In conversation with Fozia Khaliq
1. Introduce yourself
Hello! I am Fozia Khaliq, mother of Zofia (11) and Caleb (4) and Producer of films. I have been in the creative sector since 2007 and in Film and TV since 2013. I had my daughter at 25 which is REALLY young for today's standards so had to build a career and family side by side!
2. What is your job title?
I am a Producer.
3. Who looks after the kids when you are working?
I don't live near any family so we had to use a mixture of a private nanny and a private nursery. When my oldest was 5 and started school, she went to breakfast and an afterschool club and my husband picked her up on his way home from work. It was a 10 hour day for her, 12 hours for my husband and about 16 for me when I was on contract! I generally had long commutes from studios or worked away on set for long periods so would take time off in between contracts to make up for the lost time. It was certainly not easy at times and I resented it. I was prickelled by those who rocked up late because of a night out or booked a whole day off for an appointment. I felt that I could never let me being a mum ever get in the way of work for fear of repercussions.
4. How long did you take off work after having your baby?
I took 9 months off for each child.
5. Would you say that you have a good work/life balance?
I do now. But have had a long, hard journey to get here. The early days were tricky as I was finding my feet and back then let's say the industry was not as 'kind' as it is today to working mums. Now I have more control over my projects and can set the standard for how I think it's fair to run things and I make an active effort to support other women, especially mums.
6. Are you job sharing or working flexibly?
No job sharing, sadly. I adore this concept though and may look at things once Covid-19 is over. But yes, working from home and meeting remotely.
7. What do you think is the hardest part of being a working in media/film/tv industry and being a parent?
Well, missing out on assembly and other day-time based kids events is one thing but when the going gets tough in a high pressure environment it's hard not to throw in the towel. I think I have worked harder at my job than my marriage and family! I have worked with people who have missed their wedding anniversaries and then lost their partners in later life - I couldn't imagine many other work environments being so sacrificial. I did find it hard to shake off my work brain on the weekends too, had to really work on not letting things seep through. I had some additions to being a mother; I was a young mother. All my work friends would seem so immature to me as motherhood had aged me. My priorities were different, I felt I had to achieve more with my time as I could not let it run into my days off with my children and would resent anyone with a casual attitude that didn't work as hard. On top of this I am BAME and working class! There were some really, really hard times for me and I really feel so proud of myself for surviving. I had to ask myself one question. So what are you going to do if not this? My answer was always the same. Nothing else, because this is what I want to do.
8. What are your tips for any other women out there wanting to have kids and keep a career in film?
Well I would say to try getting a salaried production company based job if you are able. It would help with stability and be less precarious than the freelance maternity world! Childcare is not particularly flexible, it's improving, but you may not have access at the right time either - so plan ahead as much as you can. Join a local parent group! They can help you in your hour of need and as your kids grow so will your friendship with other parents which is essential for creating that sense of community for your child.
9. Any advice for anyone about to return to work after maternity?
I would say to enjoy those moments and feel ready in your heart before you return. When you are ready, just get the feelers out there. Test the waters and see if it's a right time for you. Don't worry if your first job/gig back is a nightmare - it may well be as you are a different person then before and it's a new experience. Take time in between contracts or negociate part time. And please, when you are back, connect with other mums/dads and help increase the community of working parents!
10. What advice did you wish someone had given you?
Hhmmm? I think I would of liked advice on how to recognise and deal with unfair discrimination in the work place better. But that information is so widely available these days, thankfully!