Being a freelance working mum nowadays presents unique challenges and opportunities. According to the Office for National Statistics in the UK (as per 2021), 75.6% of mothers with dependent children in the UK are working. In the rest of Europe, the rate is 72% on average (COFACE). The United Kingdom is also one of the countries where childcare costs are the highest (£8,299.72 annually for under-2s, approximately). This said, regardless of where you are based, this guide will help you navigate your journey with confidence.
Time Management Strategies for Working Mums
Mastering the school-year rhythm is vital for freelance working mums in the UK. This is especially true when children attend public nurseries or are over 5 years old. To do this, you may want to structure your work calendar into manageable 6-week blocks that align with school terms and to boost your productivity between 9 AM and 3 PM.
These core hours are ideal for scheduling client meetings and tackling high-priority projects that require paying special attention to details. After-school clubs provide valuable additional work hours while ensuring your children are engaged in enriching activities. Planning ahead is essential, especially when managing the 13 weeks of school holidays throughout the year.
A solution for freelance working mums during these periods could be to adapt your schedule with a reduced-hours approach. Perhaps you can opt for working early mornings or evenings to stay in touch with clients while balancing family time. This strategic approach helps you maintain professional momentum throughout the year and ensures quality time with your children.
Building Your Support Network
Building a robust support network is a game-changer for freelance working mums juggling professional ambitions with family life. Professional communities like Digital Mums, The Freelance Parent Hub, allow you to connect with others who understand the unique challenges of balancing client work with school runs and sick days.
Coworking spaces with integrated childcare facilities are becoming increasingly popular too, as they are a perfect solution to host crucial client meetings or coworking sessions.
Finding mentors within your industry can accelerate your growth; platforms like FindAMentor UK and Women in Business Mentoring connect experienced professionals with emerging freelancers and provide invaluable guidance on navigating both business growth and family life.
Industry-based online networking through platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Slack communities is invaluable. You can participate in discussions and share experiences while building life-lasting connections. Remember: the strongest support networks often combine both local and virtual connections, creating a safety net that helps you thrive in both your professional and personal roles.
Financial Planning
With the standard maternity allowance for freelancers being £187.18 per week, setting competitive rates becomes highly important. Let’s remember that, as freelancers, it is down to us to save up for our pensions, among other things. Also, despite the government’s help to working families, nursery fees will only increase in the upcoming years.
One positive aspect to mention for freelance working mums is that, from September 2025, the government will offer 30 free hours to cover childcare costs for all children under 5. This said, it is recommendable to stay up to date with official information on this and other childcare-related topics and take advantage of any help available.
Also, in some cases you may be elegible for Universal Credit even while working, and there is nothing shameful about that. To get an estimate about what you may receive, you can use one of the government’s benefits calculators.
Pricing as a Freelance Working Mum
Establishing a profitable pricing structure as a freelance working mum requires strategic planning and confidence in your value proposition. Start by researching current market rates in your industry while factoring in essential costs, professional development, and business overheads.
Implement a clear rush fee policy (typically 25-50% above standard rates) for last-minute requests and double rates for bank holidays, ensuring clients respect your family time. For international clients, protect your income by using services like Wise (formerly TransferWise) or Revolut Business to keep currency fees low, and consider building a 3-5% buffer into your rates to account for fluctuations.
Regarding payment terms, thanks to the UK’s Late Payment legislation, you charge 8% interest plus Bank of England base rate on overdue invoices after 30 days. Consider requiring a 50% upfront payment for new clients and offering early payment discounts of 5% for settlements within seven days. Remember, as a professional, your time, and knowledge come at a premium, so don’t hesitate to charge accordingly.
Self-Care and Well-being
Prioritising self-care isn’t a luxury, but a necessity for freelance working mums navigating the demands of business and family life. The UK offers robust mental health support through both NHS services and specialised organisations like MIND. The second provides free resources specifically designed for working parents experiencing anxiety or overwhelm.
