Maternity leave is hard.
For many, it’s a time to rest, bond with your baby, and enjoy some well-deserved time off. But for those of us who are self-employed, it’s a little more complicated. My business is my baby, too. I’ve recently expanded and taken on a member of staff to ensure my clients still receive the best care while I’m away. But despite the planning, it's still a scary, anxiety-inducing time.
Will my clients still be there when I come back?
This is the question that looms over me. I’ve worked so hard to build my business, and I’ve created strong relationships with my clients. Will they stick around while I’m on leave? It’s a fear I’m sure many self-employed people experience when stepping away from their businesses—even temporarily.
When is the right time to come back to work?
This is another question I find myself asking. There’s no set answer. It’s different for everyone. And it’s not just about your business, but also your own physical and mental well-being. I know I’ll need to listen to my body and trust that the decision will come when the time is right.
How will I manage with a baby and a business?
The truth is, juggling motherhood and running a business is terrifying. I don’t know exactly how it’s all going to work, but I’m determined to make it happen. Thankfully, I have an incredible support system, especially my husband, who will be by my side every step of the way. Not everyone has that luxury, and I know that’s a tough reality for many women.
The financial side: The Bare Minimum
Another challenge is the financial side of maternity leave. As a self-employed person, I’m entitled to the bare minimum from the government, which honestly feels like a drop in the ocean compared to what I’m used to. It’s definitely a reminder that we need to be smart with our finances as we prepare for this time. It's also a factor that pushes me to get back to work sooner than I might like—because, let’s be real, bills don’t pause for maternity leave.
An Exciting, Nerve-Wracking Time
Despite all the anxiety and uncertainty, this is also one of the most exciting times in my life. I’m going to meet my little one, and I know that everything will be worth it. The future of my business is full of potential, and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the coming months. The growth, the challenges, the learning—I’m here for it.
For anyone else in a similar position—whether you’re self-employed, working in a full-time job, or thinking of transitioning to your own business—just know you’re not alone in these feelings. It’s okay to be scared. It’s okay to feel uncertain. But it’s also okay to be excited. And I truly believe that everything will work out in the end, one way or another.
Some Tips for Managing Maternity Leave as a Self-Employed Boss
If you’re in the same boat and worrying about how to juggle it all, here are a few tips that I’m planning to follow:
Set Clear Expectations with Clients – Let your clients know in advance when you’ll be on leave and how your business will continue during your absence. Transparency is key to maintaining trust.
Plan for Financial Gaps – Save up as much as you can before your leave, and keep track of your finances to make sure you’re covered for those weeks when income may dip.
Create a Support System – Whether it’s hiring someone to step in temporarily, working with a trusted colleague, or leaning on family and friends, having a support system is crucial.
Listen to Your Body and Your Mind – Don’t rush back to work. If you need extra time to recover or just bond with your baby, take it. Your mental health is just as important as your business.
Trust the Process – Things will fall into place. There will be bumps along the way, but you’ll figure it out. One step at a time.
I’m so excited to meet my little one, face the challenges, and see where my business grows in the coming year. If this is something you’re dealing with, I hope this post reassures you that it’s okay to feel nervous, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth it.
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