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in Blog on February 28, 2022 by Jennifer Carroll

How To Start A Freelance Career Without Spending Money

If you spend any time on TikTok or Instagram, you’re bound to come across a video that claims your freelancing gig can earn six figures if you’re willing to put in the work. (Conveniently, many of these creators are also selling an online course.)

I totally get the appeal. As a twin mom, I walked away from my full-time job at an advertising agency because childcare for two infants was so expensive. At the time, my husband had a demanding job and traveled frequently for work. Together, we decided that I would be the “flexible” parent.

More than two years into the pandemic, many families continue to find their childcare and school schedules in flux. The ability to set your own hours, determine your workload, and work from home is incredibly attractive. 

While I haven’t found the golden ticket to a perfect career, I have been able to create a steady flow of freelance work for the last five-ish years. My work allows me to contribute to our household income and stay at home with our twins and I am grateful for the flexibility my writing career allows. 

I believe the TikTok videos are right. There are lots of opportunities in a wide range of careers: accounting, web development, project management, photography, interior design, and more.

Where I think these videos fall short is the HOW. How do you start a freelance career? How do you figure out childcare? What are some of the logistics it takes to make it work? And how do you get started without investing a lot of cash?

I don’t claim to have all the answers. But I’m happy to share what I’ve learned so far.  

A little background about me…I have a degree in Journalism and Broadcasting and started my career in television. I was at a full-service ad agency when I left full-time work. Currently, I work anywhere from 10-30 hours a week as a copywriter. I write a little bit of everything but most of my work involves writing blogs, SEO content, and website content. 

(Twin moms, please note: I did NOT work the first six months of motherhood. I was simply too sleep-deprived to string together a single sentence.)

Step 1: Get A Childcare Strategy  

If remote work during the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that working from home while our children are awake is difficult. Kids, babies, and even dogs are able to sense the exact moment you’re needed to be unmuted on your Zoom call. (There are holes in my drywall that prove this theory.)

For that reason, it’s a good idea to put some type of childcare in place. The challenge, at least in my experience, is that you can end up paying more for a sitter than you end up bringing home once you factor in a little cushion and drive time. 

So when my twins were babies, I tried my best to only hire a sitter for meetings. Then, I would do my writing during nap time, after they went to bed, or on weekends when my husband was home. 

Tip: Don’t be afraid to try different childcare options as your work evolves 

As I took on more work, and as the twins got more mobile, we started taking them to a church preschool three days a week. I try to maximize their school hours for work, but I also use that time for doctor’s appointments and the occasional lunch with friends.

During heavier seasons of work, I’ve used a local nanny placement service as well as high-school and college-aged kids from our neighborhood. 

(Full Disclosure: Our family is great to step in and provide childcare, but it’s just usually in the evenings. A sitter is my most expensive childcare option. I pay roughly $20/hr for my two high-energy kiddos.)  

Tip: Figure out what time of day you are most productive 

After decades of despising early starts, mornings are some of my most productive work times. When needed, I will write from 5:30 a.m. until my kids get up at 7:00 a.m. However, if someone’s been sick or up at night, this just isn’t possible. Evenings are also an option, but I prefer to spend that time with my husband.

Step 2: Get Set Up & Build A Portfolio 

When you are just starting out, it’s tempting to order business cards, create a professional website and customize your office space. While there is nothing wrong with these things, it’s easy for your expenses to outpace your earnings. Instead, start slowly and gradually buy what you need. Be especially wary to sign up for anything with a monthly subscription. 

When I worked full-time I had a work laptop, so I did need to purchase a modest computer to launch my freelance career. (I’m still writing from that laptop today.) For the longest time, I didn’t even have a desk chair. I borrowed a dining chair and moved it to a little desk just off the kitchen.

Tip: Create a free portfolio

So far I’ve been able to avoid paying a monthly fee to maintain a website. Instead, I created a digital portfolio in Canva that I send out to prospective clients. 

I use the free visions of the following programs:

  • Grammarly for proofreading
  • Slack to communicate with clients
  • Google Sheets to track hours and deadlines
  • Google Docs to write
  • Loom to create short videos with a screen share (This cuts down on meetings. It’s amazing!)

Some clients ask me to use particular content management platforms, but they almost always set up a login for me.

Step 3: Find Prospective Clients 

The biggest challenge is finding your first client. You can send out hundreds of email introductions and make dozens of cold calls, but you are fighting an uphill battle unless you have some type of personal connection or the person on the other end is already looking for help. 

