Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published August 17, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published August 17, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published August 25, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published August 25, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
We are currently in a very specific moment in history when the phrase of “office attire” may not mean the same thing to everyone. Recent studies show that nearly six out of ten people work from home at least one day a week. And while there has never been a universal business dress code, the pandemic has disrupted society’s understanding of office attire once companies sent their employees home to work remotely.
Here are some ways the pandemic has changed business attire.
Dress codes have become more casual (and comfortable)
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, companies were forced to send their employees home to work remotely. Ever since mandatory work from home, there has been a major shift in companies’ dress codes. Once employees started working remotely and in typically more casual and comfortable clothing, companies realized a couple of things: maybe this remote work method was here to stay and maybe looser dress codes were there to stay with it.
Looser dress codes have even gained traction on Wall Street. So once employees returned to their offices, their workplace dress code was likely not the same as it was before the pandemic. Instead of high heels, people have optioned for flats. Instead of suits and ties, people have gone with a more relaxed button-up look. Workplace attire is growing more casual. And some companies are ditching dress codes altogether.
Employees are spending less money on their business attire
When business attire becomes more casual, odds are that employees spend less money on their clothing. According to a survey, Americans spent an average of $580 on work clothes in 2019. In 2020, they spent $399.
Unsurprisingly, remote workers spent even less on their work attire—paying an average of $139 on clothes per year—while over half of workers didn’t spend money on clothing at all.
Remote dress codes are less likely to be enforced
While in-person work is more likely to require a dress code, remote work’s dress code may still exist but is less likely to be enforced. This could be due to the likelihood of an employee being just as (or more) productive in clothes that don’t fall within a dress code.
According to a study done by Fast Company, workers’ own feelings of authenticity increased their engagement at work. Home attire increased authenticity—and engagement in return.
Additionally, dress codes are being reconsidered altogether due to the implication of gender-specific limitations. In fact, the Supreme Court has even ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity—making it more difficult for employers to enforce a strict, gender-based dress code.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published August 26, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published August 26, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published August 31, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published August 31, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
It’s common to have a disappointing workday or even week. But just a bump in the road is different from being a part of a toxic work environment when your day-to-day not only possibly stunts your career but also your personal life.
Now that mental health is more of a topic of conversation in the workplace, the discourse around the “toxic workplace,” is more prominent among employees. Due to the Great Resignation, companies are rolling out shorter work weeks, letting their employees work from home, and creating more flexibility for them overall. While all of this is shifting within the work world, toxic workplaces unfortunately still exist. And according to Forbes, these environments are the #1 reason for people to resign.
If your gut is telling you something is off about your company’s atmosphere, odds are it’s right. Here are eight signs you’re in a toxic work environment.
1. There’s poor communication
Have you sent an email or instant message and not gotten a response? Have you tried nudging your boss multiple times without a clear answer? A lack of communication can leave you feeling tired and confused, putting energy into filling in the missing pieces when you could be using that energy for work-related tasks. A manager or co-worker’s poor communication is one of the first red flags to look for within your work environment.
2. There’s little to no emphasis on work/life balance
Your work life and your personal life are separate things. If your employer or manager doesn’t respect your life outside of the office enough to see it as separate from your work life, odds are that you’re a part of a toxic work environment.
3. The job is different from what it seemed during the interview process
Career catfishing is an unfortunate situation that candidates deal with. If the job you got seemed way different from how it was originally pitched to you during your interview process, you may want to reconsider working there. It’s normal to get used to the rhythm of a job once it becomes a part of your normal routine, but if your expectations greatly mismatch the reality of it, then there’s a bigger issue on your hands.
4. There’s little to no upwards movement
Have you been at a company for a long time without a promotion or raise? As passionate as one can be about their job, the lack of reward in return for hard work can be discouraging and can often lead to burnout.
5. There’s more talk than action
“You can talk the talk, but can you walk the walk?” is an overused statement, but one that holds an ample amount of truth—especially when it comes to your work life. If your manager or employer has promised you something—a raise, a promotion, a project to work on—without fulfilling their promise, it could mean you are a part of a toxic work environment.
6. You’re frequently burnt out
Burnout is real and nothing to be ashamed of. If your burnout doesn’t seem to improve, especially without the help of your employer, you may need to take a step back from your situation and evaluate if your work environment is healthy for you.
7. You’re micromanaged
Micromanaging is when a manager or leader controls almost every aspect of their employee’s duties—so much so, that it creates mistrust and burnout. If you’re dealing with micromanagement at work, you are most likely part of a toxic environment.
8. You’re surrounded by gossipy behavior
No one wants their workplace to feel like middle school all over again with cliques, gossip, and exclusion. If you constantly fear being talked about, feel like an outsider, or must work to win the attention of certain co-workers, you probably also waste the energy that could be put into your work. Cliques and gossipy behavior are counterproductive for workplace cultures, and they’re a sign of a toxic one.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published August 31, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published August 31, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
CEO and Director of PR Amore Philip shares her career journey and advice.
1. Tell us a bit about your career path up to now. What was your first job and how did it and/or your other jobs get you to a CEO position today?
