Parenting and Political Campaign Jobs

[LankyLizards]

I'm curious whether anyone works in political campaigning as a parent. I am a single mother and have volunteered on campaigns before, but never worked as a full-time staffer. I suppose I'm looking for success/failure stories, advice and suggestions. I will almost surely be starting a job on a campaign full-time, either candidate or issue-based, not sure yet, which will require relocating and, of course, intense campaign work. DD is not yet in school, so I will not have to worry about that yet and will simply find child care in our new, temporary home.

Please let's make sure this stays focused on the job and not specific party politics and such. And thanks!

[spedteacher30]

Honestly? I don't see how you could balance it as a single parent and work in a traditional campaign environment. I work for a union, so my work is steady and year round (I do policy advocacy NOT political advocacy--so my schedule is much more "normal"). I know what our political/government relations/lobbyists do and their pace is so frenetic during political campaigns and then again during the session.

Typically, the work involves 60-80 hours work weeks, lots of travel, and tons of nights and weekends. I can't imagine how you could find child care that fits the schedule.

I think a better option would be to look for work with a non-profit or a community organizing group where your hours would be more steady and predictable.

[bauchtanz]

I grew up in a life of politics - so I feel very comfortable saying that there is no way in hell I would EVER consider doing this.

You will NEVER see your child until the election is done.
Period.
I have no idea how you will find childcare when you are managing a phone booth mid-july at 10 pm at night, at 6 am when you have to run something somewhere.
Kid sick? To bad - you need to pick up absentee ballots.

Often times you are sent to live with a family because they can't afford to give you a place to live on your own.

The pay is beyond crappy, work demeaning, and, you are basically a paid slave. The stress enormous.
I say that as a person who loves elections, never missed one, and has parent who is an elected offical.

I have worked and volunteered for many campaigns and I always get a sitter, I don't even allow my children to come to campaign events.
I have been told they are not welcome even in envriroments you would think they would be.
Campaigns are serious buissness, and, I would consider all other options first. Try working for a union like AFSCME (still long hours), or a non-profit.

There is so much more work at being a staffer, please, for your children - reconsider.

[*MamaJen*]

If you don't mind me asking, on what level? National? State? Local? That will make a difference in how intense it is.

[LankyLizards]

I am not looking into jobs that require me to live in provided housing. I am also not completely ignorant of the reality of political campaigning. I currently serve on the board of the local party and am involved with 2 start-up non-profits and a PAC. None of this pays. Unemployment in this area is about 14% though, and working in campaigning is one of the few areas that actually has not been affected by the economy. Slightly invigorated by it, rather.

The job I am really hoping comes through is for a national political organization. It is a community organizing job, but definitely builds up to the election next year. I interned on a presidential campaign last year and DD came with me everywhere. She even came canvassing and loved it. I am definitely going about this in a smart way and not putting DD in a situation where she will suffer. No worries there. No 10pm phone banking. We have to stop at 9pm for the most part anyway... Anyway, I am currently unemployed and have been for months. I have many connections in politics - local and state, not national - and can get a job working on a campaign easily. For my child's sake I have to at least seriously consider it. It is much more "demeaning" being unemployed, broke, and on the brink of homelessness.

Thank you for the advice though.