Tip: People who are already familiar with your work are your best resource for new work

I started by reaching out to all of my past employers to let them know I was available for work. Several of my coworkers from the ad agency had moved to different agencies or struck out on their own. I contacted them as well. 

(Since I had worked for an ad agency, it would be unethical to pursue the clients I had worked for while at the agency. Plus, I signed an iron-clad non-compete.) 

From there, I told anyone and everyone who would listen that I was a writer. I kept my eyes open for interesting opportunities. 

Tip: If you are going to reach out to someone who doesn’t know you, reach out to someone who is actively looking for your services 

When my work slowed down at the beginning of the pandemic, I joined a local Facebook group for small businesses. Businesses would post to the group looking for help building a website. I made note of what digital marketing agencies responded to the post. Then, I approached the marketing agencies knowing they probably outsourced the writing for the website. 

I don’t have personal experience, but I’ve heard sites like UpWork and Fiverr can be great resources for freelancers. I’ve always been hesitant because they take a cut of your earnings.

School alumni groups and professional organizations can also be a good start.

Step 4: Set Your Prices

Coming up with my fees and hourly rate was the most intimidating part of the process for me. With my particular clients, the amount of time it takes to write a blog can vary widely based on how much research I need to do.  For that reason, I try to stick to an hourly rate. 

Over time, I’ve determined how long it typically takes to write different types of content. So I might tell a client, this is my hourly rate and it typically takes me 4-6 hours to write something like this. Does that work for you?  

Tip: Figure out how you will handle revisions 

When writing at an hourly rate, I charge for the time spent making revisions. When writing for a fee, I include two rounds of revisions in the process.

I’ve raised my prices once during my time as a freelancer. There were definitely some nerve-wracking conversations, but I held my ground. As I’ve gained experience and with pep talks from my mom and husband, I’ve grown more confident in my value. 

In the end, this is what has worked for me. Your experience could be totally different than mine.  I share because I want to demystify the process of becoming a freelancer. There is no secret formula. In reality, it has been small incremental steps. Sometimes, it’s been a bumpy ride. Overall, I’ve enjoyed the opportunities I’ve gained from my freelance career.  

What has worked for you? Where are you struggling? I’d love to learn about your experience in the comments and read any tips or tricks you’ve learned along the way.

Related

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: money, self, working mom

About Jennifer Carroll

Jennifer is a mom to four-year-old twins and a very large Weimaraner. Before kids, she worked in television and advertising. She paused her career to be a stay-at-home mom only to discover she loved freelance writing. You’ll find her family camping, chasing cows or at the lake on weekends. Follow their adventures at @twinningtheweekend.

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Comments

  1. Lisa @lovefromlisa.com says

    March 13, 2022 at 11:11 am

    I really loved this post. I’ve been toying with freelancing for a long time, and currently have a 5 year old and 22 month old that I need to juggle this with. I still haven’t quite got the confidence but this post has given me some great insight and some additional motivation.

    Reply

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This recent picture of Eric and I adventuring in t This recent picture of Eric and I adventuring in the snow, well into our third year of dating, captures so much. 

But there's a lot it doesn't tell you, too. 

It doesn't tell you about the heartbreaking experience of watching my former marriage dissolve.

It doesn't tell you about the confusion and loneliness in the aftermath of my divorce six+ years ago.

It doesn't tell you about the time that, while driving home in the dark on a snowy evening, I reflected on the fact that nobody was expecting me to check in with them that night - that if I skidded into a ditch nobody would think to look for me for days.

It doesn't tell you about the twenty-five - yes, TWENTY-FIVE - first dates I went on prior to meeting Eric (the vast majority of those never turned into a second date.)

It doesn't tell you about the disappointments and doubts and tears leading up to finding my person.

And...

It also doesn't tell you about how much I (grudgingly) grew during that period of singleness. 

The strength and resourcefulness I discovered through having the space to run a household on my own and determine my own path in life. 

The peacefulness of a home run under my own steam, its rhythms based on my own values and priorities. 

The joy (and necessity) of getting back in touch with myself.

If you’re single and looking, I really do hope you find your person soon. I am so grateful for having found mine, and I know how hard it is to hear "your time will come, too" when you see no evidence of that on the horizon. (Especially going into February, right?)

But while you're waiting, there's another person (you) who deserves your attention...

and hard as it may be to see when you’re in the thick of doubt and disappointment…

that person is enough.
Looking for unique classroom valentines *and* a gr Looking for unique classroom valentines *and* a great deal? We love everything about @minted, from the high-quality paper and printing, to the ability to buy unique designs, freshly sourced from a community of independent artists. And right now, Minted has great deals on all things Valentine's Day!

