Getting more family time as a contractor or freelancer

One of the biggest reasons people go self-employed is the promise of flexibility. The ability to choose your own hours…

Freelancer mother smiling at laptop while child hugs her from behind in home kitchen, representing work-life balance and family time

One of the biggest reasons people go self-employed is the promise of flexibility. The ability to choose your own hours and spend more time with loved ones is a major draw. But when deadlines pile up and work blurs into home life, family time can quickly become a luxury.

If you’re a contractor or freelancer, how can you stay on top of your work while making space for what matters most?

Why family time matters now more than ever

In 2025, the UK’s self-employed workforce continues to grow. Many contractors are choosing freelancing not just for financial benefits, but for the ability to better balance work and personal life. Yet while remote work has brought greater flexibility, it’s also created new challenges – particularly for parents.

Research shows that:

64% of freelancers report feeling isolated, which impacts mental health
Women often face greater struggles managing work-life balance due to caregiving responsibilities
Freelance parents benefit from flexible hours, but risk burnout during school holidays

Spending more time with family improves emotional wellbeing, strengthens parent-child relationships, and reduces stress. But making it happen takes planning.

How to reclaim your family time as a freelancer

Set your working hours – and stick to them

One of the hardest parts of freelancing is knowing when to switch off. Without a boss looking over your shoulder, it’s tempting to answer just one more email or tweak that proposal late into the evening.

To reclaim your personal time:

Establish clear working hours
Use digital tools like Toggl Track or Reclaim.ai to block time and avoid overrun
Share your schedule with clients and family to set expectations

Design a workday that fits around your family

Being self-employed means you don’t have to follow a traditional 9-to-5. Use that to your advantage by working around your family’s needs.

Try:

Split shifts (e.g. work 9am–2pm and again after bedtime)
Using Notion or Trello to manage both client work and family logistics
Automating admin with tools like Calendly or Time Doctor

Top freelancers say aligning their schedules with their kids’ routines was a game-changer for both productivity and peace of mind.

Unplug when you’re off the clock

Notifications, messages, and emails make it feel like you’re always on duty. But taking time away from work (without guilt) is vital.

On family days:

Turn off notifications on your phone and laptop (try scheduling automatic ‘Do Not Disturb’)
Avoid LinkedIn or Slack check-ins unless it’s urgent
Let clients know in advance when you’ll be offline

Being present builds better relationships and helps reset your mental energy.

Plan for the school holidays

The summer break can be a struggle for freelancers. It’s not always possible to take six weeks off, but with planning you can make more space for family time.

Before the holidays:

Batch key tasks ahead of time
Reduce your workload where possible
Let clients know about reduced availability
If you use social media for business, schedule posts ahead of time

During holidays:

Set realistic daily goals
Set boundaries for working hours (e.g. morning-only) but be flexible day-to-day
Explore local activities or shared childcare options to ease the pressure

Even a few extra afternoons off can make a big difference.

Prioritise your wellbeing

Balancing business and family isn’t just about logistics – it’s about looking after yourself too.

Protect your mental health by:

Scheduling regular breaks
Checking in with other freelance parents or a support network
Find a hobby for your down-time that takes you away from a screen (and away from notifications!)
Getting enough rest, movement, and downtime

Your wellbeing impacts your work and family life. Give it the same importance as client deadlines – a burnt-out ‘you’ isn’t good for anyone, especially yourself.

Not just about family – being a freelancer or contractor is about choice

Whether you’re new to contracting or an experienced professional, flexibility is often the main draw. But that flexibility can mean different things depending on your working style. Making it work for you is about the choices you make on how to spend your time.

Along with the tips above, there are also some productivity hacks every freelancer and contractor should know to free up more time.

Either way, contractor insurance helps you stay protected so you can focus on what really matters: delivering excellent work and spending time with your loved ones.

Take back control of your time

Why did you go freelance? For many, it wasn’t just about money or career growth, it was about time. Time to see your children grow, to visit family, or simply to spend more time with friends.

The freelance life can give you that freedom – but only if you claim it.

At Kingsbridge, we support contractors and freelancers not just with comprehensive insurance, but with guidance to help you thrive. Whether you’re just starting out or managing multiple contracts, we’re here to protect your work and your time.