I had a paper route. I used to deliver papers at 6am in the morning in the snowy suburbs outside of Buffalo NY where I grew up. I got chased by a dog one morning I dropped all the papers on the street and ran. I got fired for it. According to my supervisor, I should have ran with the papers.
How did it get me to my CEO position today?
I have worked since I was 12 years old. I took pride in the independence of working for my paycheck. I always said that one day, I wanted to be the one writing the checks. In all the jobs I had, I was always telling my boss how to do things. I always took on a very independent role. My grandfather had a strong work ethic and which he passed to most of his children and grandchildren.
2. What does your typical day-to-day look like?
I wake up at 5am in the morning, I read, write in my journal, I spend a few minutes giving gratitude and planning my day
6:30am – I work out with my training 3 days a week
7am, I have breakfast and get ready for the day
8am – I start by checking my emails, and reviewing my planner
9am – I start by researching
10am – team and project meeting
The rest of the day, I am pitching clients, conducting discovery calls, meetings, writing content, writing strategy for events and PR activities.
Sometimes my days end at 12am
3. What interests you about the world of public relations?
I have always loved the whole idea about using PR to influence audiences and people to take a specific action. I find it fascinating how the iconic brands have mastered the PR game and now they own their industries. I love the fast-paced environment and working under the pressure of deadlines that could make or break a campaign.
4. How did your company face any challenges caused by the pandemic? How do you see the PR industry evolving in the next several years?
During the pandemic, I had to make a lot of changes including downsizing. I lost clients, revenue and even had to leave the office that I was in for six years. However, I will say, that it is one of the best things that happened to my business. It made me look at how I was doing business. I changed the way I did a lot of things. Now, I am changing the direction of the company as well as myself as a CEO and Subject Matter expert. I am now choosing the clients that are a best fit for me based on my company goals and core values.
5. What is your advice for anyone wanting to break into the industry?
My advice is to do as many internships in PR as possible. Get creative, become a source wherever you go. Read about the industry, study the top 100 PR agents, press agents and agencies in the world. Become obsessed with psychographics when planning and writing PR strategy. Study the top PR campaigns that produced great results, as well as the ones that were a bust. Approach all assignments with passion. Be the first one to arrive and the last one to leave. When you take a job, set monthly and yearly goals to climb up the ladder.
6. Anything else you’d like to add:
I plan to leave a legacy in the industry. I am working on that right now.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published September 2, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published September 2, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
4 min read • Originally published September 7, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
4 min read • Originally published September 7, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Stacie Hunt, the founder of Point Media, shares her career journey and advice.
1. Tell us a bit about your career path up to now. What was your first job and how did it and/or your other jobs get you to a founder position today?
My “first job” was listening to my Dad. He coached me by saying that if in ten years of working for a company you didn’t have some ownership share, then it was time to move on. I would say today that the idea of “ten years” is outdated – perhaps by 2/3rds. However, the core message was to not have a job, but ownership in your career.
2. What does your typical day-to-day look like?
I’m reminded of a favorite moment in Winnie the Pooh:
“When you wake up in the morning, Pooh,” said Piglet at last, “What’s the first thing you say to yourself?” “What’s for breakfast?” said Pooh. “What do you say, Piglet?” “I say, I wonder what’s going to happen exciting today?” said Piglet.
That is what I am so passionate about, the approach to each day with a bit of wonder. Yes, there’s a plan for meetings, admin work, deadlines for content writing and/or a shoot, a Press Junket, a Satellite Media Tour, pre-production on a live, hybrid or virtual event – or working on a writing project for my after-hours career as a Certified Silver Pin Sommelier. In that capacity, I’m an educator, journalist, author, and international wine judge.
The day typically begins around 6:30AM PT with zoom or phone meetings as our clients are primarily east-coast based. Then moving into follow-up from meetings and deliverables, organizing our crews for production, and creating ideas to pitch for new business (since we’re only as good as our last project). I move in and out of being out front and behind the scenes throughout the day.
3. What interests you about the world content and media?
There are so many outlets for information feeds today and so there’s a big, hungry belly wanting to be fed and have access to tips, techniques, gossip, trends, news, discoveries, and dreams. And, within those, layers of targeted audiences searching for something stimulate, gratify, aspire to, or to start a side hustle. We who provide and generate content are here to enlighten, educate and entertain. I’m eager every day to discover new outlets, new technology for our work. Currently, we’re working with AR (Augmented Reality) to give 3-dimension to our virtual events. Recently, I was experimenting with AI (Artificial Intelligence) to see how we could use that to speed up/economize on our writing (so far, only moderately impressed).
4. The digital world is constantly evolving. How do you keep up with trends?
It’s a dream to keep up with trends. I cannot say I fully keep up. However, I read and subscribe to many different providers from traditional to kitschy; some obscure recipe, you had me at lemons. A rare wine grape made into an even rarer wine; I raise my glass.
