It’s a funny old thing- working from home as a self-employed mum comes with its own unique set of challenges.
When I first started out as a voiceover artist, dreaming of my own studio, it felt like a novelty. In a pre-Covid world, working from home was rare.
Back then, it was life before motherhood. My idea of being tired was staying out too late or juggling too many projects- not the exhaustion of keeping a tiny human alive, or the sleepless nights spent comforting a poorly child who only wanted you.
In those early days, before children- having my own studio felt like I’d truly arrived. I could pick my hours and work in a way that suited me. Life felt jammy. Work was plentiful, time was mine to manage and worries felt lighter.
But add motherhood into the mix and it becomes a completely different challenge. Suddenly, you don’t just juggle work- you juggle identity. That freelance career you’ve worked so hard to build is more than income; it’s part of who you are. You’ve nurtured a client list, enjoyed your craft and valued the financial contribution it brings.
Then there’s this baby- a gorgeous newborn who needs you. Who becomes a challenging toddler who needs you in a different way.
Your heart feels torn when they start school- you look forward to the free time, but know it’s the beginning of the next chapter. And suddenly there’s the school run to contend with!
Surely ‘your time’ will come when their teenagers? Just like everything, the challenges shift and change, you’re juggling ‘a new set of balls’. Appreciative of the flexibility, a freelance carrier gives you, but still needing ‘a bit more’.
The Myth of Flexibility
Working from home can seem like a dream, especially for women balancing motherhood around business. The freedom, to work your own hours is but without colleagues around to check in, boundaries can easily blur.
The Invisible Workload
Working from home as a self-employed mum comes with the mental load. It’s not just the tasks you do, but the planning, organising and anticipating that never stops.
According to IPSE, self-employed mothers face unique pressures that are often underestimated. Their research highlights that juggling childcare, household duties and work responsibilities creates a constant, invisible workload that impacts wellbeing and productivity.
Recognising this invisible workload is vital. It explains why working from home isn’t just about flexibility- it’s about finding ways to protect your energy, set boundaries and ensure both your business and wellbeing can thrive.
Making It Work for You
There’s no perfect formula for juggling work and motherhood- it’s constantly shifting. The key is finding what works for you and being kind to yourself when it changes.
That might mean setting clearer boundaries- switching off your laptop at a certain time, or creating a dedicated workspace. It might mean adjusting your working hours to fit school runs, nap times, or bursts of energy. And sometimes, it means accepting that some days won’t look like the picture you imagined.
Flexibility is part of the appeal of working from home- but it’s also part of the challenge. Knowing when to adapt, when to say no, and when to lean on others can make all the difference. For self-employed mums, making it work isn’t about perfection- it’s about creating a framework that keeps both your business and your wellbeing intact.
The Support Factor
Running your own business can feel isolating. That’s why community matters. One Freelance Mum member put it beautifully:
“Running your own business can feel lonely and before joining Freelance Mum I was spending a lot of time working from home by myself. Since joining Freelance Mum I’ve connected with lots of other brilliant mums in business who are supportive, friendly and a joy to spend time with. You get so much more than just networking from Freelance Mum, you become part of a brilliant community – and it’s just what I needed! I highly recommend it to any mum who’s running their own business.”
That sense of belonging- knowing other people understand your juggling act, can make all the difference.
In short
Working from home as a self-employed mum is a beautiful a mix of freedom, unpredictability and relentless juggling, a set of ever changing balls. But with self-awareness, boundaries and support, it can still be deeply rewarding.
If you’re a mum in business juggling your own version of work-life chaos, you’re not alone. Join our Freelance Mum community to share experiences, tips and support- so we can all support each other. Why not try us for free, for 30 days? We’d love to see you!
