My world collapsed & I don't think I'd have survived it if I wasn't freelancing

September 2023, I was building up good momentum in marketing my freelance business after having the rug pulled out from under me and losing my biggest client a few months earlier. I am engaged, energised and excited for what's to come, but little did I know that despite my shit start to the year, the universe had another curveball to throw me.

I officially started my freelance business in 2019 to spend more time with my dog Wally, get a better work-life balance, look after my health more and write my novel. I got a part-time job to help cover basic necessities. I was lucky that my last full-time employer offered me regular freelancer hours. I had the life I wanted, and Wally appreciated me being home more. We all know how 2020 went for most businesses. I was able to stumble through, although I lost my part-time role, which was sad, but I had plenty of freelance work.

The freedom of freelancing is different for different people; for me, it meant easing into my day and utilising the time in the day that I am most engaged. This meant morning coffees on the balcony with Wally, then working for a few hours, then taking Wally for a walk, to the beach, or on an adventure. I loved it all; I didn't have to worry about when to make his vet or grooming appointments. One previous boss had told me to reschedule when I asked to work from home so I could get him groomed - seriously? I wasn't asking for the day off just to work from home because I spent 10 hours out of my house every day to be in their stupid office, where I got barely any work done because I was constantly distracted. Anyway, I love the freedom I have as a freelancer.

I used to get irritated when I'd see the flexibility offered to co-workers with children when I was never afforded any flexibility as a childless adult. Besides the abovementioned request about grooming, I've always had to make Wally's vet appointments on Saturdays or as late or early appointments during the week and hope it doesn't make me late. Never was I afforded the freedom to go home early because I needed to take him to the vet. If I had ever tried to work from home to look after him, I would have gotten a weird look.

Now, I'm not saying my dog is the same as a child, but there are times when they are. This became even more evident this past year.

Imagine this, a child has an accident which leaves them without the use of their legs. A parent can't make it to the office because they must spend half the day in an emergency. Then, the following week is full of doctor's appointments, surgery and recovery. Trips back and forth to the hospital over the week to ensure the child is cared for. Now, imagine how a company would handle this? Would they allow the staff member to clock in from home, the hospital, or wherever to get the work done when they can? Would they allow them to take some time off? Would they also allow subsequent time off when there were follow-up appointments and rehab? Would they be open to discussions with the parent to determine how the business and family needs are met? I would guess you'd find very few companies that wouldn't bend over backwards to support this parent.

Now, imagine this was a pet? How many companies do you know would allow for the same flexibility if it was a pet? Because that's exactly what I went through with Wally in September 2023.

Half a day was spent in an emergency the first day (a Friday) his spinal injury presented. We made an appointment at our vet on Tuesday to get another opinion and discuss options. Then, it was a trip to Sydney on Thursday to meet the surgeon and book that for Friday, followed by staying in Sydney for a few days while he was in hospital. Another trip to Sydney to do his post-op check-up. All subsequent physio and recovery appointments are on the Central Coast. That's a lot of time off work.

Even if I still lived in Sydney, I would still need to drive across the city to see the specialists to help him. So, there is still plenty of time off. I can only think of one of my previous employers who would have worked with me to help support all of this. Ironically, it was my last employer,?The Benefit Consultants, whom I had to leave due to financial pressures and was only working with on a part-time basis. If I had worked for any of my other previous employers, I believe I would have been eating into my annual leave to do all of this. I could be misjudging them, but some were more flexible than others. And some may be more flexible now in this post-COVID world. But had this happened 5 years ago when I was a full-time employee, I doubt it would have been as easy to deal with - time-wise.

Of course, the flip side of this is that as a freelancer, when I don't work, I don't get paid. This has meant I've not had the financial ability to throw everything at Wally's recovery, something I could have done if I had a full-time job. But I do not believe I would have the freedom to go to all the appointments I need to for Wally to recover.

I've seen some companies start having "pet leave" policies in their HR policies. However, given that there are over?28 million pets in Australia?that's almost?69% of Australian households with pets, we need more companies to include them in their policies to support their employees. There is also the growing trend of younger generations (Millennials make up 80% of pet owners, and Gen Z make up 79%) choosing pets over kids due to cost and climate pressures. Any company adding pets to their HR policies will likely attract more of these younger workers.

There are not always official policies around childcare within organisations, but I'm just talking about what I've seen when working full-time. I'd be expected to stay late to keep working because, according to most, I had no one waiting for me at home. While the parents could leave for school pick-up, a recital, or sports, I understood why parents needed to do this and respected that. I just wish more companies would show the same flexibility to employees without kids, especially if they have pets.

I was inspired to write this article after a discussion with Wally's hydro physio the other day. She said (speaking to Wally as he did his hydro in the tank), "You're lucky your mum works freelance and can take you to all your appointments." This was after I told her we were heading back to Sydney to get Wally's heart checked by a cardiologist. Yet another appointment for my aging baby boy. I realised with this comment that she was right. I wouldn't have this freedom if I worked for someone else. But I do wish I had that financial stability because maybe Wally would be closer to a full recovery.

All of this is simply my opinion based on my personal experience. I know not all companies are the same, and lots have adjusted and are further adjusting their flexible working arrangements. But there is still a huge gap between the flexibility offered to those with children and those without. Why do you think so many of us have switched to freelancing?