When you work 9-3 but your clients work 9-5

This week Frankie Tortora and Steve Folland have a chat in response to a question from Rosie Bakewell aka Anonymous.

She says…

“I’m working alongside another freelance consultant on a project, and our client is a big corporate organisation.

As a mum to a 5-year old daughter, I only work in school hours and during school term-time.

However, none of the people I work with have children, so they work 9 to 5 (and more). AND the client has team members in the US who aren’t available until 2pm in the UK.

A few times I’ve ended up having to work after 3pm, juggling work with looking after my daughter, because nobody else was available to move an urgent task forward.

I’ve had enough of this, and with the new school year coming, I’d like to set some firm boundaries. But I’m worried that I will seem awkward and unhelpful if I say I’m not available after 3pm??

Do you have any tips on setting and maintaining boundaries with clients who don’t have children and so don’t understand the challenges associated with being a working parent?”

What would your advice be? Let us know your thoughts using #DIFTKpodcast on Twitter and Instagram, and join in the conversation via the DIFTK Community.

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This episode is supported by AXA Business Insurance

At AXA Business Insurance, we know that running any small business is hard work; but making your freelance business a success while looking after the kids can be a real challenge. That’s why it’s AXA's mission to make your business insurance easy through tailorable cover to suit your freelance business and a 24-hour legal and tax helpline for when you need a tricky question answered.

And while we’re making insurance easier, you can focus on what matters — making your business a success for your family.

Work hard, insure easy.

Visit AXA’s Business Guardian Angel for more business help and support.

AXA Insurance UK Plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

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Frankie Tortora's website
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Steve's podcast - Being Freelance

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