(Pssst: they even have a Disney collection!)

Click this image at the link in our bio to get:
🎒 20% off Valentine photo cards, & classroom Valentines
🎁 20% off photo & stationery gifts on orders $250+
💕 15% off ALL orders with code BEMINE23.
🗓️ Sale ends Monday 1/30!

The Mom Hour is part of Minted's affiliate program, which means if you shop our links we'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Here’s your January reminder to save shoeboxes f Here’s your January reminder to save shoeboxes for February and March classroom projects! Valentine boxes and leprechaun traps are around the corner, and shoe boxes are so much harder to come by these days. Consider this a friendly head’s up from a mom who’s been there.

Want more help and tips, plus reassurance that you’re doing a great job? (You are.) Search for The Mom Hour in your favorite podcast app and hit subscribe!

#kindergarten #firstgrade #valentinebox #leprechauntrap #shoeboxcraft #roomparent #roommom #classroomvalentines #parenting #momlife #parentingtip #tipsformoms
Looking to implement daily "quiet time" for presch Looking to implement daily "quiet time" for preschoolers? Even for kids who want to GO GO GO all day long, having a built-in pause in the day can help develop independent play skills, encourage rest, and - of course - give caregivers a chance to reset as well.

Since this week's podcast episode is all about kids and alone time, we thought we'd revisit this resource on the blog by Sandy Hsu:

👉 How To Encourage Independence In Preschoolers With A “Quiet Time” Routine. 👈 

Sandy (@hopefulsmiles) give tips for implementing a successful quiet time routine AND rounds up products and activities that help make independent play more likely - even in young preschoolers. Check it out by clicking this image at the link in our bio!

#quiettime #parentingtoddlers #parentingpreschoolers #momoflittles #stayathomemom #stayathomeparent #activitiesforpreschoolers #activitiesfortoddlers #threeyearolds #fouryearolds #fiveyearolds #momlife #sahm #sahmlife
New episode! Does solitude come naturally to your New episode!

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Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

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Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy Saturday! Been meaning to check out a deal y Happy Saturday! Been meaning to check out a deal you heard on our podcast? You're in luck because here's our sponsor roundup for January. Once a month, we use this space to thank our partners and remind you of their special offers. For our special promo codes and links, just tap our saved "Sponsors" highlight or search the brand name on our website. And when you do check out our sponsors + use our links and codes, it helps support our show! We also collect ALL our active promo codes in our email newsletter - which is full of our latest episodes and blog posts, personal updates, community news, and more. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to subscribe today.

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Braces on, braces off. First phones, driver's ed, Braces on, braces off. First phones, driver's ed, high school registration. As we discussed in this week's episode, we still get all the feels when older kids meet cultural or developmental milestones - even if they cringe when we celebrate and share.

Would love to hear what you're celebrating about your older kids! Everything from learning a new skill to blossoming independence - leave us a comment! 

PS - Listen to the episode in your favorite podcast app, or by clicking this image at the link in our bio!

#parenting #parentingbigkids #parentingteens #parentingtweens #bigkidmilestone #teenagers #tweens #momoftweens #momofteens #momofteenagers
Turns out, when your last baby approaches double-d Turns out, when your last baby approaches double-digits, you find yourself staring a different milestone right in the (puffy) face:

It's been a decade since I was pregnant for the last time. 

This photo was taken the morning of my scheduled c-section, just a few hours before we'd meet our third and last babe. It's hard to remember, but I'm SURE I was ready to be done. Constant braxton-hicks, heartburn I hadn't experienced with the other two, food aversions that lasted the whole 39w5d, and physical exhaustion trying to keep up with a 2- and 4-year old: all part of an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy, but still nobody's idea of easy.

I don't miss it - being pregnant. Grateful to have had the experience, absolutely. But I've never really pined for another go-around, at least not seriously. Still, a whole decade removed feels as significant a milestone to me as does the notion that that double-dimpled babe will blow out ten candles this weekend.

Time, like, whoa. 

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If you're looking at school options for Fall 2023, If you're looking at school options for Fall 2023, you might be feeling overwhelmed by school tours, open houses, registration deadlines, or the all-too-common "red shirting question". That's why today we're revisiting an enormously detailed resource on our site: 

➡️ What Teachers & Educators Wish Parents Knew About Making School Decisions ⬅️

This piece is a collaboration between four educators on our team whose careers span preschool through middle school. They weigh in what what they wish parents knew about things like...

