I have a bit of news. Today is the start of a whole new chapter for me – I am officially freelance.
Yesterday I left my role as Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor of LOOK Magazine to find more of a balance to my life, to work from home and most importantly to be around a lot more for my two children – who are both growing up way too quickly!
After two year-long maternity leaves, it has been amazing to have been working again at a fabulous publication, dressing up every morning, putting on bright lipstick and drinking fancy skinny coffee with an extra shot.
And for much of the past eighteen months, I have been really happy. But – and obviously I can only speak for myself here, every working mum is different – I started to get really bothered about Charlie starting school in September and me not being around to pick him up.
At the same time, my husband had a promotion at work which meant he wasn’t going to be around so much in the week and in my head, that decided it.
MMM started off as a distraction from my second mat leave. I knew there would be days I needed to feel like me again – someone who has spent the best part of the last twenty years in the fashion industry.
What I have found is an amazing community, a brilliant, passionate readership (of people other than my mum!) and an absolute love for editing and writing it.
So I have lots of plans – a little redesign, a lot of new ideas, but with more time and headspace to devote to MMM. I would LOVE to know whether there is anything you’d like more of – or even less of, so please get in touch, by email, comment below or tweet me.
In the meantime, hello new chapter – and thank you all for reading and caring about MMM.
- Leaving flowers – have you ever seen hydrangeas as gorgeous as these?
Bye Blue Fin, leaving the building for the last time yesterday.
Comments ( 20 )
Shop Accordingly
Congratulations, I so understand the feeling of wanting to pick your child up from school (although wait until it’s chucking it down with rain in December to question your decision 🙂 ). Looking forward to seeing more on your blog which I love reading!
Erica
Thank you so much! And yes I agree, it seems like an amazing decision while the sun’s out!! X
Charlotte Henderson
Where do you get your skirts from lady face? Love the shape of those fellas. All the luck in the world x
Erica
That one is H&M, Charl! Love a midi!
Lesley
I have that skirt and the shoes – in fact I was wearing them both yesterday! But without the Breton, which I am wearing today instead. Ha!
Erica
Great minds Lesley!!! #styletwins
Fiona
Hi Erica. Best of luck with going freelance, not that I think you need it! I love reading your blog but would love a bit more stuff on beauty and hair if possible.
F xx
Erica
Thanks Fiona! Noted! X
Kim Scott
Congratulations on your decision. Exactly what I’m working towards too. We only get one life and days with our children are precious
Erica
Thanks Kim – exactly. Hopefully I’ll be able to do both with a bit more time! X
Cat Pharo
Congratulations! Were looking forward to hearing more from you! Xx
Erica
Thanks so much Cat! You TOO!! X
School Gate Style
Wishing you every success as you go it alone – it’s completely worth it for the quality time you’ll have with the kids. I strongly believe your kids need you more when they’re at school than they do when they’re babies….you can’t get this time back and it’s over in a flash – my son is going into his final primary year on Monday and it seems like yesterday he was going in for his first day in P1! xx
Erica
Thank you so much Avril – it’s nerve-wracking, but I’m also incredibly excited at making it work for me AND getting to be around for the kids! Fingers crossed! Thank you for you lovely words x
Toni Jones
Exciting times… Charlie won’t mind losing you every now and then for #FreelanceFriday will he? 🙂 xx
Erica
#FreelanceFriday all the way, TJ xx
Jayne
Congrats to you. As a fellow journo (we also have LOOK in common!) and with a little boy about to start school, I did exactly the same as you. For some reason, I didn’t mind leaving him at nursery until 6.30 every day but I did object to someone else (i.e. a childminder) picking him up from school. I started my freelance life in June and so far, so good. I’m sure it will be the best decision you’ve ever made! Good luck.
Erica
Thanks so much Jayne! I’m so glad to hear it’s working out for you too – fingers crossed! x
Aquaruby
Congratulations on a new stage in your career and life! Working from home can be great. Just be careful you don’t get too comfortable in tracksuit bottoms 🙂
Erica
Too late! 🙂