Freelancing has become an increasingly popular career choice for many professionals around the world. It is easy to see why. The benefits of having flexible working hours, and the potential for higher earnings are just some of the reasons why people are ditching the traditional 9-5 job in favor of freelancing. This week we thought why not explore all the benefits of freelancing for mothers and why it can be a better option than a traditional 9-5 job.
FLEXIBILITY MATTERS TO MOTHERS
Flexibility is a key issue for a majority of mothers with care responsibilities. Research* has shown that 1 in 3 mothers consider leaving the workforce after having children due to lack of flexibility at work.
40% of women with young children value work place flexibility most.
One of the biggest green flags of freelancing is the flexibility it offers. Freelancers have the freedom to choose when they work and often where they work. Unlike a 9-5 job, where you are required to be at your desk for a set number of hours each day, freelancing allows you to create a schedule that works for you and suits your lifestyle. This flexibility can lead to a better work-life balance, allowing you to spend more time with family.
CHOOSE YOUR WORK ENVIRONMENT
You often have the freedom to choose your work environment. Companies who engage freelancers are often comfortable with a remote or hybrid work structure. This control over your work environment is important when you have care responsibilities. Instead of wasting valuable time commuting, you can choose a work environment that works for you and lead to increased productivity and job satisfaction. In contrast, a 9-5 job often requires you to work in a specific location, which might not always work with your family life or be conducive to your productivity or happiness.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH BY WORKING WITH DIFFERENT CLIENTS
Freelancing allows you to work on a diverse range of projects and with different clients. This variety can keep your work interesting and challenging, preventing the monotony that often comes with a traditional 9-5 job. You have the opportunity to choose projects that align with your interests and expertise, which can lead to more fulfilling work and a more satisfactory professional growth which is valuable especially for women and mothers in particular.
Freelancers often have the potential to earn more than their counterparts in traditional 9-5 jobs. Since you’re your own boss you can set your rates and can take on multiple clients, which can increase your income by working on more projects or charging higher rates for services. Additionally, freelancers can avoid the income ceiling that often comes with salaried positions, especially as a female and mother.
Freelancing encourages continuous learning and skill development. As a freelancer, you are responsible for staying updated with industry trends and enhancing your skills to remain competitive. This proactive approach to professional growth can lead to a more dynamic and fulfilling career compared to the often stagnant learning opportunities in a 9-5 job.
Freelancing offers a level of autonomy and independence that is hard to find in a traditional 9-5 job. You have complete control over your work, from choosing your projects to setting your deadlines and managing your workload. This independence can lead to a greater sense of accomplishment and job satisfaction. Although, the many benefits freelancing does have its challenging sides, finding good clients can often be a challenge. Being part of a community focused freelance marketplace like Freeely can relieve a lot of the stress of finding new clients. As you can build a profile and be supported in finding new roles through the platform with organisations that are forward thinking and innovative.
As a freelancer, you have the opportunity to build and promote your personal brand. By creating a profile and showcasing your expertise and unique selling points, you can attract clients and establish yourself as a thought leader in your industry. This profile building and personal branding can lead to more opportunities and long-term career growth and help you stand out in what can be a crowded space for attention.
WORK LIFE BALANCE
Being a mother with care responsibilities is one of the most rewarding but also demanding jobs in the world and 'work life balance' can often feel like an unachievable dream. A 9-5 job, involving commuting and lack of flexibility will often make any chance of achieving some sort of work life balance impossible.
One of the most significant benefits of freelancing is the ability to achieve a better work-life balance. Freelancers can design their schedules to accommodate personal commitments. This balance can lead to improved mental health, reduced stress, and overall well-being for you and your family.
ELIMINATE THE DAILY COMMUTE
Freelancing eliminates the need for a daily commute, which can save you time and money that you can spend on yourself and your loved ones. Plus it helps you avoid the stress of daily commuting which can lead to a better quality of life. Who wants to just sit in traffic for hours.
SECURITY THROUGH DIVERSIFICATION
While traditional 9-5 jobs might seem more secure, freelancing can offer its own form of job security through diversification. By working with multiple clients, you are constantly learning a host of new skills. Freelancers can reduce the risk of losing their entire income if one client ends the contract. This diversified income stream can provide stability and peace of mind.
VALIDATION THROUGH OPPORTUNITY
Being a mother with care responsibilities is rewarding but also means a lot of mundane, routine tasks. Sometimes it may feel like you are stuck in a loop of sameness. Having a professional life with different opportunities whether in roles or clients can give you that boost of energy and validation, allowing you to work with clients from different countries and cultures. This global exposure can lead to a more diverse and enriching work experience. Plus, working with international clients can expand your professional network and open doors to new opportunities
NO OFFICE POLITICS
Whilst there are many positives of being part of a team when working in a traditional 9-5 job, office politics can be a significant source of stress and frustration. For a mother with a lot on at home, a negative environment in the office can be detrimental to your wellbeing and family life. Freelancers can avoid this by working independently and focusing on their work without getting involved in office dynamics. This can lead to a more positive and stress-free work environment. Whilst there can always be stressful moments in a freelance relationship as well with a client setting solid boundaries and working within a supportive community can help navigate more difficult moments without having to go back to a toxic work environment on a daily basis.
YOU CHOOSE YOUR WORKLOAD
You have the freedom to choose your workload. Being a mother with care responsibilities often means the demands on your time are intense. Having a 9-5 job that is indifferent to this can have a real impact on your well being and ultimately your professional growth. Whether you prefer working full-time or part-time, with freelancing you can adjust your workload to suit your needs and preferences and match the care responsibilities you choose to have at home. This flexibility can help prevent burnout and ensure that you enjoy a sustainable and fulfilling career
Ultimately, freelancing can lead to greater personal and professional fulfilment for mothers. The autonomy, flexibility, and variety that freelancing offers can result in a more satisfying and rewarding career. The lack of balance in 9-5 rigid roles can have a significant impact, and a lot of mothers struggle to achieve the validation and professional satisfaction they deserve.
Freelancers have the opportunity to shape their careers according to their lifestyle needs, goals and values, leading to a sense of fulfilment that is often lacking in traditional 9-5 jobs.
GIVE IT A GO
While freelancing is not without its challenges, such as the need for self-discipline, financial management, and the occasional uncertainty of finding new clients (which can be mitigated by working through a platform like Freeely that offers support whether sourcing new projects or through help with admin), the benefits often outweigh these challenges. The flexibility, autonomy, and potential for higher earnings make freelancing an attractive option for many people and especially mothers. By taking control of their careers and pursuing work that aligns with their interests and goals, mothers with care responsibilities can achieve a level of job satisfaction and personal fulfilment through freelancing that is often elusive in traditional 9-5 jobs
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing job market, freelancing offers a viable and rewarding alternative to the traditional 9-5 job. Whether you are a mother looking for more flexibility, the opportunity to work on diverse projects, or the chance to build a personal brand, freelancing can provide the freedom and fulfilment you seek in your professional life whilst allowing you to be present in your personal life.
Want to find out more about freelancing or joining our Freeely platform?
Get in touch today!
*Mc Kinsey 2021 Report Women in the workplace
Find out more about the FREEELY platform and start your journey.
Get Started
.jpeg)
