Naked ambition

November 13, 2013

Liz JarvisThis was one of my first newspaper byline photos, taken when my son was small. Let’s ignore the fact that my skin was like porcelain back then, my hair was dark and I look so blimmin’ young: because this photo is actually a memory of an important period in my career as a journalist. Something very dramatic happened when I became a mum: driven by the need to provide for my baby, maternal ambition, and conscious that I had to ‘prove’ myself to be taken seriously, I went into overdrive, eager to show I was as talented and able to handle anything as my colleagues without kids.

Let me tell you, getting a story or a great interview through sheer determination and skill (ie, the old-fashioned way) and seeing your name in print and being given more opportunities is a fantastic buzz; but at the back of my mind was always the thought of that little boy waiting for me to come home.

*This is my entry for The Gallery – the theme this week is ‘a younger me’. And you’ll notice I don’t *still* use the same byline photo… unlike some of my contemporaries who had their photos done at pretty much the same time. They know who they are ๐Ÿ˜‰

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  • MummaG November 14, 2013 at 5:30 pm

    Wonderful post, hard work really does pay off ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Louise November 13, 2013 at 6:59 pm

    very glamorous! x,

  • Mary @over40andamumtoone November 13, 2013 at 6:08 pm

    You do look very determined, such a shame that we NEED to prove ourselves to anyone

  • Sara (@mumturnedmom) November 13, 2013 at 4:52 pm

    Oh, I can relate to the need to prove yourself and working even harder! Why do we still do that?! Great photo, and memories to go with it ๐Ÿ™‚

  • My Two Mums November 13, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Great photo. Very serious stare!

  • Molly November 13, 2013 at 11:12 am

    That is one very intense stare. Your eyes are very compelling

    Mollyxxx

  • Tara November 13, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Wowzers Lizbeth. You have a look of Gillian Anderson about you there. Gawjus

  • LauraCYMFT November 13, 2013 at 10:42 am

    That’s a beautiful photo!

  • Sarah MumofThree World November 13, 2013 at 8:55 am

    Fab photo and fab memories. Didn’t we all feel we had to prove ourselves after going back to work after our first child?!

  • Mirka Moore @Kahanka November 13, 2013 at 8:09 am

    Interesting to see you with dark hair, is that your natural colour?

  • Rachael Lucas November 13, 2013 at 8:06 am

    Gorgeous then, and gorgeous now. Also I sniggered at the end-y bit. I’ve been rather, er, surprised at some of the writers and journos I’ve met in real life…

  • suzanne3childrenandit November 13, 2013 at 7:54 am

    Why do us women always feel the need to prove ourselves? It’s not right I tell you! Now I’m going all feminist on you….fab memories ๐Ÿ™‚