Taking care of Little Y is my full-time job, but I’m also a freelance writer and editor. Other moms often seem interested in the logistics of making a buck while being the primary caregiver for a kiddo or two, so here’s a rundown of how I balance things – or don’t, as the case may be!

Be Realistic About Your Workload

Working would be much harder if I didn’t have some control over the amount of work I take on and when I get it done. I have two primary clients, but I’ve almost exclusively been writing for one this year because the pay is much better, the work is more interesting, and I have a wonderful editor who understands what it’s like to have young children. Despite her general awesomeness, I ask for a deadline extension only if absolutely necessary – freelancing is competitive, and I have no desire to mark myself as unreliable.

The flip side of working mostly for one client: All of my eggs are in one basket. That’s generally the last thing you want as a freelancer, since you never know when or why things might dry up. But it’s a risk I’m willing to take right now. Realistically, I can’t take on more work, especially with a new baby on the way, and simply looking for new gigs can be a full-time job itself. And I’m very, very fortunate that we don’t rely on my income (though we may have to give up some extras without it). So if I hit a dry spell or decide I need to take a break to restore my sanity, I can do it.

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This is what my “free time” looks like most days.

Be Prepared to Give Up Your Free Time

This is the toughest thing about being a part-time WAHM. Out of necessity, full-time WAHMs generally have to arrange some form of childcare. I don’t have any extra help – instead, I work like a maniac during naptime or bedtime. I could get a babysitter a couple times a week (and I likely won’t have a choice after the new baby arrives), but right now I make do without. After all, it’s hard to justify earning a few extra bucks only to give half of them away.

Sometimes working away my free time means my house is a mess, and it definitely means I don’t have the time to catch up on the latest bestseller or buzz-worthy TV show. It definitely means I don’t have much of a social life. I can overlook these things because I genuinely enjoy what I do and have a supportive spouse who pitches in to keep the house halfway presentable. Without both, being a part-time WAHM would be much, much harder.

Weigh the Benefits

Aside from the obvious (money), I draw two chief benefits from freelancing. First, I’m filling what would otherwise be a big gap on my resume, which I hope will make going back to work full time a little easier, whenever that happens. Second, I’m filling a personal need to be something other than a mom, even though that’s my first and most important job right now. For many women, being a SAHM is as fulfilling as it gets – and frankly, I envy them. Life would be simpler! Unfortunately, I’m not one of them, and I’ve found I’m a better mom if I maintain some sort of career identity, too.

But there are things my part-time gig can’t give me. Obviously, real benefits are one of them – I’m talking insurance, a 401(k) and the like. Also, I don’t get any of the social benefits that working full-time outside the home used to provide – namely, the ability to form friendships with coworkers or the time to focus on a long-term project in-depth. Like many SAHMs, I go many days without hearing another adult voice … or taking a shower … or changing out of yoga pants. And there are days I still struggle with those things.

Are there any other part-time WAHMs out there? How do you balance work and kids?