Introduction

Self-employed families and parents

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Becoming a parent can be a wonderful new experience.

As a freelancer, you might be wondering what options are available to you for making the most of your maternity, paternity, and adoption leave including how to best navigate this new landscape. That's why we've compiled a range of advice, tips and real life stories from other freelancers for all-round support.

The IPSE community is dedicated to supporting each other and creating a fairer environment for new freelance parents. 

Challenges

Challenges of being a new parent

 

Freelancer stories

Becoming a new parent comes with inevitable challenges. What’s important is how you manage these unavoidable obstacles that make an appearance along the way. 

We captured real-life stories from freelance parents in the IPSE community. They share an insightful discussion with us including what challenges they’ve faced in parenthood so far and how the impact of these challenges has influenced them to adapt as a freelancer.

 

 

Getting your business into shape beforehand doesn’t need to be difficult - with the help of our simple guides. 

As you prepare to welcome a new arrival, you might be wondering how maternity leave works for freelancers, what you can do about your freelance business, and what financial support is available to you.

The good news is, you have options based on your circumstances. Katie Byrne has written this guide to highlight certain fundamental principles that every freelancer can apply to get their business ready for maternity leave.

We've also covered fatherhood with our freelance paternity guide. Whilst employed new dads can take up to two weeks of paternity leave and associated pay, things are quite different for anyone who is freelancing or self-employed. By planning ahead for your business and your new arrival, it's still possible to nurture work and family successfully.

Guide to freelance maternity leave

Guide to freelance paternity leave

Community

The positive impact of community

 

Freelancer stories

Living the freelancing life can be challenging at times. That’s why getting involved with your local community is key to boosting your wellbeing, mental health and provides a new outlet with other like minded people.

Freelance parents from the IPSE community share with us how being part of a community is so vital towards gaining a positive sense of wellbeing and conquering loneliness.

 

 

Podcast: How to juggle being a freelance parent

Suddenly having to balance parenthood and freelancing can feel overwhelming at times, however it doesn't need to be. With a few practical tips put into place, along with support from a community - you'll be well on your way to mastering your routine.

In this episode of the Freelance Corner podcast, our hosts and Faye Dicker discuss the best ways to juggle being a freelance parent.

Flexibility

A flexible schedule that works for you

Freelancer stories

One of the perks of being a freelancer is that you get the opportunity to gain flexibility when it comes to your working hours. As a parent, when you need to juggle various responsibilities including the school run, as a freelancer you have the freedom to organise your schedule to suit you.

Leah, Beatrice and Faye from the IPSE community shed light on their experiences and the ways that flexibility plays a part in their lifestyle as a freelancer parent.

 

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Freelancing with small children

It might feel daunting but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Here’s how to juggle self-employment and parenthood.

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Exclusive membership discount offer

Here at IPSE we're aware of the balancing act new parents have to play, especially as a freelancer. That's why we're offering an exclusive discount to all members and those who wish to join IPSE as a member who are also on maternity, paternity or adoption leave.

Self-care

The importance of self-care

 

Freelancer stories

When it comes to getting back into a routine after having children, one of the most vital things is self-care. As a freelance parent you have many different cogs turning at different speeds, be it your business, looking after the little ones, general life admin and your own health.

It’s so easy to put yourself on the backburner looking after everything else, but as Faye states "You can’t pour from an empty cup."

 

 

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Freelancers: How to improve your sleep as a new parent

Follow our advice to learn practical ways to manage and improve your sleep while navigating a new routine with your newborn.

Podcast: How to look after your mental health

When becoming a new parents it's easy to put yourself down last on your list on prioirities. Sometimes it's not so easy to take those steps towards self-care, but with this podcast you can learn some vital steps towards improving your mental health. 

In this episode of the Freelance Corner podcast, our hosts and Matthew knight from Leapers discuss how freelancers can look after their mental health and the positive effects this can have on your overall lifestyle.

Parenting campaigns

Self-employed parenting campaigns and resources

Pregnant Then Screwed

Pregnant Then Screwed is the leading charity working to end the motherhood penalty and they have a number of resources for pregnant women and mums.

More support for working dads

Check out Working Dads, an online platform and community for, you guessed it, working dads.

Find out more about Parental Pay Campaign

Self-employed parents are not eligible for Shared Parental Pay. Learn more about the group looking to change this.

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