Maternity Leave for the self-employed: my tips for making it work
Taking maternity leave when you’re self-employed is daunting. There’s no set system or HR to advise you - you’re on your own to figure out the financials, plan your time off, and make sure your business keeps ticking over.
Having just been through it myself, I thought I’d share some tips for freelancers in the UK navigating the maternity leave experience.
Check what you’re entitled to
If you’re self-employed in the UK, you probably won’t qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, but you might be eligible for Maternity Allowance. This is a government payment for freelancers who meet certain criteria, like paying Class 2 National Insurance.
You can get up to £172.48 a week for 39 weeks (as of 2024), and it might not sound like much but it is actually quite helpful. You’ll need to apply through the GOV.UK website, so make sure you get your MATB1 form from your midwife and give yourself time to sort it out. Just be warned, if you need to speak to them over the phone you’ll need to set aside a few hours to actually get through to someone!
Plan your finances
Freelancers sadly don’t get the luxury of paid leave, so some financial planning can make a big difference.
Start saving early if you can, to cover the months you’re not working.
Think about whether you’ll need a complete break or if you might do the odd bit of work during leave to keep some income flowing.
And don’t forget the unexpected costs of having a baby - it really adds up. (You’ll also spend more on coffee than you thought possible!)
Be honest with your clients
It can feel a bit awkward telling clients you’ll be off for a while, but being upfront makes life easier for everyone.
Let them know your plans as early as you’re comfortable, especially if you’re mid-project.
Be clear about when you’ll step away and a rough idea of when you’ll be back - but leave yourself some wiggle room, just in case. (I took way more time than expected!)
If needed, recommend another freelancer to cover things while you’re away. Clients really appreciate the effort, and it helps maintain those relationships.
Make life easier for yourself
A little prep can go a long way:
Automate what you can! Set up invoice reminders, email auto-responders, or anything else to take admin off your plate.
Schedule things ahead of time, like social media posts or newsletters, so your business stays visible even while you’re offline.
Take the time you need
There’s no right way to do maternity leave when you’re self-employed/ a freelancer. You might feel ready to jump back in after a few weeks, or you might want to take a longer break. Either way, don’t rush or compare yourself to others - it’s your life.
Getting back to work
When you’re ready to return, it’s okay to start slow:
Ease in with smaller projects or a lighter schedule while you adjust.
Let your clients know you’re back with a friendly email - it’s a great opportunity to remind them what you do and see if they need anything.
Be flexible! Balancing work and a baby is a whole new ballgame, so give yourself space to figure it out.
Basically it’s all a bit of a juggling act, but with a bit of planning, you can make it work. Lean on your support network, be kind to yourself, and trust that you’ll find your groove again. 😊
