A Real Working Mother or Publicity Stunt?

April 13, 2009.

I have been reading Working Mother for almost seven years. I was almost giddy when I got my first subscription the same month I started Jamie's Painting & Design.  I found the magazine intriquing, I felt I was part of a sisterhood of sorts, a club that I could call my own.   After all this time of reading the magazine - I am not feeling the love so much anymore.  These days, I have an almost love /hate relationship with the magazine.  I love the tips, the recipes and advice on juggling motherhood and working, yet I hate the cover Mom's, more tips on breast feeding and how to tell your boss you are pregnant (the two last ones I can skim over - the first one is a tough pill to swallow).  However, today I am in full 'hate' mode - just can't get past it.

Pretty Executive Mommy

In a nutshell, the May issue has a Vice President from Cisco on the cover (yawn).  She is a mother of two, she reports directly to John Chambers, manages 200 people and is the youngest female vice president (okay that part I like - busting the whole glass ceiling and all).  She did have one  tough pregnancy  and her parents divorced when she was a child - so there was some interesting information about her background I guess.  Her struggles if you can call them that are basically going to a neighbor's home to chit chat after work, try NOT to leave too many notes for her caregiver and....no wait that is it, she has no other struggles, oh I know she wants working parents to not feel guilty - okay Dali Lama

What I don't like is the coincident of this magazine hitting newstands right now, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth.  Not a coincidence that  this issue comes on the heels of Cisco laying off more people as we ride the wave of 2009.  This time it was over 2000 people a few weeks ago - coincident I say no.  I think it spin at it's best - but then again I am a publicity whore and jaded in my old age.

Maybe it is also because the Economy still sucks, I am considering quitting my subscription.   With the country in a Recession or a Depression, she is who is on the cover?   I have probably put down the magazine more times that not in the past few years,  I am not interested in yet another Executive cover.

I am just tired of reading about Fortune 500 Company Executive Mom's and "How they Do it". Really?  Do I need an article to tell me how great she has it? How easy she has it with a caregiver, oh and do not forget her Executive Salary too - that helps, that is how she does it!  The last issue that had me fuming was the woman who was (yes an Executive, the CEO actually) and she had a cook, it was like barf, gee life must be hard when you get home.

Publicist Did the Dirty Work

What really irks me though is that are we so stupid as to believe that this woman got the email looking for cover Mom's?  Speaking of which, is not hard to get on - you can sign up at Working Mother, you will get emails when they are looking for a teacher, a social worker, a minority or an entrepreneur.  And yes it is exciting to get - even if I do not qualify,  it is irritating they always say you have to be attractive....no I am not kidding.  I am guessing that is not  a prerequisite for being on the cover of Entrepreneur or Fast Company - let me rephrase that, they would not say that for a Man.  Who cares if  you look like Steve Wozniack - if you are rich and successful - bravo!  How soon can we send a team of photographers and reporters to your home? 

The other funny thing is they NEVER are looking for an executive in these emails that go out to their readers...hmm, I wonder why they are on the cover so often then?  Anyone?  This is obviously the work of a very savvy publicist at either Cisco, IBM, Chrysler or Apple.  They  pitched this Mommy Executive to Working Mother.  I mean come on - this is not a struggling Mother, or a mother that is working in some 9 to 5 job - she is an Executive.   I get it she works hard too - but how many Executives with full time help can I read about?  What about the October issue with the Executive from Lehman Brothers....I could not make this up!

Do Real Mom's Equal Advertising Dollars?

Can't they put real Mom's on the cover?  Maybe some famous Mommy Blogger could grace the cover?  I don't need to read about some very high paid employee, I want someone that is either making a difference, or is just a regular Joe....er, Joann.  Maybe I am in a cranky mood because sales are down, or more friends and family are being laid off than I can count. 

The fact is I am sure an average every day Mom working as an engineer, or the lunch lady is not as glamorous as these Executives.  But I for one do not read Working Mother for that fluff - that is why I have my fluff magazines, I read this for knowledge, advice and help.  I am not dumb - just frustrated.  I am hoping the next cover Mom is at least inspiring..... I mean she is probably quite lovely and all - this is nothing personal against Ms. May.  But come on Working Mother step up to the plate, especially when the entire country is suffering.

Comments

[kyoot]

I'd much rather read about a mom that's trying to juggle Bills, Daycare, Gift Shopping, Business, or Paychecks that don't stretch enough and how to make them bigger instead of fluff! What you've pointed out is advertising fluff!

[Elke Von Freudenberg]

It's funny how in good times, we would look up to these women and dream and aspire.. and in bad times, it's not liking what they've accomplished and obtained for themselves. And while these covers and stories are shot 3/4 months before they ever come out, I agree, the timing of it could have been better, or at least pick a much better person/story/subject to relate to the times now.

[jessica - To Live Beautiful]

i haven't been to your blog in a while (ran across it maybe 1.5 years ago?) - but i need to keep coming back; I forgot how much I appreciated your writing, ideas, personality, etc.

I love the honesty here; I would be frustrated too. I'm sure this Pretty Executive cover mommy has her struggles - but just wasn't willing and transparent enough to share. Nobody is perfect - everyone struggles - it's just that some of us are better at lying or covering it up.

anyway- just wanted to say hello again!

jessica

[shelly]

hey jamie... how are YOU??
I totally agree with this latest post. it almost feels like a slap in the face - how dumb do these peeps think are???? "hello...no coincidence here hunny"
oh gotta go... my nanny can't find the cook!