If you’ve ever wondered whether it’s really possible to build a freelance business while raising a family, Sarah’s story is going to inspire you.
Sarah started her career as a special education teacher and later worked as an education director for a tutoring company. She loved helping students and families, but after getting married and having her first daughter, she knew the long commute and rigid schedule weren’t the right fit anymore. She wanted more time at home, flexibility, and the ability to build a life that aligned with her growing family.
That’s when she discovered freelancing.
Discovering Freelancing
Sarah first found the Live Free Podcast during her long commutes and quickly became hooked. She binged every episode and thought, “I’m going to be on that podcast one day.”
For months she weighed the decision to invest in herself and the Live Free Academy. By August 2024, she decided to go for it—with the support of her husband—and committed to building her freelance business.
“I realized I was already doing so many of these tasks in my job. If I could do them for someone else, why not for myself? Why not build something that lets me be home with my daughter?”
Landing Her First Clients
Sarah’s first client came through word-of-mouth. When she shared her new venture with her boss, her boss immediately connected her with her husband’s company—who needed a social media manager.
From there, Sarah built confidence and started putting herself out there. She found her second client through a local Facebook group and her third by pitching her current employer a new contract role she created for herself. Instead of commuting and working full-time in the tutoring center, she transitioned into freelancing for them on her own terms.
In just a few months, Sarah replaced her income—and cut her working hours in half.
Balancing Work and Mom Life
Today, Sarah works about 20–25 hours a week from home while caring for her toddler and preparing to welcome baby number two.
Her days include a mix of morning or evening work blocks, long nap-time productivity sessions, and plenty of time for playgroups, library visits, and family dinners.
“We’ve found a routine that works. I love that I can work around my daughter’s schedule and still spend so much time with her. When I compare it to commuting and working full-time, the difference is huge—not just in hours, but in quality of life.”
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Lessons Learned
Sarah admits freelancing hasn’t always been easy—especially navigating the nerves of client calls and the “what if” spiral of losing clients. But every step gave her confidence.
Her advice?
Be confident—even if you don’t feel it yet. Confidence attracts clients.
Put yourself out there. Tell people what you’re doing. Share your business with friends, family, neighbors, and even in casual conversations. Opportunities often come when you least expect them.
Find community. Having other women to lean on, encourage, and share opportunities with made a big difference in her journey.
Think of it as an investment. For Sarah, one retainer client covered the cost of the program in just two months.
Life Today
With two steady clients (including her former boss) and one she’s transitioning out of, Sarah has built a sustainable business that gives her time freedom, flexibility, and financial stability.
Most importantly, she gets to spend her days at home with her daughter—and soon, her second little girl—without sacrificing income.
“There are no regrets. I don’t miss full-time work at all. Freelancing lets me be the mom I want to be while still contributing financially to our family. It’s the best decision I’ve made.”
Sarah’s story is proof that you don’t have to choose between family and career. With freelancing, you can create a business that fits your life—not the other way around.
The Live Free Academy
If you have read Sarah’s story and feel inspired to learn more about freelancing and how it can help you make a flexible, stable income from home. Please reach out, and ask me any questions about getting started or what it could look like for you to become a freelancer!
Send me a message on Instagram @micala.quinn, I’m happy to chat through that with you!
As always, if you want to become a freelancer and are ready to get started, the most hands-on way I can help you is through my program, The Live Free Academy!
LFA will walk you through the exact steps to build your business and land clients. There are templates and tools to help you implement every step of the process. Plus, it comes with my trifecta of support–weekly coaching calls with me, monthly challenges to help you land clients, and the student community to connect with and build relationships with other women building their businesses!
There are job leads and skills training in the top freelance services businesses are hiring for as well. Sign up for The Live Free Academy course here!