While the traditional 9-5 still influences client expectations in British culture, there’s a growing recognition of flexible working patterns that support family life. Feel free to block out non-negotiable ‘me time’ in your schedule. Combat seasonal challenges like school holidays by implementing a flexible work pattern that adapts to your energy levels and family needs.
For exercise and mindfulness, Parkrun organises weekly child-friendly events local to you, and you can opt for walking or running at your very own path while meeting new people. Building connections with other local mums through platforms like Peanut or MeetUp not only provides emotional support but also creates opportunities for skill-sharing and potential business collaborations.
Remember, investing time in your well-being directly impacts your productivity and creativity. Schedule regular check-ins with yourself just as you would with clients, and don’t hesitate to seek support when needed through local parent networks or professional counselling services.
Growing Your Business as a Freelance Mum
Growing your freelance business while managing family commitments requires a strategic approach that maximises every available moment. Start by building a compelling digital portfolio that showcases your expertise while highlighting your unique perspective as a freelance working mum. This authenticity often resonates strongly with potential clients who value flexibility and efficiency.
Make LinkedIn your power platform to share industry insights or client success stories, and build a highly valuable network. LinkedIn’s scheduling features (or, if managing multiple accounts, platforms like Buffer will do) will also allow you maintain a consistent presence.
For networking, parent-friendly events, like breakfast meetups or lunch-and-learn sessions, or local business support resources like the UK’s Growth Hubs, may be an option. The second consist of free business development workshops and mentoring programmes specifically designed for female entrepreneurs. Many local authorities now offer funded business support. These include initiatives like the Women in Business Programme, which offers guidance on scaling your business while maintaining work-life harmony.
Consider joining professional bodies relevant to your industry that offer virtual networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with potential clients and collaborators during those precious quiet hours when children are at school or nursery.
Practical Solutions for Common Challenges
Being a freelance working mum may seem a daily battle and often requires robust contingency planning and clear communication systems. For managing inevitable emergencies and doctor appointments, maintain a reliable backup network of local childminders, neighbours or family members (when possible). Fellow parents can also provide mutual support.
Another solution may be to build a 20% time buffer into project deadlines to accommodate unexpected situations. When negotiation is required during a project, honesty and flexibility are key. Also, you will be surprised at how many people (client and colleagues) will try to assist when needed to make sure that you can complete that project. Holiday childcare also requires strategic planning. In this case, holiday camps (averaging £35-50 per day in 2024/25), which often offer early drop-off and late pickup options, might be a life-saver.
When deciding between working from home or shared offices, assess your specific needs. While working from home offers maximum flexibility for school runs and sick days, you may want to leave the house. In this case, coworking spaces like WeWork or local business hubs provide professional meeting spaces and networking opportunities. Many now offer family-friendly facilities.
For managing international clients across time zones, use booking systems like Zoho or Calendly to your availability. Depending on your clients’ locations, you can consider implementing ‘core hours’ that overlap with key client territories. Clearly communicate your working patterns in your email signature and client onboarding documents to set realistic expectations about response times and availability.
Conclusion
Succeeding as a freelance working mum in the UK requires careful planning, resilience, and the right support systems. While the path may seem daunting, thousands of women are proving it’s possible to build a thriving freelance career while raising a family if that’s what you aim for. Remember, it’s not about achieving perfect balance, but rather finding a sustainable rhythm that works for you.
By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, from strategic time management and pricing structures to building support networks and prioritising self-care, you’re well-equipped to create a thriving freelance career that complements your family life rather than competing with it.
Remember, success looks different for every freelance mum. Whether you’re aiming to work term-time only, build a full-scale agency, or maintain a select client base, the key lies in creating systems that work for your unique situation.
As you move forward on your freelance journey, remember that you’re not just building a business – you’re creating a legacy of empowerment for your children and others. The challenges you’ll face are real, but so are the rewards of building a career that truly works for you and your family.
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