Navigating Freelance Life as an Expecting Father: Balancing Work and Family

Written By Sean Peoples

Becoming a dad has been one of the most meaningful transformations of my life, but as a freelance filmmaker, it came with a lot of questions. How do I stay creatively fulfilled while making space for this new identity? How do I maintain client relationships and deliver great work when sleep is no longer guaranteed?

This post is part reflection, part resource (scroll down for my list of essentials!), some lessons learned, and things that helped me as I tried to figure out how to balance work and fatherhood on my own terms.

In the thick of it. No sleep. Truly deranged. Absolutely in love!

1. Preparing for the Arrival: Balancing Freelance Work and Parenthood

Now that I’m about two and a half years into being a dad, I feel like I’m finally emerging from the fog. That early phase - those first 24 months - was beautiful, wild, exhausting, and all-consuming. If you’re in it, I see you. If you’re about to be in it, you’ve got this.

It’s still challenging being a freelance parent. But the challenges now feel different. They’re less about survival and more about recalibrating what work, focus, and creativity look like with a tiny human constantly reshaping your schedule. That’s why I wanted to write this, because I remember how much I googled, asked friends, and overthought everything when I was on the verge of fatherhood.

This isn’t parental advice (there are far more qualified people for that), but it’s a reflection on what helped me navigate the transition. If you're an expecting freelance dad or just stepping into this phase, I want to offer some encouragement and a few tools and resources that actually made a difference.

When I found out my partner was pregnant, I was ecstatic. I had always wanted to be a dad. But once the joy settled in, my brain quickly flipped into logistics mode. There’s a lot to process emotionally. There’s a lot to buy. And as a freelancer, I immediately started wondering how I’d keep up with work while also showing up fully for this next chapter.

At first, I assumed I’d just do the same amount of work in less time, but that equation didn’t compute. Instead, I started building systems. I examined how I used my time, automated repetitive tasks, and was honest with myself about boundaries. That included setting expectations with clients and creating a smoother intake process. One small shift like sending a thoughtful questionnaire or intake doc saved me hours I desperately needed.

More than anything, I gave myself permission to reimagine how I worked, not just how much I worked.

2. Practical Tips for Freelance Dads-to-Be

Here are a few things that helped me stay grounded and prepared:

Time Management
Break your day into blocks and be honest about your most productive windows. Learn to say no. Protect your calendar like it’s a living thing (because it is now).

Financial Planning
Start budgeting early. Build a cushion for time off and unexpected expenses. I leaned on tools like YNAB (You Need A Budget) and started automating savings for baby-related costs.

Workspace Setup
Create a workspace that’s flexible. I worked toward a setup that allowed me to be present at home but also focused. Bonus points if your setup can be packed up or relocated for the inevitable changes ahead.

3. Building a Support System

Reach out. Talk to friends. Talk to your therapist. Join new parent groups. I’m still working on this, but it’s made a huge difference. I’ve received practical advice, yes—but more importantly, I’ve had people sit with me, see me, and remind me I wasn’t alone.

With clients, keep things professional but celebratory. You don’t need to overshare, but it’s okay to mark this life change with positivity. Letting people in a little also helps build trust.

4. Baby Registry Essentials: What Actually Worked for Us

There’s a mountain of stuff you could buy. Here’s a list of what we actually used—and loved:

5. Embracing the New Normal

After our daughter was born, everything changed and continues to change. I no longer work late into the night just because I feel like it. I’ve had to prioritize better, communicate more clearly, and let go of perfectionism in both parenting and my work.

But creativity didn’t die. It just took a new shape.

Being a dad has deepened my work. I feel more grounded. More intentional. And, ironically, I get more done now than I did before because I have to. There’s no time to overthink.

6. Final Thoughts and Encouragement

If you’re an expecting dad navigating freelance life, know this: it’s okay to be overwhelmed. You’re not failing if you don’t have it all figured out. You’ll build new rhythms. You’ll surprise yourself with what you can handle.

And finally, give yourself some grace. Your worth is not measured in billable hours or perfectly balanced calendars. You're learning something brand new, and that's work too.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

Are you a freelancer and a new or expecting parent? What helped you navigate the transition? What surprised you the most? Drop a comment or shoot me a message. I’d love to hear from others figuring this out.

Sean Peoples https://www.seanpeoples.me
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