Being a Working Mother

Being in business for 20 years has been an ongoing challenge. Don’t get me wrong, there have been lots of rewards, but it hasn’t been easy.

I started my business, HJMT Public Relations Inc., out of my one bedroom apartment in Long Beach. I had just had my first child and in between the feedings and the crying, I would talk with clients and media people and during the feedings and the crying, I would write press releases and pitch letters.

It’s funny, I always thought of myself as a woman who tried to do it all, but I did get disapproving looks from my neighbors. I once heard someone whisper, “How can she work?”

But I did, because I always loved and still do love what I do – to help companies and non-profits get exposure and visibility for their services or products. So, I juggled it all.

Now, 20 years later, dozens of accolades from the business community and , I look back and reflect on whether I did the right thing.

My daughter is now 20 and going to the Newhouse School at Syracuse University, which is the best communications school in the country. She just informed me that she was elected Vice President of PRSSA (Public Relations Society of America’s Student Association). My son is doing really well in high school, too. I can definitely see him going places. 

So did I do right by being a working mother? Maybe I taught my children a valuable lesson: do what you love, do it right and success is yours for the taking. I think the proof is in the pudding. 

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Hilary JM Topper, MPA is the President/CEO of HJMT Public Relations, Inc. She is also an active blogger on Hilary Topper's Blog and is a radio show host on Hilary Topper On Air on Blogtalk Radio. She has many free offers on her web site including a copy of her first book, Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Social Media but were afraid to ask.