Chapter 2

“Some people are like trees, they take forever to grow up”

I’m hurtling towards my mid 30’s and I don’t have a baby, don’t own a property and did not spend the last 15 years building a solid, well-paid career in an incredibly grown up sector (cue canned gasp and horror). Instead I’ve been attempting to travel the world, transitioning from one measly paid TV production project to another, and setting up my own company from scratch Nox Entertainment

 (Dubai, St Petersburg and Beijing)

 So am I foolish, or simply a late bloomer?

Let’s initially tackle that hugely divisive topic of babies. Yes I get it’s wonderful to create another you, but a huge part of me is still stuck on the negatives – dirty nappies, screaming hourly awakenings, the ban on adventurous holidays for the early years at least…. Truthfully, I don’t know if women are ever ready to accept that total life overhaul, whatever their age, but I hope most feel able to claw back at least a partial sense of identity. It’s a mixed bag in my experience, with some simply giving in to an all encompassing ‘stay at home mother’ role, but I cling to the women quickly returning to the fulfilling professional and social lifestyle that preceded their “little bundle of joy.”

Career is the next hot topic. In our 20’s, all us girls seemed to be on an even playing field. Fresh out of education, we were all starting at the bottom rung as Assistants/Juniors/Interns, trying our best to get noticed and impress the boss.

As my group of friends turned 30, some surged ahead, becoming partners in law firms and financial institutions, qualifying as fully-fledged doctors, with one school friend even being elected to Parliament! Meanwhile, I for certain felt left behind as my TV career inched forward at a snails pace with equally laughable pay rises (I’d be lucky to get £50 extra per week with each promotion). I was not given the travel opportunities I yearned for like many friends, who between them, have relocated to every corner of the globe. I have now setup my own company offering music, filming and photography, so am hoping this will provide all the career opportunities that have so far alluded me.

Last topic of this post is another tree related phrase – roots. I have never lived in another country, in particular the one I have a teensy little obsession with, the good old US of A. Other than a 3 year university stint in Bristol, I have always resided within 15 miles of my North London childhood home. To some this could provide a wonderfully secure identity, but to me, it just screams ‘bubble’. Don’t get me wrong, I live in one of the world’s best cities and am so incredibly lucky to have a close, extended family just 30 minutes drive away. However, my belief is that immersing yourself in a completely alien culture (holidays don’t count), and building a life of your own away from the comfort factor, must be one of the best senses of achievement. I don’t want to look back with regret, as I’m blogging for ‘Owning 70’, never having practiced what I preach.

Next week, next instalment of a Decade of Firsts

Written by Emma Simons

Born and bred Londoner Emma has been in Media since university. Working up from Runner slash Starbucks lacky, to Researcher slash Producer’s lacky and finally up to Producer slash Executive Producer’s lacky – the cycle never ends…She specialised in Kid’s and Celebrity Chef shows (both requiring the same parenting skills for naughty on-set behaviour). Emma started her own company in 2014 Nox Entertainment offering bespoke music and production services to venues and private clients.

A passionate animal lover, Emma volunteers with charity All Dogs Matter, and takes her poodle on hospital visits as part of the Pets As Therapy scheme. She is an ardent traveller, with number one on the bucket list to visit every country in the world.  Also a wannabe foodie as much as food allergies will allow – regrettably gluten, dairy and soya free. She is always on the hunt for that mecca of a food establishment a) do they allow dogs b) can they give me a delicious meal cutting out most major food groups c) if a and b are a go, I’m yours for life.

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