I have been fortunate enough to work full-time as a freelance writer for the past decade. However, since last fall, my paid work has steadily dwindled. A client lost here and another job that’s no longer needed there, and before I knew it, my career seemed to vanish.
Facing Unemployment and Insecurity
As a freelancer, I’m accustomed to variations in income, but this time feels particularly different. My emails go unanswered, connections I relied on have been laid off, and job after job I apply for leads to dead ends. Now, on the brink of turning 40, I find myself unemployed and questioning my employable skills.
Rebuilding Financial Stability
In an attempt to alleviate the financial strain, my husband and I have taken on various part-time jobs to make ends meet. Together, we juggle ten different jobs, yet it still feels insufficient in covering our expenses.
Flexibility in Work for a Family of Five
While actively job-hunting, my priority is to replicate the income I earned as a writer while maintaining the flexibilities my previous work afforded me. Since becoming parents nearly 18 years ago, I’ve balanced my work around our five children’s schedules. I’ve always worked from home, managing essential tasks like school drop-offs, errands, and healthcare appointments.
Navigating the Maze of Part-Time Jobs
To navigate this challenging period, my husband and I have cobbled together multiple part-time jobs to sustain our family. Finding consistent full-time work that fits our children’s schedules has proven incredibly tough, leading us to a patchwork combination of roles. Our work varies week to week, and here’s a breakdown of what we do:
My Roles:
- Freelance Writer: (~20 hrs/week; ~$2,000-$3,000/month) I continue to secure some writing gigs while also handling administrative duties.
- Remote GLP-1 Nurse: (2-4 hrs/week; commission only) I’ve taken on a remote consultant role in weight management, depending on client load.
- Library Assistant: (10-30 hrs/week; $16/hr) Recently, I started this role, which I truly enjoy, although hours can be quite variable as I’m only a substitute.
- Homecare Nurse: (12 hrs/month; $40/hr) Currently, I handle private in-home nursing jobs, but the shifts are infrequent.
- Teacher Substitute: (0 hrs/month; $115/day) I’ve qualified to substitute at my daughter’s school, which would ideally align with her schedule.
- Support Staff Substitute: (0 hrs/month; $12/hr) Though I qualify for these roles, the pay doesn’t justify taking the jobs over better opportunities.
- Real Estate Agent: (0 hrs/month; -$400) I’ve enrolled in a pre-licensure class to explore real estate, aiming for future flexibility and financial viability.
My Husband’s Roles:
- Public School Teacher: (40 hrs/week; $4,000/month) His main stable income source also includes health insurance and retirement accounts.
- Crop/Beef Farmer: (5-7 hrs/week; $0/month) We cultivate crops and raise cattle, though this has not yet turned a profit.
- Professional Woodworker: (10-20 hrs/week; $1,000-$2,000/month) He operates a woodworking business, which has fluctuating hours and income.
Striving for Sustainability
Despite our combined efforts, there are months when we can’t even cover our credit card bills, revealing a stark truth: juggling ten jobs is not a sustainable solution for either of us. My initial goal has always been to support my children and be present in their lives as they grow. As my oldest graduates from high school this year, I’m acutely aware of how quickly time passes.
In Search of a Viable Solution
Clearly, I need to find a more stable solution. One obvious avenue is seeking full-time nursing work again. However, restarting my nursing career would mean going back to night shifts, which presents its challenges both physically and logistically.
With five children and my deep commitment to being there for them, I hope to address our financial instability soon. The reality of working multiple jobs without achieving financial security is not healthy or sustainable. It’s crucial to find a balance that allows me to be an active participant in my children’s lives while also ensuring our financial well-being.
Facing Financial Challenges in a Freelance Lifestyle
For over ten years, I’ve enjoyed the flexibility and creativity of being a freelance writer. However, in recent months, I have faced a troubling decline in my paid work, leading to a season of uncertainty and stress. With clients disappearing and job opportunities dwindling, I find myself questioning the sustainability of my freelance career.
Understanding the Unpredictability of Freelance Income
As a freelancer, fluctuating income is a familiar challenge. Yet, this time feels unique. Many of my contacts are no longer in the industry, job applications have gone unanswered, and opportunities seem to be a thing of the past. Now, at nearly 40, the sense of insecurity looms large, leaving me feeling unprepared for a future without a stable income.
Adapting to Change: Multiple Income Streams
To mitigate the financial fallout, my husband and I have taken on various jobs, together juggling ten different roles between the two of us. Despite our efforts, it often feels insufficient. This situation highlights the challenges many freelancers face when personal circumstances force a rethink of their career strategies.
The Need for Flexibility as a Parent
With five children at home, maintaining a flexible schedule has always been essential. Since becoming parents nearly 18 years ago, my roles have included managing household responsibilities while trying to balance my writing career. Navigating this maze of parenting and work has proven to be increasingly complex as I hunt for opportunities that complement our family’s schedule.
Combining Part-Time Work: A Patchwork Solution
In response to our financial needs, we’ve pieced together various part-time jobs. My husband’s stable career as a teacher remains our primary income source, while my work, although diverse, has become a balancing act of earning and parenting. Every week brings new challenges, as I explore opportunities in writing, nursing, library services, and more.
Evaluating Job Opportunities and Financial Pressure
This month alone, despite our combined efforts, we struggled to cover our monthly expenses. Whether it’s freelance writing, teaching or any side ventures like woodworking, the realization that ten jobs still may not meet our needs can be disheartening. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing pressure freelancers face in fluctuating economic times.
Seeking Long-Term Solutions for Stability
It’s become clear that a more sustainable solution is required. The thought of pursuing a full-time nursing position suggests a potential path forward. However, re-entering the nursing field after years away presents its own set of challenges, including the prospect of night shifts that I have previously found difficult to manage.
As I contemplate my next steps, my focus remains on balancing work with my commitment to my children’s activities. Tackling the realities of my financial situation feels daunting, but necessary. I am hopeful for the clarity and direction that will ultimately lead me to a more stable and fulfilling career path.
