Sophie, 37 – Freelance Graphic Designer, Cornwall
Sophie went freelance after her second child, trading job security for control. “I wanted to be there for school runs and sick days,” she says. Now, she sets her own hours, often working late at night or early morning when the house is quiet.
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Freelancing offers flexibility but comes with financial uncertainty. Childcare is her biggest expense — £320 a week for two children. “I price my projects knowing I need to cover that,” she says. She uses tools like Toggl and Notion to stay organised and protect her time.
Her advice to other mums? “Be honest about your limits. I tell clients upfront: ‘I may reply slower during school hours.’ Most respect that. And don’t undervalue your work — your skills don’t disappear because you’re a mum.”
Redefining Balance
These stories highlight a truth: there is no single way to “have it all.” For many UK working mums, balance isn’t a fixed state — it’s a daily recalibration of priorities, energy, and boundaries.
The conversation is shifting from can women do both? to how can society support them? With the rollout of 30 hours of free childcare per week for children aged 9 months to school age, more mums are able to return to work. But affordable childcare, flexible roles, and cultural change are still needed.
For the women living it, the goal isn’t perfection — it’s presence. As Emma puts it: “I don’t need to be the best mum or the best employee. I just want to be present in both roles — and that’s enough.”
In 2024, the stories of UK working mums aren’t just about struggle — they’re about strength, strategy, and the quiet revolution of redefining what success looks like.
