To go self-employed or return to work in-house with two kids?

[RuPaulsLastPlace]

Hi all, my kids are 1 and 3 and I'm after some advice.

I didn't go back after first maternity leave and did a bit of freelancing (easily done remotely) while expecting my second. I planned to go back to full time freelancing but the economy isn't great, obvs - lots of places feeling the squeeze and downsizing their budgets etc.

So I'm wondering whether to pursue self-employment or go back in-house.

I’ve heard a few horror stories from both sides – one freelancer friend said a potential client tried to negotiate down her day rate as they assumed she wouldn’t do a full day because of childcare commitments (WTAF?).

Other friends who went back to their organisations have told me they’ve been discouraged from going for promotions because they’ve been out on maternity leave and ‘wouldn’t therefore have enough experience’, or that their bosses are being funny about flexible or compressed hours. Seems like being a 'working mum' is still heavily penalised.

Any thoughts or experiences you’d be happy to share about pros/cons of you returning to in-house or freelance work would be GRATEFULLY received – TIA!

Rather depends on the industry

Yes, depends what you do.
I went Freelance in general Business Consultancy when my kids were little and then went into Employment when Covid hit.
I recently went Freelance again doing a few different things and much prefer it even though I no longer need the flexibility

Good point - should have included what I do. Digital marketing.

What is the job market even like for digital marketing?