As a freelance writer for some years now there are some times when I actually do miss the dreaded 9 to 5. I’m sure many people will agree with me on some of these items.
- Paid holidays
- Sick days
- Fixed salary
- Pension
- Girlie chat on breaks
- Staff nights out
- Adult conversation
- Having to wear a suit
Now just because I miss a few of these things doesn’t mean I regret my decision to become a freelance writer. In fact I wouldn’t change things for the world. Let me give you a little background.
I began my working career at the age of 19. I began working in the local hospital as a clerical officer and during my 10 year career I worked my way up, had a good salary and enjoyed a permanent and pensionable job that would be mine until I turned 65. I had a government job and that really was something.
I had my workmates and to be completely honest I enjoyed my work most of the time. In 2003 my daughter Emma was born and this is when things changed. I also got the internet at home and discovered freelance writing. My mother was looking after Emma while I was working and it wasn’t long before I cut my working week down. I went job sharing and this allowed me to work every second week. It was perfect. I had my fixed salary, got a week off to spend with my daughter and I was able to continue exploring the freelance writing scene.
In 2006 when I was expecting my son Conor, my mother informed me that she wouldn’t be able to look after both children. At the same time I had enrolled Emma in pre-school 2 mornings each week. She would be attending Montessori come September and this would be for 5 mornings each week. It wasn’t going to be possible for me to work and drop her to Montessori and the thought of putting a baby into a crèche was not something that I wanted to do either.
My freelance writing was going great at this stage and I was earning the same amount each week freelancing as I was working. I set myself a challenge to see if I could maintain this freelance writing income while I was on my maternity leave. It turned out that I actually made more and that helped me to make my decision to quit my day job and become a stay at home mom.
I won’t lie to you and say that it has been an easy road. Any freelance writer with young children will know exactly what I mean. There have been sacrifices, I have worked evenings and weekends but it has been worth it.
I get to take my children to school, do their homework with them and spend quality time with them each and every day. I work when they are in school and sometimes for an hour or two in the evening.
I am here if they need me and I don’t have to hear second hand from a child minder what they have been doing all day.
Yes I might miss the adult conversation and fixed pay check every now and again but I really wouldn’t change it for anything. Being at home and being able to write is my idea of heaven and I have found it. What about you? Do you miss anything about your old 9 to 5 routine?
Until next time,
Keep Writing
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Hi Amanda,
This really is a great question. I think that I miss a bit of the structure and the routine that a 9-5 brings. Regular, known paychecks are nice as well.
With that said, I enjoy the extra time I get with my daughter and I’m thankful I don’t have to be subjected to the moodiness of a boss or the drama that some co-workers bring to the workplace.
George
Thanks George,
I guess if we missed everything about the 9 to 5 we wouldn’t be freelancers now would we. There are somethings that everyone will miss, but the advantages of not having to pay for childcare and being able to be their for the kids really does make it all worth while.
Amanda