If you follow me on social media you’re probably well aware I recently moved to Sydney. No doubt I’ve spammed you with my Opera House, Bondi Beach, Newtown hipster, I’m-a-Sydney-rookie, wow-its-a-bridge type posts… in fact, you’ve probably hit ‘unfollow’ (if you haven’t – congrats, you’re justifying my social media existence). There’s no denying my move has been well documented, but the reason why I moved – not so much.
After a year in the Brisbane PR scene and various years in journalism, I was enthralled with Brisbane media. I knew it back to front, loved it and was even slightly obsessed with it. But I was curious as to what the PR profession held nationally, what other perceptions, environments and opportunities were out there.
Fortunately, The Red Republic has a Sydney office so when I shared my aspirations with our CEO Fleur Madden – she presented me with an incredible opportunity – I walked into her office a Brisbane gun, and out a Sydney rookie. The decision had been made and a few months later I packed my car full of the non-essentials any 22-yr-old would and made my way (slowly, very slowly, two-days-of-slowly) to the Emerald city.
Work kicked off pretty quickly here in Sydney – well, that’s an understatement – it kicked off with a BANG! Continuing work with my Brisbane-based clients, while quickly gaining new business and hosting events, it was all hands on deck. For the first month I was completely consumed with finding my feet at work and did little to venture outside of Surry Hills.
And yes, I failed at being a Sydneyite many times; I locked myself out of our office for an entire day, lost my phone, keys and wallet due to simple stupidity, was forced to walk 10km home (with no phone, hence no map, hence no damn direction), fell over and split both knees and elbows while running through Sydney’s prestigious Eastern Suburbs (massive fail), asked taxi’s to take me in completely the wrong direction pre-event and many other, I’m-obviously-from-Brisbane stunts.
But – I have learnt A LOT! Firstly, I’ve learnt the PR industry is generally the same no matter where you are; the same rules apply, the same game is played. I’ve learnt journalists are more willing to meet up, have coffee, attend events and help you out where possible. In fact, many are some of the funnest, kindest, most adventurous people I’ve met here. This is so beneficial for your work, clients… and sanity. Thirdly, I’ve learnt about the slightly different culture – in Sydney you start and end work later, attend events more frequently and there’s endless opportunity for you and your clients – more business, more variety, more restaurants, more beaches, more events and more competition.
The most important thing I’ve learnt (or re-confirmed) is the importance of believing in your company, the brand you stand for, your team and the role you play within that team. I came here really unsure of my skills as a public relations professional, not sure how I’d stack up against Sydney-siders but with The Red Republic brand behind me, our amazing clients and national presence – it wasn’t long before I was back in the game, not afraid to push myself without fear of falling (not literally, unfortunately – my split knees remind me daily I do, in fact, fall literally).
If you’re thinking of moving – do it. If you’re about to move – Good luck! And if you’ve just moved – you probably haven’t even had time to read this blog, but I wish you well anyway!
