by Rachel Smith
16 March 2016
I’ve been freelancing for five years and am about to go on maternity leave (my first baby). I have told clients I’ll have 6-12 months off but I’m undecided about childcare and I’m nervous about being replaced by other more capable freelancers. Rachel I know you recently came back to work from having a baby and I’d love to hear your experiences. Do you have the same clients? Have you gone back to a similar workload? Did you get childcare or if not how do you work these days with a baby around? Anon
All great questions, which I’ll try to answer from my perspective – but bear in mind that everyone’s experience is SO different. You might be knocked around by the birth, your baby may not sleep, sleep deprivation might be so dire you actually feel like you’re in a parallel universe. And you might not be nearly ready to get back to work even a year after your mat leave ends. I had a vague idea of what I’d do, but also kept an open mind knowing things might change.
Firstly, if you’re entitled to it, I hope that you’ve applied for your 18-week parental leave pay – I got it and it was a lifesaver in the bumbling fog of new parenthood. It’s not much but every little bit helps when you’re not earning or just making do on one salary. Not sure how far off you are having a baby but it can take time applying (plus one or two annoying visits to Centrelink) so get started early. Also, look into Dad and partner pay (a 2 week payout) if your partner is taking time off.
I worked pretty much right up until Charlie’s birth. Two weeks before, I remember I was reluctantly telling editors, ‘I don’t think I can actually take that on’ and feeling really bummed about it. In a way, I must’ve realised it was the last time I would have the freedom to sit down and research and write and, heck, WORK, for long stretches. I haven’t had that freedom since, and it’s been a long steep learning curve into getting back to work and learning how to be productive with a baby around. Because that is exactly what I’m doing – we haven’t gone the daycare / nanny route (although we plan to down the track).
The fear about being replaced by other freelancers – yep, been there. We’re so go-go-go as freelancers, it can be terrifying taking your foot off the gas and NOT working for a huge stretch of time. It’s only natural you’ll worry about being off the radar. I handled this by staying in touch with editors and clients via the odd email, or dropping them a line on social media about something I liked in the new issue; I think it helps keep you in their mind. Since mat leave ended, I work for many of the same editors/clients, but I’ve lost a couple, too (which might have happened baby or no baby, to be honest, as circulations drop and freelance budgets are slashed further). I’ve also picked up new income streams, and I’ve been proactive about taking on more digital work and contacting all my former contacts to let them know I’m available. This is hands down one of the best ways I’ve found to get the work rolling. Since having Charlie I’ve noticed my interests have changed and I want to write about different things, too, so when there’s time I try to pitch to new editors/clients.
How do I work with a baby around? Short answer: I don’t. Not while he’s awake, anyway. I used to try, but it was too stressful. So when he’s awake, it’s Charlie time – playgroup, the swings, seeing a friend. Pre-baby, I was a total workaholic, so I found it a huge adjustment spending so many long hours in the ‘kid zone’ doing, well, not much. But now I quite like the change of pace. I’m not madly replying to editors on my phone while he’s trying out every dump truck in the sandpit; I can play with him and talk to other mums and not feel guilty because I know my work day starts as soon as he goes down for his nap (and continues when he goes to bed in the evening). Some days, my parents come and take him for a few hours so I can work, which is great.
I’ve found that once the baby gets into a sleep routine of two naps a day (or one, as Charlie is now doing), it’s easier to plan your ‘work’ day; locking in interviews and so forth. We have a nice rhythm going right now, but am I back to a full-time workload? No way. My workday used to be 10-6-ish, and now I might get four to five hours (broken hours) of work in. On a bad day (when he naps for a eye-rolling 45 minutes and then is grumpy for the rest of the day), none! But being sanguine about that and leaving myself ample time to meet deadlines has really helped me adjust to the new status quo. It’s not ideal, if I’m honest. I crave at least two full days of no interruptions and luxurious stretches of time to write, so that’s what I’m working towards in the next few months as Charlie gets a bit older. In the meantime, I’m loving spending so much time with my bubba. It goes so fast, and he’s so cute, I feel lucky I have a job that can fit around being a mum.
Listees, how do you work around your kids? Is this something you’ve mastered or do you have help; a nanny, family help, daycare? What would be your tips for a freelancer about to become a first-time parent?
I loved this post, Rachel, because I could totally relate to it. I had a baby last year and am trying to freelance while looking after him. It is so frustrating not being able to concentrate. There are always a million distractions, but I’ve learned to grab my laptop and head to the library when my husband can babysit. It’s a tough gig, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Thanks Milly, I agree – love motherhood but I’m with you on the frustration! It’s tough and I’ve realised just how much I used to take quiet writing time for granted. I’ve been reading Rachel Power’s book Motherhood and Creativity which is fab if you can get hold of it. Heaps of interviews with writers, artists, musicians on how they deal with the push-pull nature of balancing motherhood with their creative output.