Why More Mums Are Freelancing – And How to Make It Work for You

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Freelancing Tips for Mums | Australia Startups | Small Business Insights | Not Mum Today | Small But Mighty

Over the past decade, freelancing has moved from a niche work arrangement to a mainstream career choice for many Australians. Among the fastest-growing groups are mums, who are stepping away from traditional employment in favour of flexible, self-directed work. The appeal is clear: control over your schedule, the ability to choose your projects, and the chance to work from anywhere. But freelancing also comes with challenges that need careful planning to navigate successfully.

Why Mums Are Turning to Freelancing

  1. Flexibility for Family Life
    The most cited reason is flexibility. Traditional nine-to-five jobs often leave little room for school drop-offs, medical appointments, or caring for sick children. Freelancing allows you to set your own hours and design work around family needs. This flexibility can reduce stress, improve family time, and make it easier to maintain consistent earnings without burning out.
  2. Career Continuity After Parental Leave
    A 2023 Australian Bureau of Statistics report noted that many women leaving the workforce after having children struggle to re-enter at the same level. Freelancing allows mums to keep their skills sharp and portfolios up to date, making it easier to maintain momentum in their careers.
  3. Income Diversification
    Instead of relying on one employer, freelancers can have multiple clients and revenue streams. This can create financial resilience, particularly in industries prone to restructuring or seasonal fluctuations.
  4. Remote Work Opportunities
    The rise of digital tools and cloud-based collaboration means mums can work from home, a café, or even a co-working space. Many are tapping into global markets, offering services to clients overseas without leaving their local community.

Common Freelance Careers for Mums

While freelancing can encompass nearly any service-based role, some fields are especially popular among mums because they blend flexibility with steady demand:

  • Copywriting and Content Creation – From blog articles to website copy, businesses need skilled writers.
  • Virtual Assistance – Helping businesses manage schedules, email, social media, and admin tasks.
  • Graphic Design – Creative work for clients across multiple industries.
  • Tutoring and Online Teaching – Academic tutoring, music lessons, or specialised courses.
  • Consulting – Using expertise from previous roles to advise businesses or individuals.

Here are some great ideas from Small But Mighty on different small businesses you could start!

Making Freelancing Work for You

While freelancing sounds appealing, success requires planning and discipline. Here are some strategies to make it work.

1. Set Clear Goals

Before you start, decide what you want freelancing to achieve. Is it a full-time income, or a side project to supplement your household budget? Your answer will shape how you market yourself, the hours you commit, and the type of clients you target.

2. Create a Dedicated Workspace

Working from the kitchen table might be fine for a few weeks, but a consistent workspace helps with focus and boundaries. If home is too distracting, consider booking a desk at a local co-working space. You can search your area through Suburb Local’s directory of co-working hubs and shared offices to find a setup that suits your budget and schedule.

3. Build Your Network

Networking can feel daunting when you are new, but it is crucial for finding clients and collaborators. Attend local business meetups, join online communities, get listed on local directories, set up your Google Business profile, and reach out to former colleagues. Word of mouth and clever local SEO strategies remain one of the most effective ways to secure projects.

4. Manage Your Time Carefully

The freedom of freelancing can quickly lead to overcommitment or procrastination. Use project management tools like Trello, Asana, or even a simple planner to structure your week. Aim to block time for deep work, client communication, admin, and professional development.

5. Set Your Rates with Confidence

Many freelancers undercharge at first, which can lead to burnout. Research industry benchmarks, consider your experience, and price for sustainability. Factor in superannuation, insurance, and tax. The Small But Mighty guide on how to set freelance rates that reflect your value breaks down the maths so you can quote with clarity.

6. Stay on Top of Finances

Freelancers must handle their own tax obligations. In Australia, this means setting aside money for the ATO, lodging a BAS if you’re registered for GST, and keeping receipts for deductions. Accounting software like Xero or QuickBooks can make this process far less stressful.

7. Prioritise Self-Care

Without the structure of an office, it is easy to let work bleed into personal time. Schedule breaks, get outside, and take holidays when possible. Not Mum Today’s practical guide to self-care for busy mums offers realistic tips that fit into unpredictable schedules, as well as insights into developing good work habits.

Overcoming Common Freelancing Challenges

  • Isolation
    Freelancing can feel lonely, especially if you’re used to a busy workplace. Joining local networks or booking a co-working space once a week can boost motivation and reduce that sense of disconnection.
  • Client Inconsistency
    Work can come in waves, with busy months followed by quiet periods. A marketing plan, regular outreach, and multiple income streams can help smooth these ups and downs.
  • Boundaries
    Some clients expect quick responses at all hours. Set expectations early in contracts and stick to them. This protects your time and prevents burnout.
  • Skill Gaps
    The freelance market changes fast. Commit to ongoing learning, whether through online courses, workshops, podcasts, or mentorship. This keeps you competitive and able to offer high-value services.

Practical Tools for Freelance Success

  • Time Tracking: Toggl or Clockify for monitoring billable hours.
  • Invoicing: Wave, Rounded, or PayPal for sending and tracking payments.
  • Portfolio Hosting: Squarespace, Wix, or Behance for showcasing your work.
  • Collaboration: Google Workspace or Microsoft 365 for client communication and document sharing.

If you need guidance on setting up your freelance systems, Small But Mighty has a range of practical resources for new freelancers covering contracts, proposals, and marketing strategies.

The Role of Community Support

Many mums thrive in freelancing when they have a strong support network. This can include other freelancers, local business owners, or simply friends who understand the demands of self-employment. Participating in a local co-working space listed on Suburb Local not only provides a professional environment but also opportunities for collaboration and referrals.

At home, having a conversation with your partner or family about work boundaries, childcare, and household responsibilities can make a big difference. This shared understanding helps avoid resentment and ensures your freelance business gets the focus it needs.

Build a Freelance Business That Fits Your Life

Freelancing offers mums a way to earn an income, maintain career momentum, and design work around family life. But it is not without its challenges. Success requires clear goals, discipline, and the right support systems.

By tapping into resources like Small But Mighty’s freelance business guides, using Suburb Local to find local co-working spaces and work-friendly cafes, and adopting practical self-care strategies from Not Mum Today, you can build a freelance career that works for you and your family.