Don't give up on finding that flexible role

My latest copy of Red Magazine boasts an article on "Part-time hits the big time: Meet the CEOs who job share". My friend Sally is job-sharing as a director at a B2B PR agency. And she loves it. From my coaching work over the last few months, I know there are many of you who simply aren't interested in the traditional working setup any more. Flexibility has been a long time coming to the comms industry in terms of the opportunities available for those who don't want to (or simply can't) work a traditional full five days. But - slowly - it is coming.

So far, your path may have been more straightforward than this - guided through a structured education system, to a structured environment in which you signed up for a contract that you never questioned. Easy, right? But there are costs to this model. And now you know what they are.

However, the path to these more flexible options will not be as defined as your last job search. You may have to knock on more doors than you feel comfortable with - because it's new to the corporate world.

If you feel like you're not getting anywhere, this does not mean you're on the wrong path. That your dream is impossible. That you should give up. It actually means that by continually asking for what you need, you are forging the way for others who need this even more than you. Other mums breastfeeding babies and toddlers. Other single parents. Other individuals with care-giving responsibilities. Other artists and creative folk who need time for their outlet beyond their day job.

Use your excellent brain and your whip-sharp ability to communicate, Amy, to be among the voices requesting - nay, demanding - greater personal freedom gradually becomes the norm.

It will take resilience. It will take perseverance. It will take self-belief. It isn't going to feel all that comfortable. And that's ok. Making important changes is not about comfort. 

But, by God, you will be glad you persevered, when you have that wonderful extra day all to yourself to learn to become a personal fitness trainer, or work for a charity, or spend with your babies. 

Thank you for being brave enough to say what you need. For sticking with this. For not accepting what went before as good enough. You are already making an incredible difference just by holding this dream and gradually working towards it.