Why Being a Parent Makes You a Good Freelancer (and Vice Versa)

Ask anyone you know who went from being a carefree, childless individual to being a multitasking parent about the transition. Their answer will almost invariably be, “I had no idea it would be so hard.” 

Then ask anyone you know who went from being a salaried professional to being a work-from-home freelancer about the transition. Their answer will almost invariably be, “I had no idea it would be so hard.”

 So, for all of you who are tackling both of these “professions” at once, you have good reason to feel weary down to your very bones each night when you finally get your head on the pillow. I happen to think that you have the two hardest jobs on the planet. But the buck doesn’t stop there; these two professions have many additional similarities. Luckily, they only serve to enhance each other. Here’s how:

 1) Time Management

 Having kids means working on somebody else’s time clock. It’s not really an option to get them dressed, fed, and to their school/daycare/playdate on time; these things have to be done, and typically in a timely fashion. In order to meet all your daily needs as well as the daily needs of your kids, it takes some pretty fancy footwork. 

Freelancing is similar. Although you are in essence doing the opposite of working on someone else’s time clock, you do have to find ways to fit all of your tasks into one teensy tiny 24-hour period.

 2) Defending Your Profession

 Stay-at-home parents typically get a pretty bad rep. On the surface, most people will tell you that they are in awe of what you do; deep down, they are really thinking how nice it would be to sit at home watching soaps all day long, which is what they really imagine you doing. 

Likewise, most people don’t consider freelancing a “real” profession either. They often view it as an extended state of real-world denial. It’s not!

 3) Setting a Good Example

 Being home with your kids during the day means being responsible for most aspects of their early development. This means that you have to provide a good example in terms of eating healthy, avoiding too much television, getting physical activity, and even keeping a positive demeanor. How many nine-to-fivers can boast of maintaining the same level of character? 

Freelancers also have to set good examples. Not only are you responsible for keeping your professional state in order, but you are also more likely to be the housekeeper and cook for the family as well. You are constantly attempting to prove to yourself and others that you can do it all.

 4) Creativity

 No parent can be home with his or her kids all day long without a large pool of creative resources. Whether it is making up games, trying to juggle everything all at once, or simply finding ways to escape for a few minutes, creativity is key. 

Almost all freelance fields also require creativity. Whether you are a writer, a designer, a consultant, or anything that allows you to branch out and make your own business, chances are you will need creativity to keep yourself afloat and successful.

 5) Building Your Own Support Network

 It takes a village to raise a child. Most parents have family members, friends, playgroups, or childcare providers they can turn to for help in the monumental task of having children. Your support network is likely to be your saving grace. 

Freelancers also need support networks in order to succeed. Whether these take the shape of business partners, professional contacts, or a blogging community, a support network can mean the difference between a success and failure.