When my daughter arrived on May 16th 2021, I wondered how my business would change. Being a freelance parent is not easy. Many of us find work and home-life blurring. Emails or phone calls being answe
When my daughter arrived on May 16th 2021, I wondered how my business would change. Being a freelance parent is not easy. Many of us find work and home-life blurring. Emails or phone calls being answered while Veggietables is blaring on the TV to keep Winnie entertained.
Freelance parents cite ‘flexibility’ as the main reason for choosing this way of work. Usually, as a freelancer, the school run is a lot easier (not at this stage yet, she’s only 6 months old) and the school extra activities you would get to also see. You can work evenings or weekends, if this saves you money on childcare. You have time together morning and evening.
It sounds like a cliche but it was also true for me, especially in my freelance business. Having a kid changed everything. When I found out that Beth was pregnant, I was excited that my freelance work would give me more schedule flexibility once my daughter arrived. But I had no idea just how much the addition of a child would change the way I worked on a daily basis, too.
Here is that list of great things from my point of view:
Quality time with your child
Yes, that’s right, quality time the little one. You stand a far higher chance of seeing that first smile, step and yes, glamorously, poo in the potty - than a parent who is traditionally employed. And (possibly) a better chance of getting to the bottom of what’s causing that resting bitch face. If you work from home and they want your attention, you’re there to give it.
This is something I love! I love walking downstairs from my attic office, opening the door and seeing the smile I get from my daughter, it’s just a feeling I cannot imagine never seeing if I was working in employment.
Can’t be sacked for having kids..
In the UK, it’s estimated that 54,000 women lose their job during pregnancy or new motherhood each year. This is ludicrous but our current reality, and is in fact the very reason many mothers decide to set up as a freelancer instead of returning to permanent employment. Crazy I know!
When you work for yourself, you may have client work that dries up but no one can sack you, as such. (I cannot say this happens often, touch wood it continues to grow as it should). You’ll most likely have different revenue streams rather than relying on one employer. So if you need time off to look after an ill child, you can arrange this without having to ‘phone in’ to work.
You also won’t have the hassle of having to negotiate flexible working, because you already have it. Freelancing is, by its very nature, flexible.
You can easily run errands
Now, this could be seen as a pro or a con. I hate running errands and doing paperwork. It’s boring. But it’s necessary. Working from home means it’s easy to pop to the Post Office office - if you’ve missed a delivery - during less busy periods in the day.
Similarly, a trip to the bank is much easier to fit into your day when you’re not a full-time office worker. As is a quick supermarket shop or dentist appointment.
Saying that, I rarely leave my office when I am hooked in at work. I find distractions painful so would rather just crack on and get the job done in hand so I can spend more time with my daughter. If she could do my invoices, that would be great though.
Free, flexible childcare
Childcare is expensive and if you need it to be flexible, expect to see that price soar. Most nurseries are only open on weekdays and for specified hours. And many nurseries will fine you if you’re late for pick-up (or charge you an increased rate).
If you get stuck in traffic or a meeting, or have to work late, this can be a real issue. Some also charge for chunks of time rather than by the hour, so if their afternoon session starts at 12.30pm and you can pick little Jessica up at 1pm, hard cheese; you may well find yourself paying for the afternoon session too.
I luckily get the luxury of feeding my daughter every morning around 7am without the worry of rushing around getting ready to leave for a commute. It’s such a lucky position to be in!
Being picky with your work!
This is one of the best things about freelancing - the ability to say no! You don’t have to work on every single project that comes your way. Although the general advice is to seldom turn offers down. When you add a baby into the equation though, the hard choices have to be made.
Being your own boss.
You won’t have to deal with your boss voicing in on how you should balance your work and personal life - enough said.
My personal experience.
If anything, I feel my freelance web design company has actually benefitted from my daughter coming into my life. I’ve changed my working hours so I’m not constantly at my desk, checking my laptop or even looking at my work phone. I enjoy coming down from my office. Taking Winnie for a walk in the pram to switch off from the day that has just been. Or simply just playing with her and this little owl toy shaker she has.
My business is still growing at the speed of light. But I am managing to manage this as well as being a parent. I love my job. But I love my daughter and family more - not missing out on the smiles, cuddles and weaning. It’s been such a blessing being able to just nip downstairs and just get that interaction with her!
I hope this gives you more of an insight into my life & how being a freelance web designer in Sheffield and parent can be balanced. Obviously, this couldn’t have been done as well, if it wasn’t for Beth, if I didn’t mention her I think I’d be in trouble. Big trouble.
