Hannah August reflects on her extensive career in communications, beginning in the Senate press office and leading to pivotal roles in the Obama administration. She served as press secretary for the Department of Justice and later the First Lady, focusing on initiatives such as 'Let's Move'. Despite the rewarding nature of her work and the direct impact on people's lives, she faced intense pressure and long hours, which ultimately led her to leave for a more balanced private sector position. Her journey underscores the challenges of high-stakes political communication.
When I left my job in the White House, it was primarily for a better work-life balance, despite the rewarding nature of my work there.
Working for the First Lady involved engaging with consumer-focused media, where my initiatives directly impacted people's lives, particularly with 'Let's Move' tackling obesity.
The pressure was immense; every mistake felt amplified under the spotlight, contributing to my decision to seek a less stressful environment.
Long hours and high stress levels were common, and despite the fulfillment, I ultimately needed to prioritize my mental well-being.
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