...choosing “the right school” 
...what it means to be “ready for kindergarten” 
...visiting a school for a tour or open house 
...learning to read 
...kids and friendships; playground politics
...making school decisions for a special needs student 
...becoming part of a classroom or school community 
 
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Y'all's reaction to our entire catalog now being a Y'all's reaction to our entire catalog now being available has been so fun! Listeners have told us that they're now able to re-listen to old favorites, or - amazing for us - share them directly with friends.

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You can listen from our website by clicking this image at the link in our bio – but EVEN BETTER, you can find the episodes in your favorite podcast app - just search by episode title, or keep on scrolling until you find them!
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This recent picture of Eric and I adventuring in t This recent picture of Eric and I adventuring in the snow, well into our third year of dating, captures so much. 

But there's a lot it doesn't tell you, too. 

It doesn't tell you about the heartbreaking experience of watching my former marriage dissolve.

It doesn't tell you about the confusion and loneliness in the aftermath of my divorce six+ years ago.

It doesn't tell you about the time that, while driving home in the dark on a snowy evening, I reflected on the fact that nobody was expecting me to check in with them that night - that if I skidded into a ditch nobody would think to look for me for days.

It doesn't tell you about the twenty-five - yes, TWENTY-FIVE - first dates I went on prior to meeting Eric (the vast majority of those never turned into a second date.)

It doesn't tell you about the disappointments and doubts and tears leading up to finding my person.

And...

It also doesn't tell you about how much I (grudgingly) grew during that period of singleness. 

The strength and resourcefulness I discovered through having the space to run a household on my own and determine my own path in life. 

The peacefulness of a home run under my own steam, its rhythms based on my own values and priorities. 

The joy (and necessity) of getting back in touch with myself.

If you’re single and looking, I really do hope you find your person soon. I am so grateful for having found mine, and I know how hard it is to hear "your time will come, too" when you see no evidence of that on the horizon. (Especially going into February, right?)

But while you're waiting, there's another person (you) who deserves your attention...

and hard as it may be to see when you’re in the thick of doubt and disappointment…

that person is enough.
Looking for unique classroom valentines *and* a gr Looking for unique classroom valentines *and* a great deal? We love everything about @minted, from the high-quality paper and printing, to the ability to buy unique designs, freshly sourced from a community of independent artists. And right now, Minted has great deals on all things Valentine's Day!

(Pssst: they even have a Disney collection!)

Click this image at the link in our bio to get:
🎒 20% off Valentine photo cards, & classroom Valentines
🎁 20% off photo & stationery gifts on orders $250+
💕 15% off ALL orders with code BEMINE23.
🗓️ Sale ends Monday 1/30!

The Mom Hour is part of Minted's affiliate program, which means if you shop our links we'll earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!
Here’s your January reminder to save shoeboxes f Here’s your January reminder to save shoeboxes for February and March classroom projects! Valentine boxes and leprechaun traps are around the corner, and shoe boxes are so much harder to come by these days. Consider this a friendly head’s up from a mom who’s been there.

Want more help and tips, plus reassurance that you’re doing a great job? (You are.) Search for The Mom Hour in your favorite podcast app and hit subscribe!

#kindergarten #firstgrade #valentinebox #leprechauntrap #shoeboxcraft #roomparent #roommom #classroomvalentines #parenting #momlife #parentingtip #tipsformoms
Looking to implement daily "quiet time" for presch Looking to implement daily "quiet time" for preschoolers? Even for kids who want to GO GO GO all day long, having a built-in pause in the day can help develop independent play skills, encourage rest, and - of course - give caregivers a chance to reset as well.

Since this week's podcast episode is all about kids and alone time, we thought we'd revisit this resource on the blog by Sandy Hsu:

👉 How To Encourage Independence In Preschoolers With A “Quiet Time” Routine. 👈 

Sandy (@hopefulsmiles) give tips for implementing a successful quiet time routine AND rounds up products and activities that help make independent play more likely - even in young preschoolers. Check it out by clicking this image at the link in our bio!

#quiettime #parentingtoddlers #parentingpreschoolers #momoflittles #stayathomemom #stayathomeparent #activitiesforpreschoolers #activitiesfortoddlers #threeyearolds #fouryearolds #fiveyearolds #momlife #sahm #sahmlife
New episode! Does solitude come naturally to your New episode!

