Creative careers and life plans rarely line up in a neat, predictable way. You work hard for a promotion, only to realise you're also thinking about starting a family. And then the doubt creeps in — Is now a bad time? Will people think I’m not serious about my role? Should I wait to prove myself first?

This kind of pressure is all too familiar, especially for women in creative industries. There's a quiet but persistent fear that planning for a family might somehow dilute your professional momentum or be seen as "bad timing".

It’s a tough feeling — and one that deserves compassion, not judgement. To unpack this, we turn to Sarah Gross, Creative Director and Partner at branding studio Storyfolk, and Katie Feder, a registered Psychotherapist who helps people navigate big life decisions. Hosting the conversation is Andy Wright, Founder of Never Not Creative and CEO of Streamtime, whose advocacy for mental health in the industry brings extra weight to the conversation.

Prioritise your life alongside your career

Sarah’s take is straightforward and reassuring:
"I definitely think you can absolutely not you can definitely plan for a family plan for a promotion plan life Milestones alongside having a really successful career."

She makes a strong case for integrating the personal with the professional:
"I think that you know integrating a work life balance and really striving for those life Milestones um you know family you know holidays you know whatever it might be that's important to you I think it's really important to prioritise those um outside of work as well."

In fact, she argues that it can make you a better creative:
"I think that having those goals that you're striving to towards outside of your job in the industry I think will make you happier in your role you'll produce better ideas."

Life first, family first

Sometimes the clearest message is the simplest:
"Definitely life first um Family First I'm a big big proponent of."

Sarah also notes how the industry is (finally) starting to catch up:
"I must admit like more and more recently I've seen stories in the media um and in our industry media of um people even receiving promotions whilst they've been off on um parental leave which I think is really right."

Having a family shouldn’t stall your career. It’s part of life — and part of the bigger picture of a long, fulfilling working journey:
"It's a big um piece to make sure that you know that it shouldn't be a uh a blot on your career it should actually just be a part of anyone's career to be able to go start a family and continue to progress."

Follow your own authentic truth

Katie takes the conversation inward, where the real answers usually live:
"You're also asking such a individual question when it comes to what is going to most connect you to your happiness to your values to your truth."

She recognises the complexity of the decision:
"In a way it's a bit of an ethical question because if you ask a hundred people you're going to get a 100 answers."

Katie encourages tuning out the noise and turning up your inner voice:
"What you'll keep hearing from me is the same thing which is go in go in go in and navigate your life based on your truth and what you value and and what is your most authentic self."

And while it’s fine to get advice, the compass should be yours:
"By all means listen to others thoughts and encouragement but as long as the um active Compass here is your own."

When you need additional support

If this decision is keeping you up at night or creating more stress than clarity, you're not alone — and you don’t have to figure it out all by yourself. Talking to a therapist or counsellor can help you navigate the emotional weight of big life choices like these.

For mental health support or to explore helpful resources, head to our comprehensive help section. It’s full of trusted services available anytime you need them.

Connect with peers who understand

It’s a lot easier to navigate work and life when you’re surrounded by people who get it. NNC Circles are monthly peer groups for creatives who are dealing with the real-life juggle — career moves, life transitions, and everything in between.

Each group includes 8–10 creatives meeting in a confidential, supportive space. Whether you’re weighing up big decisions or just need to feel less alone, Circles offer real talk and real support without judgement.

Conclusion

So, is it wrong to plan for a family right after a promotion? Not even close.

Your personal life and your professional life don’t have to fight for space. In fact, when you make decisions based on what matters most to you, both tend to benefit. As Sarah says, putting life and family first doesn’t mean stepping away from ambition — it means redefining success on your own terms.

And as Katie reminds us, the best answers usually don’t come from external expectations. They come from tuning in to your own values, your own timing, and your own truth.

It’s not about choosing between family and career. It’s about creating space for both — knowing that your growth as a person will only deepen your value as a professional.

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