5. What is your advice for anyone wanting to work in the content/media world?
Start. Find your subject of passion or high interest. Peruse Mediabistro for opportunities. Peruse information sites and feeds in ALL the areas that are of interest to you. Take risks to build a portfolio of your work by signing up for sites like fiverr where you won’t get much pay for your talents, but you’ll get experience and hone your talent and skills so you can pitch yourself. Pick a niche that thrills you when you research the content that’s there. Risk again and use your voice to give another point of view or disagree and post wherever you can. I’m inspired by Issa Rae who got her start by producing her own video content while she was in college (Dorm Diaries on YouTube). Her content attracted a following since so many resonated with her experiences of awkwardness and successes and fails. As her audience grew, she became noticed. She had a passion for storytelling and strumming the human chord. In other words, have a mad hustle and a dope soul.
6. Anything else you’d like to add:
Three inspires:
My Mom always reminds me about not looking too long at the door closing behind you as you will miss the window opening in front of you. That inspires me.
A quote I read came from Malcom Forbes, founder of Forbes Magazine. He said, had he not failed 75% of the time he wouldn’t have become this 25% successful. Do not fear failure, each one removes another obstacle to your success.
Gratitude for each day discovering something I didn’t know when I woke up. And gratitude for the energy to keep discovering. It’s lazy easy to whine, even easier to be grateful.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published September 9, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
1 min read • Originally published September 9, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
New month, new Mediabistro roles.
Mediabistro is the #1 job board, community, and career destination for media and content professionals. Once a week, we’ll be updating this list with different types of creative jobs featured. Take a look below:
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published September 12, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
3 min read • Originally published September 12, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Recently, it’s been proven that mentoring programs boost representation and diversity within companies.
Do you remember looking up to someone at your very first job? Was it the way they carried themselves, the work they did, or their leadership style that drew you to them? Most importantly, did you wish you could gain advice from them in some way? Now think about if you had the chance to be mentored by that person. Do you think it would change anything about your career track so far?
Mentoring programs help ensure everyone can advance in their careers. They also help foster employee relationships. A company that establishes an inclusive mentorship program helps foster diversity within its workplace.
As Reese Witherspoon recently said during the launch of her mentor program, “mentorship is a key part of empowering the next generation.” And according to the Harvard Business Review, more diverse companies experience an increase in innovation—and revenue. Here are some reasons mentors are crucial for a diverse workplace.
Mentoring programs can provide extra support and guidance
Navigating the workplace can be tough, especially for an employee who is new to an industry. Mentors provide a plethora of resources to their mentees who, at the end of the day, may just need someone to talk to. Thus, this extra layer of emotional support can be helpful to a wider net of diverse employees who may need it.
Mentoring programs can open doors to a wider network
Depending on how a company goes about pairing mentors with mentees, mentors can typically open doors to a wider network of people that a mentee wouldn’t normally have easy access to. For example, maybe a mentor is established at a company and has connections with varying departments within that company, unlike a mentee who may have just started out in their career.
A good mentorship program’s goal is to help people build relationships and gain access, transcending the company’s hierarchy. This makes it easier for all employees to move up with fewer barriers.
Mentors can be role models
Mentors not only open doors to a wider network, but also can open doors to a mentee’s future possibilities. Having direct access to a coworker—one whom a mentee may want to follow in their footsteps—is a crucial part of the mentorship process. And while a lot of job experience happens over time, the insight a mentee can gain from this specific process is invaluable to their lifelong career goals.
Mentors can hold their mentees accountable
Some mentorship programs require the mentor and mentee to work together on goal setting, so a mentor can be more than a role model; they can also hold one accountable. Being held accountable can lead to positive results for the mentee such as improving productivity, performance, and one’s commitment to their career goals.
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published September 14, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Jess Focht is a writer and content strategist with 6+ years of experience in media, publishing, and brand storytelling. She has contributed to Insider, Grammarly, and The Creative Independent.
2 min read • Originally published September 14, 2022 / Updated March 19, 2026
Equity is a term that looks and sounds very similar to equality. However, it’s a different word that holds a different meaning. And when understanding DEI, it’s critical to know how these terms differ, especially when it comes to discussing pay equity at work.
Equality refers to a group receiving the same resources or opportunities. Equity, on the other hand, is more complex. It recognizes that each person within the group may have joined the group under different circumstances and therefore, may need more (or different) resources and opportunities to be equal to their peers.
The National Committee on Pay Equity defines pay equity as “a means of eliminating sex and race discrimination in the wage-setting system.”
Why is it important?
Pay equity is important for numerous reasons. It benefits both employers and employees by:
For years, pay equity has been an ongoing struggle due to marginalized groups historically being compensated less. However, this is slowly changing due to initiatives such as recent pay transparency laws in states such as California, Colorado, New York, Maryland, and more.
Additionally, state and local governments are addressing such bans by prohibiting employers from inquiring about salary history.
How does one know if pay equity is being addressed within their workplace?
Because it is a complicated topic, the process of ensuring it within one’s workplace can also be complicated. Ultimately it is up to your employer to:
Complete a pay equity audit
Base raises and bonuses on merit
Make sure their pay is competitive in their industry
