My worries on upcoming freelancing as a father
I’m probably going to have to cut back on Life by Design and personal projects to free up time to take care of Immy and baby, and also save my time for money-making ventures.
Everyone tells you “it will be hard”.
I know people who couldn’t organise a pissup in a brewery, that somehow manage to raise kids.
I want to think somehow I’ll be different. I’ll be more organised, more resliient, more capable.
But I know thats my ego talking.
Even “power couples” are at pains to tell you how hard it is.
Recently one of them said…
“Your whole life stops overnight, and everything changes, then you live in 2 hour blocks between feedings.”
This is the part I’ll struggle with the most.
I know it’s hard for everyone.
But I do think it’s particularly hard for freelancers and solopreneurs.
It’s just not the same as leaving a job.
Your work isn’t just something you do, it’s usually baked into your identity.
You’re not just giving up a day job, you’re changing who you are.
Freelance parenting
Firstly there’s no maternity/paternity cover.
Secondly, in a 9-5 someone will step in to cover your role.
Your responsibilities end at the door, and someone else will pick them up.
Or they won’t, but that’s not your problem anymore.
Of course, the truth is I’m truly freelancing as a dad anymore.
I guess the last year I’m more of a “micro agency”, whatever that is.
So I’m training the team and putting things in place as safeguard for when I dissapear.
But there’s only so much I can do.
I am the business, and people pay for access to me and my time.
Ultimately the buck stops with me.
I care about outcomes for my clients, the business is tied to my identity, so it’s impossible to just let things drop…
To be continued…
I plan to come back to this post after a year and update my thoughts before vs the reality…
