Working in the Arts as Freelancers, Parents and Carers
Pursuing a freelance career in the performing arts is complex and requires lots of planning and energy. When you add little ones into the mix, it may seem an even more daunting task. But it’s not impossible — and this article offers support and resources to prove it.
We’re highlighting the dedication of performing artists who are freelancers and carers. We’ll also look at common challenges self-employed artists face, and ways to develop your career while raising children.
Challenges Faced by Self-Employed Parents and Carers
Freelance performers face plenty of challenges, and many of these are emphasised when you’re also juggling caring for children. Before we jump to strategies you can use to strengthen your career, we’ll quickly pinpoint some of the primary stressors.
● Fluctuating income — Unlike regular employment, freelancing doesn’t have a structured income stream. This can lead to financial instability and anxiety surrounding money.
● Time management — One of the perks of being self-employed is being your own boss. But as a parent or carer, you must manage your schedule and your child’s.
● Burnout — Creative burnout is a potential problem for both employed and self-employed artists, and it can have severe health impacts. However, it’s more common among freelancers, especially if they’re trying to raise children while working a full-time performing arts career.
Ways to Strengthen Your Freelance Career While Balancing Caring Responsibilities
Navigating a freelance career in the performing arts while looking after a family can be chaotic. But there are some tips and strategies you can embrace to be more efficient and reduce stress.
Inspired by creative industry business trainer Remi Harris, here are some ways you can strengthen your career while balancing child care:
● Where possible, focus on work that energises you. It’s always easier to deliver work you find exciting, and when you have limited time, this extra motivation can make life as a carer much more straightforward.
● Make a list of top priorities and fit these into your schedule first. Do you know which tasks are the most important to your career and creative practice? Make a decisive list and plan your time. Include time for creative work and time for the inevitable admin. This will make you more efficient, ensure the priority tasks aren’t swept under the rug, and help you manage stress. Although it isn’t always easy to find or make time, you might be surprised at how much you’re getting done.
● Set your alarm earlier. This isn’t the most popular strategy, but it works. Waking up earlier than the school alarm gives you a quiet hour or two to iron out essential tasks before you wake up the little ones.
● Find an accountability partner who can help you commit to your goals. By nature of the job, freelancers are often working solo. However, connecting with a friend, fellow artist, or mentor can help you stay motivated. Community is key!
● Be kind to yourself, don’t worry when plans need to change, remember you need to rest when you can.
A Helping Hand For Parents and Carers
A community of like-minded people can make a significant difference. So, if you’re new to freelancing with children or want to make more connections, joining an organisation can make a big difference.
PIPA (Parents and Carers in Performing Arts) is an organisation created to address the lack of support, and barriers to access for parents and carers in the performing arts industry.
PIPA provides research, resources, networks, and a charter program to raise awareness and help parents and carers participate in events and meet fellow professionals.
Looking to the Future
Working as a creative freelancer allows you to take control of your schedule and earning capacity. You can spend more time with your children and be present in their lives as they grow. However, this career isn’t without its own unique challenges. Hopefully, this blog has given you new tips or signposted you to a helpful resource.
Learn more about BAPAM or jump to the BAPAM blog for more news.