How is freelancing as a mother: in the job market, mothers experience a lot of discrimination, mostly because of gender bias
Being a mother is a full-time job, but unfortunately, it often comes with prejudices in the job market. Many recruiters are hesitant to hire women who are mothers, especially those with young children or who are single parents. This bias is not only unfair but also limits the potential of these women.
On the other hand, some sites try to create more work opportunities for mothers, like FreelanceMom and Successful Freelance Mom. In this blog post, we will discuss the benefits of freelancing as a mother, how to get started, and why it can be a viable solution to overcome these prejudices. You can also check our blog about Women’s Place in the Workforce and Freelance Market and learn more about that topic.
Overcoming Prejudice
Mothers face a significant amount of prejudice in the job market, primarily due to gender bias. The assumption that mothers are less committed to their careers than their male counterparts is not only incorrect but also harmful. The truth is that mothers are just as dedicated and hardworking as any other worker, but their family responsibilities require more flexibility. This bias is deeply ingrained in our society, and it has created significant challenges for mothers who want to succeed in their careers. However, as the gig economy continues to grow, more and more mothers are finding that freelancing offers the flexibility and control they need to balance their work and family obligations.
Market Data
A 2020 report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) found that women were more likely to be unemployed than men in many countries and that this was partly due to discrimination and bias in the hiring process. The report also found that women were more likely than men to work in jobs that are insecure or low-paying. The report states that men (63.0 percent) have higher rates of informal employment than women (58.1 percent) around the world, but there are more countries (55.5 percent) where the share of women in informal employment exceeds the share of men. Women are more exposed to informal employment in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin American countries, and most low- and lower-middle-income countries. They are more often found in the most vulnerable situations. You can check this study here.
Regarding the impact of caregiving responsibilities on women’s employment, a 2021 report by the United Nations found that the COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated existing gender inequalities and led to increased caregiving responsibilities for women. The report stated that women were more likely than men to leave the workforce or reduce their working hours due to caregiving responsibilities. You can check this study here.
Freelancing as a Solution
Freelancing offers a solution to the problem of prejudice in the traditional job market by providing mothers with the flexibility to work from home, set their schedules, and choose the projects they want to work on. This not only allows them to balance their work and family responsibilities but also creates a sense of autonomy and control over their careers. Additionally, freelancing enables mothers to use their skills and expertise to build their businesses, providing greater financial stability and career growth. This can help them overcome the biases and limitations of traditional employment, where many companies still hold prejudices against mothers, particularly those with young children or who are single parents. Moreover, freelancing provides mothers with the opportunity to pursue their passions and interests, explore new opportunities, and even create their niches in the market. It can also lead to a higher income than traditional employment, as freelancers can set their rates and take on multiple projects. Finally, freelancing allows mothers to build their professional networks, connect with other freelancers and entrepreneurs, and gain a sense of community and support. Overall, freelancing offers mothers a viable alternative to traditional employment and the chance to take control of their careers while being present for their families.
Getting Started
If you’re a mother looking to start freelancing, there are several steps you can take to get started. First, identify your skills and areas of expertise. This will help you determine what type of freelancing work you can offer. Next, create a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills to potential clients. Finally, start networking and building relationships with potential clients to start securing freelance work. We also described this process in our other blog about How to become a freelancer in 8 steps.
Reasons to Freelance as a Mother
There are several reasons why freelancing can be a great option for mothers. First and foremost, it provides flexibility. As a freelancer, you can work from home, set your own schedule, and choose the projects you want to work on. This means that you can be available for your children’s needs while still earning a living.
Additionally, freelancing allows mothers to use their skills and expertise to build their own businesses. This can provide greater financial stability and career growth than traditional employment. Freelancers can set their own rates, take on as much work as they want, and work with clients from all over the world.
Work-Life Balance
Another benefit of freelancing as a mother is the ability to achieve a better work-life balance. Traditional employment often requires long hours and inflexible schedules, which can make it difficult to balance work and family responsibilities. As a freelancer, you can set your own schedule and work around your family commitments. This means that you can be there for important moments with your children, while still earning a living.
Time management and scheduling are important to be more productive and be in a healthy mindset. If you are having trouble arranging your schedule and managing your time here are 6 tips to organize your schedule and manage your time properly:
Economic Benefits
Freelancing can also provide economic benefits for mothers. As a freelancer, you can set your own rates and take on as much work as you want. This means that you can earn more money than you would in a traditional job. Additionally, freelancers can save money on commuting and other work-related expenses, which can further increase their income.
In conclusion, freelancing can be a great solution for mothers who face prejudice in the job market. It provides flexibility, work-life balance, and economic benefits that traditional employment may not offer. By identifying their skills, building a portfolio, and networking with potential clients, mothers can build successful freelance careers that allow them to balance their work and family responsibilities. It’s time to overcome gender bias and provide opportunities for mothers to succeed in their careers. With the rise of remote work and the gig economy, there has never been a better time for mothers to start freelancing and take control of their careers.
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