There’s a lot of content out there to help new freelance writers build their businesses. And there’s a ton of information about how to write, how to market, how to “crush your mornings,” how to work remotely, how to become a digital nomad, how to develop a “CEO mindset”…honestly, it’s a little overwhelming.
As I launched my freelance health writing business, I found myself reading a lot of blogs and content like this. At the end of it, I just felt kind of…icky.
The one consistent thread I noticed across all of this content?
Dude culture.
Again and again, the content was written by single guys in their 20s and 30s, with barely a mention of families or spouses, let alone kids.
One blog talked about how they were able to launch their business after relocating to Thailand — after all, beer was a lot cheaper there. (*eyeroll*)
Another book on writing suggested simply writing during your lunch break, as if there isn’t a large section of the adult population who spend their lunches having chicken nuggets thrown at their heads by tiny humans.
And the whole “5am Miracle Morning”? Well, I’m already up at 5am — changing diapers, packing lunches, and folding laundry. I don’t have two hours to work out, practice my affirmations, and read a business book while also keeping my kids from using the toilet brush to style their hair #truestory.
These freelancer sites just aren’t written for moms.
The other thing I noticed over the years on various Facebook forums were the thousands of moms who were desperately seeking a source of income that they could pursue from home with limited childcare.
Some of these women had given up careers to have their babies, and now they found themselves years later without the resume or skills to go back into the workplace.
Some were working long hours out of the home in their primary careers, and now they wanted balance.
Some situations were painfully sad — women seeking refuge from abusive relationships who needed money to pay the bills.
Others just wanted to be home with their kids while also using their brains.
None of these women wanted MLMs, pyramid schemes, or fixed hours working at the beck and call of someone else.
That’s why I started the blog here at EM Freelancing.
I want, first and foremost, to connect with other women who are struggling to find their professional footing while also raising children.
More than anything, I want these women to know that they are not alone. Parenting small children is immensely difficult and time-consuming, and at the end of the day, it’s often not as simple as writing for a few hours after the kids are in bed. Braindead is a thing. Psychological exhaustion is real.
Braindead is a thing. Psychological exhaustion is real.
I also wanted to provide whatever help and tricks I discover along my own path in the hopes that it will inspire and assist other moms to pursue their freelance dreams.
Yes, there’s a content calendar. Yes, there are plans for which books I’ll review, which time hacks I’ll examine, which industry leaders I’ll interview.
But I am also a mom to three young kids, and I’m also launching a full-time business on part-time hours. I have clients and projects and deadlines, and those come first. I have childcare for my business work, and this blog happens in the side hours. I also write novels (my first love), move a lot (like, a lot) for my husband’s work in the Foreign Service, and have a serious addiction to Netflix that won’t be denied.
I plan to post on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but if I miss a day because my kids are up all night with an ear infection, well, that’s life.
(Case in point — this post was supposed to go up two weeks ago, but my whole family came down with COVID on my first day of “work.” Thank you, universe, for reminding me why I’m seeking a flexible, at-home career on literally Day 1.)
So even if I miss a day on occasion, I promise you that I’m here, holding space for all the moms who dream of having their own independent incomes and professional identities, even in the thick of motherhood.
And for all the transgender and non-binary and queer friends who might stumble across this blog — I welcome you with open arms. I haven’t lived your experience firsthand, and I won’t insult you by pretending to understand the specific challenges you face in balancing parenting and work and community. But I see you and I’m here for you, too. I’m writing this blog to moms, because I’m a mom, and that’s what I know. Please know that the gender language I use is not meant to be exclusive. If there is a way to write that better includes you, too, please let me know (I’m always available at elizabeth@emfreelancing.com or comment below!).
So that’s the plan.
On Mondays, we’ll look at business books and interview experts and hear from other moms who are killing it at home and at work.
On Wednesdays, we’ll look at the writer’s life and tools that can help, from time trackers to grammar aids to productivity hacks.
On Fridays, we’ll look at freelance health writing in more detail. How do you get started? How do you choose a niche? How do you pitch a client? I don’t pretend to be an expert here (not yet!), but I will tell you what I know and I’ll be honest about what I find along the way.
If you have ideas or suggestions, please let me know.
This blog is for you, mama. I’ve got your back.
