Freelancing an untapped option for mothers looking for flexible work

Stephanie Slattery had a feeling that once she and her husband started a family, she was going to want more flexibility and less time in an office. For much of her career as a graphic designer, she had gone the traditional route, working for various design firms and agencies but with the birth of her first child, she decided to become a freelancer so she could have more flexibility

Stephanie started out with a few small-to-medium business clients and over the next several years slowly built up her business. A few years ago, in an effort to expand her client base she discovered and joined online freelancer marketplace Upwork. She says working on the online platform has been a nice boost to her business – and her personal life – on several fronts.

For one, freelancing through Upwork and being able to work from anywhere made it easier for her to move with her family away from the big city. She said there aren’t as many professional opportunities for graphic designers where they live now but since she works online, she has access to a number of work opportunities so the move did not negatively impact her business.

She also appreciates that she can rely on guaranteed payments with Upwork; she said she dreads having to chase down clients for money. Stephanie now has a steady stream of clients coming to her and is staying busy. She even anticipates that she may need to bring on her own support staff in the near future.

Freelancing online has given Stephanie Slattery control of her work and her hours, allowing her to split her time between her career and her family.