Liz Greene | An Editor On The Shift To Freelance & Holding On To Creativity Alongside Family
by Neha Ruch
Liz Greene and I should have crossed paths well before motherhood. We both lived in Boston and later worked at wedding media companies. We finally found each other while both transitioning into life with two children while holding onto our creative work alongside. For Liz, an initial return to work after her first son, a subsequent layoff, and a move to the west coast, was a catalyst for the decision to focus on family life and try freelance writing. She is open about the self-consciousness surrounding the choice to embrace parenting and the constant conscious commitment to keep up her writing even when it feels like chaos. Her answers felt like a mirror and a window in navigating the grey area, getting started on any creative pursuit (specifically writing) and small, tangible ways to grow amidst it all.
1. You and I have been on similar journeys of transitioning to two and re-evaluating where our creative work fits in - what is that looking like for you right now?
My current phase is one of accepting and embracing this stage in my life, as I stay at home with my two young boys, Bode (3.5 years old) and Otis (2 years old), and work on my freelance writing career on the side. But it wasn't always like that. After I had my first baby, I returned to work full-time as an editor for a wedding site, but then about eight months later, was laid off when the company was sold. At the same time, we had just learned that we needed to move to the Bay Area for my husband's job and I was pregnant with baby #2. I decided then to not return to the workforce in the traditional sense, and thus began my journey into the freelance world, trying to figure out what exactly I wanted to do during this interesting grey period of time as I had young children.
For the longest time I felt almost embarrassed, as I was (and still am) continuing to discover what path I wanted to take now and going forward. I had imposter syndrome, feeling that if I wasn't working 9-5 in an office, then I should be conquering creative dreams left and right, but it's been much more slow going, and as we all know, comparison is the thief of all joy.
I'm extremely conscious of the fact that having this choice is a privilege for myself and our family, and have often found myself feeling the need to justify, to over explain our decision... and honestly, I'm tired of it. So as my freelance writing has continued to grow slowly but surely, and as I continue to take long pauses when bringing a new baby into the world (#3 due this June), I'm allowing myself to finally embrace and enjoy this phase both professionally and personally, letting go of guilt and any shame.
I'm currently doing a variety of writing, from sharing honest, personal motherhood stories online, to working with clients, typically female entrepreneurs, helping them with their editorial needs (blogging, newsletters, website copy, etc). I'm trying to let go of the pressure to define myself and my work by any set terms, reminding myself that I can create the "job description" that truly fits me best, also knowing it can change... as it will once again when baby #3 comes along. And just as I'm allowing myself to redefine the work I do during these years, I'm trying really hard to also let myself embrace an upcoming "maternity break" during those precious and fleeting newborn months.
2. From where I sit, you have done a beautiful job staying connected to your creative career and identity even when you had less room for it. What advice do you have for women wanting to do the same? How do you think this period has served your career in some ways?
Thank you, that is so kind and appreciated. It's not easy; it's a real struggle for me. There is definitely less room for my creativity and career, but I just can't let it go. I can make lists of pros and cons, and why's and why not's, but at the end of the day, I'm learning to trust my gut and my heart. It's cliche but true. I've often thought about stopping any and all professional interests completely, taking a break from all writing, and focusing 24/7 on the kiddos and home, and it just doesn't sit well with me; I can't do it. I want to write and create. I want to grow as a writer and find new opportunities, even if it means my life is more chaotic.
I don't believe we can do it all, all the time. It's a constant shifting of needs and priorities, re-weighing it all seasonally, monthly, even weekly, and daily (sometimes even hourly). I really encourage other women in this position to stay tuned into their selves, to listen to their bodies and hearts to see what feels best for them right now. And to give themselves grace, knowing that it can (and probably will) change (often).
A large portion of my writing captures my own motherhood experience that I'm going through at this very moment, so to say that this period is lending itself to career growth is an understatement. I couldn't have written about motherhood without experiencing it personally, first and foremost, and as I do so, as I live the ups, the downs, and everything in between, it's fueling me in a creative way that I haven't experienced before. I'm so grateful that my life's personal journeys have led me to discover professional joy as well.
And of course, it has also led me to meet some amazing women (Neha included!), and for that, I hope and believe it will help me in the long run as well, not only professionally with connections and networking but also personally, with friendships. I'm open to new ideas and new routes on this journey and excited about what the future might bring.
3. Asking for help when you are actively making room to parent and have non-traditional work is hard - how have you navigated this at different stages?
Honestly, I've done a horrible job at navigating this area. I've forgoed a lot of help, believing I could, and should, do without, and while I have for a long time, it's getting old.
We've had a couple nannies in the past, first when I was working full-time, and it was just one little guy at home, then another part-time help that ended right as COVID began. Since then, we've had no outside help. I do most of my work in the fringe hours during quiet times and at night. I have an amazing husband, who despite an incredibly time-consuming and demanding job, does whatever he can to support me and my endeavors. But as my two boys get older and more active - and I approach my third trimester - it's becoming clearer that working late at night isn't a good long-term solution. My creativity goes downhill, as does my mood.
