From PR Pro to Medical Mum: Unveiling the Unexpected Benefits for Career Growth

My name is Ellis Reid and recently I've had a major shift in identity. I have been working in PR for 12 years, it is something I always consider my 'calling', so it was a big deal when I made the decision to take some time out to start my family. As some of you may know, we were dealt a curveball when our eldest child was diagnosed with CHARGE syndrome, a relatively rare and complex condition that makes him the most unique and resilient individual I've ever met. If you're lucky enough to meet him though you'd agree, he's simply the best.

Balancing career with raising a young family is always daunting, and when you add in the complexities of children with additional needs, it's honestly quite terrifying. But something beautiful happened when I had both of my children, I discovered more about myself than I knew existed. I uncovered my resilience, my strength, my ability to advocate relentlessly, and it opened up a new world of possibilities for me.

While only 3% of UK women with a disabled child are also in full-time work, I recently sat down to think about the many ways that having a child with additional needs can actually uniquely benefit your PR career, and thought I'd share:

1. Empathy and Understanding: Your experience as a parent of a child with additional needs can enhance your ability to empathise with diverse audiences. This heightened understanding allows you to tailor communications and campaigns that resonate with various demographics, including those with disabilities.

2. Inclusive Messaging: You're well-positioned to advocate for inclusivity and diversity within your PR strategies. Your firsthand knowledge can ensure that campaigns are inclusive and respectful of individuals with different abilities, fostering a positive and inclusive brand image.

3. Problem-solving Skills: Raising a child with additional needs often requires creative problem-solving and adaptability. These skills are highly transferable to PR, where you frequently encounter unexpected challenges and need to find innovative solutions to meet client objectives.

4. Strong Advocacy Skills: As a parent, you've likely become adept at advocating for your child's needs within various systems, such as healthcare and education. This advocacy translates well into PR, where you may need to advocate for your clients' interests or navigate complex stakeholder relationships.

5. Resilience and Determination: Parenting a child with additional needs requires resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. These qualities are invaluable in PR, where you may encounter setbacks or crises that require swift and decisive action.

6. Community Engagement: Your involvement in support networks and advocacy groups for parents of children with additional needs provides valuable insights into community dynamics and concerns. This knowledge can inform community engagement strategies for PR campaigns, fostering stronger connections with target audiences.

Embarking on the journey of parenthood, especially with the added complexity of raising a child with additional needs, can lead to profound personal growth and unexpected career benefits. As I reflect on my own transition from a seasoned PR professional to a dedicated advocate for my child and others like him, I've come to appreciate the unique skills and perspectives that parenting has cultivated within me, the experiences of medical mums and dads offer invaluable assets to the workforce. By embracing these qualities and recognising the diverse strengths that parents of children with additional needs bring to the table, we can foster a more inclusive and compassionate approach to PR and beyond. So, let's continue to connect, share our stories, and advocate for the recognition of Professional Parents as valuable contributors to the workforce. Together, we can shape a brighter and more inclusive future for all.