The question of how to balance self-employment with motherhood occupies many (expectant) mothers who are already self-employed, have started a business, or are considering it. Is it even possible? How many assignments will I have to decline? How will my finances fare in the first few months after birth? And most importantly: where can I find childcare when I need to work?
I asked myself these questions – and still do after almost two years. There is no simple answer, but there are many ways and solutions.
Creativity is often required, and sometimes the biggest challenge is simply the comings and goings. But in the end, there is almost always a solution.
Just two weeks ago, I flew with my son from Ibiza to Hamburg, handed him directly to his dad at the airport, and immediately went on to a job.
After almost two years as a self-employed mom, I've gained some valuable insights that I'd like to share:
1. Stay optimistic and flexible: Even when it seems difficult, there is almost always a way. Sometimes you need to be creative. If necessary, talk to your clients – many understand if there’s a baby crib in the hotel room.
2. Avoid cancellations: During my pregnancy, I only had to cancel a handful of jobs. In such cases, I recommend colleagues and thus expand my network.
3. Find balance: It's impossible to split yourself. No one can cook fresh meals daily and manage four jobs a week simultaneously. Sometimes work takes precedence, other times it’s the child. Finding the golden mean is key for me.
4. Supportive partnership: My partner is also self-employed, which helps us support each other flexibly. The grandparents are also regularly involved. I work best knowing my child is in good hands.
5. Trust your gut: Some clients are more understanding of family matters than others. Often, my gut feeling already tells me in advance how they will react.
6. Clarify practical matters: Ask about conditions at the event venue without immediately stating the reason. Is there a private rest area or a double room in the hotel? This information helps with organization.
7. Solve problems, don't dwell on them: Secure the job first, then arrange childcare. Don’t burden your clients with supposed “little problems.” Offer to cover any extra costs yourself and appear confident and professional.
8. Stay realistic: In the first years of motherhood, my goal was to maintain and strengthen my self-employment, not to take off. Set realistic goals for yourself.
9. Focus on better jobs: As a newcomer, you often accept any assignment, regardless of travel distance or low pay. Position yourself, if possible, as an expert before parenthood to secure more lucrative jobs later.
10. Utilize creative projects: Use times when you can’t actively work for exciting projects like podcasts, networking events, or updating your website.
11. Accustom children to travel: The earlier, the better. Flexibility is also required of the little ones. At the same time, they experience a lot and spend more time with mom and dad.
12. Learn to accept help: This was particularly hard for me, as I’m used to doing everything alone. But with children, it’s different. Accepting help is not a sign of weakness – on the contrary, it enriches life.
Self-employment and motherhood require flexibility, creativity, and the willingness to accept help. But in the end, it is the challenges that make us grow and strengthen us.
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