Chapter 7: Gender and Perspectives on Work–Life Balance and Conflict, Job Satisfaction, Well-being, and Networking: A Comparison of Freelance Experiences in the Communication Industries in Romania and Poland

This study examines the nuanced experiences of freelancers in the communication and public relations (PR) industries of Romania and Poland, focussing on gendered dimensions of work–life balance and conflict, well-being, job satisfaction, and networking. Drawing on feminist theory, it explores how systemic barriers, caregiving responsibilities, and professional dynamics influence freelancers’ perceptions and outcomes. Using survey data from both countries, the study reveals that professional experience and networking quality are more critical predictors of well-being than gender, although women face distinct challenges such as exclusion from male-dominated networks and balancing caregiving duties. Romanian freelancers rely more on collaborative networks, experiencing both support and higher work–life conflict, while Polish freelancers benefit from a more formalised ecosystem with less reliance on informal networks. Comparisons between freelancers and traditional employees highlight trade-offs, with freelancers enjoying greater autonomy but facing precarity and blurred work–life boundaries. Employees, conversely, benefit from structured organisational support but lack the flexibility freelancers value. The findings underscore the importance of tailored policy interventions, such as inclusive networking initiatives and legal protections, to address gendered inequities and systemic vulnerabilities. This study contributes to feminist labour market research and provides a foundation for understanding freelancing in post-Communist contexts, emphasising the need for localised, intersectional approaches to enhance well-being and equity in the communication and PR industries.