“There’s almost no work-life balance in PR and the salary is like working in McDonalds. But the shoesss “
– Holly Anna Scarsella
The job of a PR girl (or guy) is never done.It’s press day season at the moment. So you know, just one more thing to add to scouring publications for coverage, the endless inbox of emails, relationship building breakfasts and putting together brand presentations!
Although people don’t like to talk about it, the fashion industry is notorious for paying significantly lower than other industries. Leaving many wondering why fashion jobs are highly coveted, with as many as 4’000 applications for a single job vacancy. Speaking from personal experience and despite the downsides that come with a fashion career, I couldn’t image myself doing anything else! It’s creative, ever-changing and is a key connector for people all around the world.
I would watch the PR girls at work execute amazing campaigns, manage the guest list at prestigious events and liaise with celebrities and VIP’s. It looked like the dream! Yet, I couldn’t help but notice all the extra hours they put in on evenings and weekends, the careful attention to detail that required their undivided attention or the times when things didn’t quite go as planned, yet they’d have to stay calm and handle it without anyone noticing. On occasions when I’d be asked to help out, for example during London Fashion Week, I absolutely loved the experience and responsibility. But I would be completely worn out after all was said and done.
I’ve spoken to some of my PR girl-friends and this is the advice they’d give an entry-level fashion employee. The experts STILL find it demanding and have built these tips into their everyday lives.
Don’t drink the champagne
Self-explanatory! Even if your boss says it’s okay to have ‘just one’, it’s probably best to save the fizz for another time. Remember you have work at 9am tomorrow morning, which definitely means 7.45am.
Sleep with your curtains open
Sometimes, most times, your job will require you to be in the office before everyone else. Not only will you get a head start on the work that never seems to end, it’s a great way to catch up on emails from other time zones – before an influx of new queries come flooding in. If it’s a particularly busy period, you’re likely to leave the office late, get home late and get to bed even later; making walking up early very difficult. Sleeping with your curtains open will allow natural sunlight to flood into your room and coax you out of bed somewhat easier.
Set your alarm with a daily mantra
Mondays mornings can be difficult but the thought of your enormous to-do list can send you deeper into your duvet. Pick your favourite quote and set it to pop up along with your alarm, starting your morning on a positive note.
Super tip: Pick a quote from your fashion career idol, mine would be anything Natalie Massenet says!
Dedicate time to see your real friends
No matter how many amazing ‘work wives’ you have, nothing makes up for time with your old friends. The people that know nothing about the fashion industry, barely even read magazines and don’t understand how stressful your job actually is. They’ll keep you sane!
Keep your graduation photo close
“Remember why you started”,“This was your dream job” and “You’re so lucky to be in this position” is likely to be what you’ll say to yourself when looking at your grad pic! Completing university and landing a job in PR was all you’ve prayed for during Uni, or a pleasantly unexpected career turn you took. Either way, at some point you prayed to be in this exact position. The crazy busy times don’t last forever and although moments of regret may pass in front of you, they’ll flash right passed you too!
