very large drink!

Melissa Healy – Writer