5 Tips for Succeeding as a Freelancing Mom

Flexibility, freedom, and countless job opportunities – sound appealing, right? For house-makers looking to contribute to the household budget while balancing the roles of mothers and wives, freelancing can be the answer they were looking for.

Working online can also be a practical way to provide extra income in times of uncertainty such as the ones we are dealing with right now. The ongoing global health crisis and social distancing rules for preventing the spreading of COVID-19 have more people turning to work-from-home jobs as a way of generating income, further popularizing freelancing.

Working from home can be especially beneficial for women with kids as they can spend more time with their little ones while also making extra income. With a bit of planning and organizing, you can have a successful career while also being a loving, devoted mom and spouse. Here’s a couple of tips to help you get started.

Come up with an efficient time schedule to boost your productivity

Balancing the roles of a successful businesswoman, a dedicated spouse, and a mom can feel draining at times. How many items get crossed off from your to-do list largely depends on how organized you are, and this is where having good time management skills comes in handy.

Start by creating a time schedule, designating time for work, and time for yourself and your family. Choose a time in a day when you feel most productive and designate that period solely for work. Then, plan for activities with family and your household chores, and be sure to schedule breaks and some ‘me time’ you can use to mentally detach yourself from work and unwind a bit. Try to be realistic and aim for balance.

Set boundaries by separating work from private life

Working from home does have its perks, but when it comes to separating work from private life, things can get a little tricky. Since you’re spending most of your time at home, the boundaries between your job and your family life are blurred and the two end up merging eventually.

However, in order for you to succeed in both, you need to do your best to keep them separate. Start by designing a dedicated work area in your home and creating a strict work schedule you will inform your friends and family about. That way, you’ll establish boundaries that will allow you to stay organized and productive.

Create a rainy day fund to manage income inconsistencies

Working as a freelancer means there will be days when there won’t be as many clients or projects. One way freelancing moms can deal with these income inconsistencies and prevent them from putting a strain on their finances is to create a rainy day fund.

Make it a habit to set aside some money each month and put it into your emergency fund. Ideally, the amount you save should be able to cover you for three to six months. The rainy day fund will help you go through those tough times which will inevitably come – such is the nature of freelance work. Having some backup work can also come in handy in these situations and help you deal with financial drought more easily.

Manage finances more easily by automating the payroll process

As a working mom, it’s understandable that you’d seek practical solutions and convenient ways of dealing with certain tasks. This is especially true when it comes to managing finances that you’re solely responsible for as a freelancer. For freelancing mothers who need quick access to their money and want to forego check-cashing fees, getting a personalized payroll card could be a practical and convenient option to get paid as a freelancer.

It helps automate the payroll process, doesn’t impact your credit, and it can also be used when shopping or paying bills online as well as when withdrawing cash from an ATM. Choosing an alternative way of receiving payments will also eliminate unnecessary headaches and fees, thus taking the stress out of the equation.

Set attainable goals and reward yourself when you achieve them

One of the biggest challenges for those working from home is the ability to stay focused and productive. Unlike traditional work settings, there’s no target to hit when you’re working from home, and that leads to a decrease in motivation and performance.

This is where goal-setting can be of great help. Decide how much you want to work on a daily basis and be realistic, choosing the amount of work that will leave enough time for your partner, kids, friends, chores, and, most importantly – self-care. Also, be sure to reward yourself when those goals are reached, whether it means heading to a nice restaurant or booking a relaxing day at the spa.

Venturing into the world of freelancing can be an exciting opportunity to secure extra income while working on a flexible schedule. While staying organized can be tricky at first, if you’re able to overcome those initial obstacles and maintain your focus, you’ll be well on your way of becoming a successful freelancing mom.