Does solitude come naturally to your kids, or are moments of solo play far and few between? Meagan and Sarah read some research recently that challenged us to think about the importance of alone time, and whether our kids get enough. In this episode, we dive into our own childhood memories, how our children embrace (or run from) solitude, and how challenging it is to find that just-right balance. Join us! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
New episode! With all the day-to-day planning requ New episode! With all the day-to-day planning required to run a household, it's easy to put longterm planning on the back burner. Today Meagan and Sarah share lessons we've learned (or are still learning) that help us look ahead at a whole year, quarter, or month at a time. From knowing ourselves and our seasonal rhythms to figuring out where they keep next year's school calendar, we've picked up a few things over the years, and we're ready to dive in for 2023. Join us! 

Find the episode wherever you get your podcasts, or click this image at the link in our bio!

#themomhour #motherhood #mompodcast #podcastsformoms #parenting #parentingpodcast #podcastlove #trypod #podcastersofinstagram #shepodcasts
Happy Saturday! Been meaning to check out a deal y Happy Saturday! Been meaning to check out a deal you heard on our podcast? You're in luck because here's our sponsor roundup for January. Once a month, we use this space to thank our partners and remind you of their special offers. For our special promo codes and links, just tap our saved "Sponsors" highlight or search the brand name on our website. And when you do check out our sponsors + use our links and codes, it helps support our show! We also collect ALL our active promo codes in our email newsletter - which is full of our latest episodes and blog posts, personal updates, community news, and more. Tap on this image at the link in our bio to subscribe today.

Shoutout to our NEW sponsors:
🍳 @caraway_home (10% off gorgeous, non-toxic cookware!)
💪 @futurefitapp (risk-free trial of 1-on-1 personal training!)
🔪 @prepdish (2 weeks free of healthy, prep-ahead meal plans!)
🎨 @minted (design marketplace with art, bags, gifts & more!)
📚 @chatbooks (deals on the easiest photo books ever!)
😍 @fabletics (2 stylish workout bottoms for $24!)

And welcome back . . . 
⭐️ @stitchfix ($20 off your 1st purchase!)
⭐️ @theessentialcalendar (10% off full-season calendars!)
⭐️ @hiyahealth (50% off 1st order!)
⭐️ @kiwico_inc (50% off your 1st mo!)
⭐️ @athleticgreens (1yr of Vit.D + 5 travel packs!)
⭐️ @vionicshoes (free shipping on cute, comfy shoes!)
Braces on, braces off. First phones, driver's ed, Braces on, braces off. First phones, driver's ed, high school registration. As we discussed in this week's episode, we still get all the feels when older kids meet cultural or developmental milestones - even if they cringe when we celebrate and share.

Would love to hear what you're celebrating about your older kids! Everything from learning a new skill to blossoming independence - leave us a comment! 

PS - Listen to the episode in your favorite podcast app, or by clicking this image at the link in our bio!

#parenting #parentingbigkids #parentingteens #parentingtweens #bigkidmilestone #teenagers #tweens #momoftweens #momofteens #momofteenagers
Turns out, when your last baby approaches double-d Turns out, when your last baby approaches double-digits, you find yourself staring a different milestone right in the (puffy) face:

It's been a decade since I was pregnant for the last time. 

This photo was taken the morning of my scheduled c-section, just a few hours before we'd meet our third and last babe. It's hard to remember, but I'm SURE I was ready to be done. Constant braxton-hicks, heartburn I hadn't experienced with the other two, food aversions that lasted the whole 39w5d, and physical exhaustion trying to keep up with a 2- and 4-year old: all part of an otherwise uncomplicated pregnancy, but still nobody's idea of easy.

I don't miss it - being pregnant. Grateful to have had the experience, absolutely. But I've never really pined for another go-around, at least not seriously. Still, a whole decade removed feels as significant a milestone to me as does the notion that that double-dimpled babe will blow out ten candles this weekend.

Time, like, whoa. 

-Sarah
If you're looking at school options for Fall 2023, If you're looking at school options for Fall 2023, you might be feeling overwhelmed by school tours, open houses, registration deadlines, or the all-too-common "red shirting question". That's why today we're revisiting an enormously detailed resource on our site: 

➡️ What Teachers & Educators Wish Parents Knew About Making School Decisions ⬅️

This piece is a collaboration between four educators on our team whose careers span preschool through middle school. They weigh in what what they wish parents knew about things like...

...choosing “the right school” 
...what it means to be “ready for kindergarten” 
...visiting a school for a tour or open house 
...learning to read 
...kids and friendships; playground politics
...making school decisions for a special needs student 
...becoming part of a classroom or school community 
 
Click this image at the link in our bio to get the guide. Bookmark it, send it to your co-parent or mom friends, and use it as a starting place as you wade through this tricky time of year! 

@lisaapayne4 @ashleydawn519 @thepaperdart @cafedumartin

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