The Freelancing Hustle: Why My Toddler Thinks I’m Unemployed

There was a time, not too long ago, when I was clocking into a neat little 8-to-5, complete with ID badges, uncomfortable shoes, and enough “Yes, sir” to earn a PhD in corporate survival. My toddler knew mummy worked. She left early, came back tired, and occasionally carried mysterious documents that smelled like printing ink and stress.

Then I quit.

Yep — bold, brave, possibly sleep-deprived. I took the leap into freelancing, convinced I’d be sipping smoothies while sending invoices from my couch. I imagined balance, peace, purpose. Instead…

“Mum, when are you getting a real job?”
– My very honest 4-year-old.

New Freelancer, New Problems

Nobody warns you that the realest part of freelancing is not the work — it’s the identity crisis. No boss, no office, no commute… and apparently, no respect from toddlers who now think you play Candy Crush for a living.

In the early days, I’d sit at my “home office” (read: a chair next to the fridge), staring at my laptop and wondering: Is it supposed to feel like this?

Job boards? Overwhelming.
Clients? Nowhere to be found.
Money? Ha! Let’s not talk about it.

From Career Woman to Professional Googler

The biggest shock of all? Freelancing is 70% figuring stuff out, 20% questioning your life choices, and 10% actual paid work. I spent hours researching how to pitch clients, build a portfolio, price my services — and that’s before I even started working.

Also, what even is a niche? Why does everyone on YouTube speak so fast? And is it normal to cry when someone sends you your first $5?

Kids Don’t Understand Freelancing (and Honestly, Neither Do I)

One day, my son told his friend, “Mum stays at home now. She’s resting.”

If only. That day, I’d just written a 1,200-word article, applied for 6 gigs, edited a CV, and tried to figure out Canva without losing my mind. But sure — let’s call it rest.

Freelancing is invisible to kids. They don’t see the hustle, the late nights, the emails sent into the void. They see mum in a leso, staring at a laptop, and assume the only hard thing she’s doing is choosing a playlist.

But Let’s Be Real — It’s Tough

No stable income. No HR to ask when things go wrong. No salary date to look forward to. You’re building a business from scratch — with zero training and often, zero mentorship.

But there’s power in it too.

You start discovering what you’re good at. You learn new skills, gain resilience, and yes — you do eventually start making money (real money, not exposure).

Action Plan for Newbie Freelancers Who Feel Lost

Here’s a roadmap for anyone in the early chaos of freelancing:

1. Start Small, But Start

Pick one service — writing, admin help, tutoring, design — and focus on it. Don’t try to be a jack-of-all-trades on day one. Test the waters.

2. Build a Simple Portfolio

Even if you’ve never been paid, create samples. Use Canva, Google Docs, or a simple blog. Show what you can do, even if it’s unpaid (for now).

3. Treat It Like a Business

Shower. Sit at your desk. Block hours. Take breaks. This isn’t a hobby. It’s your future empire — even if right now it’s run on instant coffee and hope.

4. Talk to Your Kids (and Yourself)

Explain it simply: “Mummy works from home now. I don’t wear suits, but I still work hard.” Remind yourself that just because you’re not at an office, doesn’t mean you’re not working.

5. Network with Other Freelancers

Join Facebook groups, WhatsApp communities, or LinkedIn circles. Ask dumb questions. Share your wins. Learn the lingo. You’re not alone.

6. Save Everything — Especially Wins

Screenshots of positive feedback, that first payment, or even a thank-you from a client — keep them. You’ll need them on hard days.

7. Give Yourself Grace

You won’t have it all figured out in week one. Or month three. But each day, you’re building. And that counts for something.

Final Pep Talk: You’re Not Lazy — You’re Building

So if your child thinks you nap all day, or your in-laws suspect you joined a pyramid scheme — smile and keep going. They’ll understand eventually (or when you buy that fridge from your freelance money).

Freelancing is not easy, but it’s a path filled with purpose, possibility, and yes — power.

So wear those socks with holes, drink your lukewarm tea, and hit “send” on that pitch. You’re doing just fine.

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💬 Tell me below: What was your biggest struggle as a new freelancer? How did you push through it? Let’s talk!