How to explain what a Freelancer is to Mum and that it is in fact your job.

With Mother's Day fast approaching (reminding you now, if you forgot), we want to say...

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY AUSTRALIA!

To those that work hard every day as one of Australia's creatives and those that raise and support them.

As a freelancer, you're your boss, your own employee, and the entire company all rolled into one. You're the captain of your own ship, the master of your domain, and the king or queen of your own castle. But how do you explain to your mum what a freelancer is, and that it's actually your job? Fear not, we are here to help.

 
First, let's start with the basics. A freelancer is someone who works for themselves, rather than being employed by a company, you know this… Mother maybe doesn’t, they may believe it’s a phase, believe us “it’s not a phase!”. You offer services to clients, and are paid for work on a project-by-project basis. Freelancers can do all sorts of things, from writing and design work to consulting and coaching.

Now, here's where things get tricky. When you try to explain to your mum that you're a freelancer, she might get a bit confused. She might think you're unemployed, or that you're doing some sort of shady, under-the-table work. So, how can you explain it to her in a way that makes sense?

Compare being a freelancer to being a tradie, a tradie with a Mac and a really cool stylus. Just like a plumber or an electrician, you have a very particular set of skills that people need and you’re not afraid to use them.

You're not tied down to a single company or employer, but you have a network of clients who rely on you whole heartedly for your expertise. By framing it this way, you're making it clear that you’re indispensable and not just lounging around in your pyjamas all day (even if that does happen from time to time)…

Another way to help your mum understand what you do is to give her some concrete examples of your work. Show her a project, grab your folio and create a performance, just like when you first learned the Macarena or the Nut-bush, it’s time to show off! Let her see firsthand the results of your hard work and the glory and value that you bring to your clients.

 
Once you've explained what a freelancer is, the next step is to convince your mum that it's a legitimate job and career path. Here is where the fun begins. Again, this can be tricky, especially if your mum is from a more traditional background where stability and security are valued.

One approach is to emphasise the freedom and flexibility that come with being a freelancer. You're able to set your own schedule, work from anywhere, and pursue projects that truly interest you. You're not beholden to a boss or a company, and you have the freedom to chart your own course and feel the wind beneath your wings.

It's time to show mum the value of freelancing and highlight the financial benefits. Depending on your industry, freelancers can often command higher rates than traditional employees, and can enjoy greater earning potential as you build up your client base and reputation. Plus, as a freelancer, you have more control over your own financial destiny, since you're not reliant on a single company for your income.

Explaining what a freelancer is to your mum can be a bit tricky, but with a bit of humour and some concrete evidence and multiple shouts of “just listen!” / “it’s not a phase!”, you can help her see that it's a legitimate career path, you’re happy and made the best choice ever. By emphasising the freedom and flexibility that come with freelancing, and highlighting the financial benefits, you can show your mum that you're not just goofing off all day, but that you're building a successful career on your own terms.

Keep on, keeping on, you champions! If your mum still needs convincing, give us a call.