One more client or not

[nolongernewbie]

Opportunity (but not guaranteed) for me to take on an additional client. I have one client at mo (big name). I love what I do but finding balance with 2 dc (pre school) has always been tricky for me. Just getting it right! This new client would be fantastic & very profile building. But, is it the right thing to do? Would it tip the balance again? Shall I just wait till dc at school before taking on new client. The bonus of just sticking at one client is I can really focus on them & do excellent job as no other client pressures. Arghhh don't know! What would you do? Thanks!

It's difficult I suppose, at the moment you've got all your eggs in one basket. How secure is your work with your client, if they were to stop using you or reduce your hours it could be very difficult. If you took on another client you would have increased security of your work.

I personally would take on another client of possible as it sounds like it would be very beneficial. Perhaps you could look at ways to make the balance between work and home easier. Are your kids in nursery or some kind of childcare? Could they go for maybe a few extra hours? If this new work permitted could you afford perhaps a cleaner to reduce your time being spent on the mundane things.

With 1 client do you fall within IR35?

Hi thanks for replies so far. No, don't fall within IR35 - no issues there. Cookies thanks for your post. Agree I'm a bit vulnerable with just one client but have now taken some time to think about it - I'm just going to stick with one. I use pre-school (not nursery) so I'm bound by short working days & I've decided I just can't do anymore than I'm already doing...although the idea of a cleaner is very appealing...

I think you've made the right decision. The stress of having too much work when you have preschoolers is hell. Once they are at school, it will be much easier to take on extra work.

Thanks. Will try & stay firm
with my decision - hard to resist new work. I guess I just feel frustrated sometimes - can't take my business to the next level...yet. I'll get there, just need to be patient.

It is hard, I ended up with 4 clients last summer for a while which was a nightmare, especially as part of the time overlapped with school holidays.
I probably should have turned at least 1 down as I'm not sure I gave all 4 the level of service I usually would.
I now have 2, which is great and have recently turned down a third one. I can still do the school run etc but earn more than enough to keep me going.
Sounds like you made the right decision.

Thanks all - been really helpful. Will stick at one client & aim to add a 2nd when DC are school age.