In conversation with Kim Fahey
Kim and her family
1. Introduce yourself
Hello I'm Kimberley Fahey
2. What is your job title?
A film Set decorator or Senior Assistant set decorator depending on scale of job.
3. Who looks after the kids when you are working?
Childminder, pre-school and primary school
4. How long did you take off work after having your baby?
5 months, not ideal but as a freelancer and no maternity, I had very little options.
5. Would you say that you have a good work/life balance?
I really do try, When I was younger (before kids) I lived to work, I'm ashamed to say i missed some important dates and lost lots of holiday deposits, now I'm settled with my family, I now work to live! There are times when filming clashes with important home life plans, however I try to be organised and if I can find a happy medium I do. Compromise is key, between myself, my partner, my family, friends and my work colleagues.
6. Are you job sharing or working flexibly?
I've been job sharing recently, which for me has been a real game-changer. I feel much more able to be a 'present' parent as well as doing the job I love. The challenge is getting employers on-board with the idea of a job-share. We work 3 days each with a Wednesday crossover, this means producers are paying two people for 3 days rather than one person on a 5 day week, however what they get in skills, experience and energy is well worth the 3 day crossover deal in our opinion.
7. What do you think is the hardest part of being a working mum in media /film/tv industry parent?
Losing touch with day to day kids stuff, for example you didn't notice they had outgrown their PE kit, not eating their pack lunch or falling behind in maths, these things can creep up on you so it's vital to have regular check-ins with teachers, childminders and other parents. Also missing school drop off and pick-up can be tough as its a precious time, and soon enough they won't want you walking anywhere near them. Then there are the obvious things like missing class assemblies, sports days and parents evenings, however again if you are able to be organised with dates and you give your team enough notice, colleagues can arrange cover, unfortunately there will still be occasions when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere, the filming has over-run and your waiting for the director to come and approve the next set-up then there’s is absolutely nothing that you can done about it.
8. What are your tips for any other women out there wanting to have kids and keep a career in film?
Don't put it off, It is possible, I know lots of wonderfully talented brilliant mums working in the film industry. Childcare costs can be cripping so if you can save in advance do so and if you have family who want to help and you can move closer to them, I would strongly recommend it for support and extra help. Also if you have space, getting a live-in au-pair is a great thing to do and really helped us out in the past. I do try and involve my children in everything I do, so they understand and appreciate exactly what mummy is up to.
9. Any advice for anyone about to return to work after maternity/paternity leave?
Breath, don't put yourself under extra unnecessary stress and don't feel you have to overcompensate, remember the first few years you will be sleep-deprived, be kind to yourself, solutions will always be found and problems will always sort themselves out. Keep a sense of humour whenever possible and try and surround yourselves with colleagues and friends who understand what measures you have had attrive before even getting into work in the morning!
10. What advice did you wish someone had given you?
Don't put off having a baby, it is possible to come back to work, remember those hormones will be a little different after having a baby, so be kind to yourself, get support in place and if you can, take plenty of time off to be with your baby in the beginning.