The workforce is changing as more people swap the security of a 9-to-5 job for the flexibility of freelancing, with key demographics and industries leading the self-employed sector, according to Instant Offices.
In fact, the number of female freelancers has grown by 55% since 2008. New mothers choosing to take up freelance work rather than return to full-time office employment post-baby has shot up by 79%. Comparatively, the number of men freelancing has grown by 36% in the same time frame.
Millennials and UK workers facing significant lifestyle changes, such as motherhood, …

It’s a hard balancing act. On one hand, there’s your responsibilities as a parent. On the other, it’s the demands of a full-time job. But it’s also a big ask to make the jump from regular paid employment to going freelance so you can fit work around your family. Despite this, there has been a massive rise in the number of freelance parents – particularly mothers – in the UK.
So, why is it now becoming more popular for parents to work for themselves?
Flexible Hours
For freelance parents, a major benefit …

Brits make over 7 million business trips every year. Going away from home takes organisation – not just for yourself, but also making sure that your family are ready too. In a study, 75% of travellers reported high levels of stress if they were planning to go away on business, and 50% of their spouses too. Work trips affect everyone in the household. The figures were particularly high if there were young children in the family. Here are a few things you can do to help you and your family get ready for your business trip.
Make …

By Tiernan Douieb, professional comedian, NextUp Comedy
There are lots of reasons that comedians decide on having our unpredictable, financially unstable and socially inactive life. Mostly it’s down to being driven by an innate – albeit odd – need to get onstage and make people laugh.
Whatever your motivations, the challenge is the same: to earn enough money to carry on doing what you love while getting on with your life. I’ve got a 5-month-old baby so, for me, it’s supporting my wonderful wife and providing for our family.
However, in a world …

Guest article by Kirsty Hulse
The jump from a secure income and regular paid employment can be a scary one but one that can’t fail but to reward you in the long run. Flexibility, a work life balance that you can control and a chance to maximise your productivity by working where and when you know you can achieve your best, is only the beginning. Here are a few pointers that I have learnt along the way that will help when starting out on your freelance journey…

Try not to get …

Working from home is perhaps the most family-friendly working arrangement available. It allows parents the flexibility to manage their work commitments while still spending plenty of precious time with their children. With more and more companies waking up to the benefits of flexible working and allowing their employees the freedom to work from home, more workers are discovering that simply setting up your laptop at the kitchen table doesn’t cut the mustard as a long-term solution. If you’re serious about working from home on a full-time basis, or if you’re …

Last week we looked at working as a freelancer, and when you might actually be an eployee or a worker rather than a freelance. This week’s advice from Annabel Kaye is for anyone who uses freelance workers.
Buying work or time from other people
If other people help you in your business, the same rules apply to them as apply to you – read last week’s article on freelance status to review the rules.   Remember:

 Just calling someone a “volunteer” does not get you out of the rules applying.  To be a “volunteer”, …

“Working at home” can mean that you have started your own business or that you are working as a freelancer. Being a ‘freelance’ worker can mean different things ― it all depends on what the real business relationship is, and it is vital to be clear on whether you are legally classified as a freelancer.    Here are some top tips on the legal side of freelance working.
Selling your own work or time

If you are working for someone else and they call you  a ‘freelancer’ or an ‘associate’ or a ‘contractor’, …

For anyone thinking of becoming a freelancer, my advice is to plan, plan, and plan some more. This applies double for mums and dads. If you have children you may have more financial pressures and more need to make a success of freelancing. You are also likely to have less time to work in, and no time to go back and make up for mistakes that you made when starting in business.
To make sure your freelance business is set up correctly, go on a start up course at your local enterprise …

With the festive season around the corner and the children well and truly settled back into school life, you may be wondering how you could bring in some extra money and working around your family.
There are many ideas of  that are family friendly and here are our top 5.

Childminder. The best types of family friendly working is one where you are home based and means you can look after your own children too.  If you are interested in becoming a childminder, you will need to register with Ofsted and get …