I look forward to hiring some help in the near future so I can return to work after baby #3 in the best mindset, even as my work continues in a non-traditional way, which I plan that it will.
But even besides formal hired help, I think there is strength in asking for help of any kind. We live across the country from all friends and family, and it has only magnified the loneliness of early motherhood, but as I experience the upcoming birth of my third baby, if there is one thing I've learned (and in actuality, I've learned so, so much), it's that there is no shame in asking for and accepting help anytime and always. That, in reality, it's one of the most beautiful things we can do for each other, especially fellow mothers.
4. Digital creation is becoming a popular outlet for mothers. Do you have advice for women wanting to experiment and learn writing as a hobby or professionally?
Plain and simple, write and create as much as you can. It's the advice I hear all the time, and I probably should do a better job of following it myself. You can't get better (or braver) without practice, and the best way to grow as a writer is to do it as much as possible. Essays, poems, blog posts, Instagram captions, journal entries... it all counts.
Take risks. Because at the end of the day, why not. Email people and ask questions, submit pieces, share your stories. Put yourself out there. I love this passage by Morgan Harper Nichols:
...but what if today was the day
you finally decided to go deeper.
to practice courage out in the open
and actually, post the words in your feed.
to put ideas into paragraphs.
to let what’s inside of you be seen...
...let the heart say what it needs to say
in a brave, new way.
I've found that most people are happy to give feedback, to offer up ideas, and to help in any way. Do the work, and it'll lead you somewhere. This pertains not only to writing but to any creative work you want to dive into. I'm all for us mamas cheering each other on no matter what :)
5. I know we both believe in the value of personal growth, reflection and care, what habits are helping you do that right now?
This is an area that I believe in wholeheartedly, and I am eager to do even more of in 2021.
For me, it comes down to writing, reading, bits of self-care all day, every day, and grace...
I've started journaling a bit, using Erin Loechner's "Year of Reflection" as a guide, and love the idea of simple prompts. I also love the monthly themes and prompts that MU provides as well; so ridiculously on point with my life stage right now. Whenever in doubt, writing helps me understand a situation, and I'm learning to lean into this approach more and more on a personal level, not just for professional purposes.
Reading is also a huge source of self-care, growth, and reflection, and I love discovering new books that help open my eyes and heart (both for pure pleasure as well as enlightenment, inspiration, and education - send any recs my way!). Kelly Newsome Georges, a self-care coach, teaches that self-care is more than the manicure; it's establishing daily rituals that bring you joy and feed your spirit and body, and these rituals can be different for everyone. It can be as simple as my daily skincare routine (which I never, ever skip) and an amazing book at the end of the day. Prioritizing these little things re-energizes me and brings me so much joy. Oh, and coffee! I savor those sips every morning.
And lastly, giving myself grace is one of the kindest acts of self-care I can practice, which I'm continually learning to do. As I learn to accept and embrace this stage in my life and get ready for another type of pause with baby #3, learning the art of grace is key. I haven't figured it out completely, but it's a process in itself, right? Not that much unlike motherhood (and life) itself...
Quick Chit Chat
A product you'd gift to every mother:
An incredibly soft robe. It doesn't need to be fancy or expensive; my favorite postpartum robe was given to me by a friend and it's from Target. It's so soft, and the most beautiful light blue color. It has come to represent such a special time, that 4th trimester, as I've worn it for my first two babies, and I plan to wear it again in June when I have my 3rd baby boy.
Ideal date night (location or activity):
The idea of a full dinner out, complete with appetizers, entrees, dessert, red wine, no rush, no toddlers running laps around the table as we try to negotiate one more bite of vegetable out of them... well, that sounds as lovely as can be right about now. Oh, and no phones.
Family travel destination you loved:
I have such fond memories of going to Maine every summer with my family growing up; I look forward to taking my boys to the Maine beaches, eating too much ice cream and seafood, and soaking up the sounds of the waves for many, many future summers.
3 Instagram accounts you're inspired by:
An amazing mama who keeps it real and makes sure we remember that we're all amazing as well. Her honesty and humor are sincerely appreciated, always reminding us we're not alone in our motherhood feelings and thoughts. Highly recommend her book also.
I first learned of Rhi during my wedding editor days but have since come to enjoy following her even more in recent years. As a fellow mama to little boys, and an immensely talented creative, I love seeing the snippets of her life that she shares, often finding it reassuring, as I relate on so many levels. One of my favorite sources of inspiration.
@eholmes
Elizabeth Holmes is one of the main reasons I can't' leave Instagram. From her incredibly informative and entertaining reports on royal fashion and style, to her inspiring career journey, I look forward to her insight no matter what.
You can follow along with Liz on Instagram.
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