How many hours do freelancers work? (1)

This one does < 15 hrs of client work a week

Author

Diana Kelly Levey
August 24, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 7 minutes

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Wanna hear a funny story?

Well, working parents might find it amusing.

I thought that when I had two kids in school, I’d have SOOOOOOO much more time to work and well, handle life.

But, this year, both boys are in “full days” which means 8 am start for one and the older kid doesn’t start til 9 a.m. so if my girl math skills are still mathing, that’s about five hours a day to work for clients, work on my business, workout, shower/get dressed/ready, eat, and maybe fit in an appointment once a week.

I just now realized it’s not that much time! Luckily, my freelance writing business is set up to handle this lack of hours with limited childcare.

In 2019, I was childless, working a total of 36 to 42 freelance hours weekly but I was not getting paid for those hours that weren’t spent on client work. I probably did about 20 hours of client work and the rest was on my business.

As of August 2025, here’s an update on how many hours this freelance business owner works each week”

In 2023, I averaged about five to 12 hours of paid client work each week.

In 2025, it’s about 12 hours of paid client work each week.

Overall, I work about 15 to 20 hours a week total most weeks, according to my time-tracking tool, Togg.l.

(That means three to eight hours are spent on marketing, writing blogs, social posts, writing this newsletter, and working on my business instead of just in my business.)

Even with those limited hours as a freelance mom ,  I was able to earn a six-figure freelance income .

So, how do I work fewer hours and still earn over six figures annually?

Here are the six strategies I apply to my business that allow me to work fewer hours since having kids:

✨ Found Higher-Paying Clients: (I actively search for the best high-paying freelance writing niches for quality work.)
✨ Secured anchor clients : These clients provide steady work that supports my freelance business.
✨ Created Efficient Systems: I developed processes to maximize my productivity.
✨ Focused on Client Work: I learned to be laser-focused during client assignments.
✨ Delegated Tasks: I hired help for business tasks that didn’t require my direct involvement.
✨ Planned ahead: I ensured that I had a clear plan every time I sat down to work. (Make sure you’re working during your best time to writ e.

Improve Your Inbox with These Newsletters

Here are a few awesome newsletters I read and think you’ll get a lot from, too.

Creator Spotlight: Learn how to monetize a creator business, read inspiring profiles and get insider advice.

Big Desk Energy : If you enjoy reading startup stories, check out the new newsletter from Beehiiv’s founder, Tyler Denk.

What I’m Reading / Listening to / Doing / Publishing

  • Software / Platform I Appreciate: Authory is a freelance portfolio creation site that sends me an email when a new client article with my byline is published. It’s so easy, I partnered up with them with a referral link. Get a 30-day free trial of the platform when you use my link.

  • What I’m Reading: The Whole Brain Child by Dr. Daniel Siegel (a nonfiction parenting book) and Beach House Reunion (Mary Alice Monroe)

  • What I’m Watching: Sharp Objects on HBO Max (based on a book by Gillian Flynn)

Let’s Work Together!

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