I’m a 37-year-old single dad to my 7-year-old daughter, Sophie. I’ve been freelancing as a video editor for a few years now, and while it gives me the flexibility to be present for Sophie, the unpredictable income can be stressful. Austin’s not the cheapest city to live in, but we make it work with a mix of creative budgeting and free family activities. This week, I’m juggling deadlines, Sophie’s school schedule, and figuring out if freelancing is still sustainable or if I need to start considering a more stable job.
Day 1
6 a.m. — I wake up early to make Sophie’s breakfast: scrambled eggs and toast with a side of strawberries. While she eats, I pack her lunch—a turkey sandwich, baby carrots, and pretzels—and get her ready for school.
7:30 a.m. — After dropping Sophie off at school, I swing by a local coffee shop to work. I’m finishing edits on a commercial for a client, so I grab a drip coffee and a banana to keep costs down. $5
12 p.m. — I head back home for lunch, reheating some leftover spaghetti. Freelancing means I eat at home most days to save money, but the solitude can get lonely.
3 p.m. — I pick Sophie up from school, and we head to Zilker Park for a playdate with her friend. She runs around while I chat with the other dad about freelance gigs. He mentions a client who might need help with video work, and I make a mental note to follow up.
6 p.m. — Dinner tonight is taco night—ground beef, lettuce, cheese, and tortillas. Sophie loves assembling her own tacos, and it’s an affordable crowd-pleaser. Afterward, we watch Moana for the hundredth time while she works on a drawing.
9 p.m. — After Sophie is asleep, I squeeze in an hour of work revising a client’s video script. It’s been a long day, but I remind myself that flexibility is why I chose this path.
Daily Total: $5
Day 2
6 a.m. — Sophie wants pancakes this morning, so I whip up a batch with chocolate chips. It’s a nice change from the usual routine.
8 a.m. — I drop her off at school and head home to work. My biggest client has sent over some feedback that will take most of the day to address.
12 p.m. — Lunch is a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Not exciting, but quick and cheap. I make a grocery list for the week, knowing I’ll need to stock up on staples soon.
3 p.m. — After school, Sophie and I stop by the library. She picks out a stack of books, and I’m relieved it’s one of her favorite free activities. We linger for an hour while she reads and I check emails.
6 p.m. — Dinner is grilled chicken, mashed potatoes, and broccoli. Sophie groans at the broccoli but eats it after I sprinkle a little shredded cheese on top. Parenting hacks.
8 p.m. — Sophie’s in bed, and I spend the evening looking at full-time job listings. One catches my eye—a steady role with benefits—but the thought of a 9-to-5 makes me feel claustrophobic.
Daily Total: $0
Day 3
6 a.m. — I make scrambled eggs and toast again while Sophie tells me all about her art class project. It’s mornings like this that remind me why I love freelancing.
8 a.m. — After school drop-off, I head to H-E-B for groceries. I stock up on bread, eggs, milk, chicken, pasta, and snacks for Sophie. $75
12 p.m. — I treat myself to a Whataburger for lunch while out running errands. It’s not the healthiest choice, but it’s comfort food, and I need it today. $8
3 p.m. — Sophie’s school is hosting a “Family Reading Night,” so we head back after her pickup. She loves showing me around her classroom, and the free cookies don’t hurt.
6 p.m. — Dinner is leftover taco meat repurposed into burrito bowls with rice and beans. Sophie gets creative and adds shredded cheese and salsa to hers.
9 p.m. — After Sophie’s asleep, I finish editing a video project. The client emails back immediately with glowing feedback and an offer for another job. The sense of relief is overwhelming—I’m doing okay.
Daily Total: $83
Day 4
6 a.m. — Sophie eats cereal for breakfast while I check my email. My inbox is full of client requests, and I’m trying not to feel overwhelmed.
8 a.m. — I drop Sophie off and head straight to a coworking space I use occasionally. It’s $15 for the day, but I need a change of scenery to focus. The deadline for a big project is looming, and I can’t afford distractions. $15
12 p.m. — Lunch is a turkey sandwich I packed before leaving home. I don’t even notice how boring it is because I’m glued to my laptop.
4 p.m. — I pick Sophie up and take her to a nearby park to burn off some energy. She chats about her day while I push her on the swings, and it feels good to be present for her.
6 p.m. — Dinner is spaghetti with garlic bread. Simple, affordable, and always a hit. Sophie announces she wants to be an artist when she grows up, and I can’t help but smile.
8 p.m. — I scroll through my finances and realize I’m on track to cover the month’s expenses. It’s a small victory, but one I’m grateful for.
Daily Total: $15
Day 5
7 a.m. — Sophie sleeps in, so I have a quiet cup of coffee before making pancakes again. It’s Friday, and I want to start the day on a good note.
9 a.m. — After school drop-off, I meet a client for coffee to discuss an upcoming project. They’re expanding their business and need video content for their website. We talk ideas, and they’re on board with my pitch. $5
12 p.m. — Lunch is leftover spaghetti, eaten quickly between client calls. Fridays always feel like a scramble to finish everything before the weekend.
3 p.m. — I surprise Sophie after school with a trip to the ice cream shop. She gets strawberry with sprinkles, and I get vanilla. It’s $10 well spent when she tells me, “This is the best day ever.” $10
6 p.m. — Dinner is pizza night—store-bought frozen pizzas I popped in the oven. Sophie doesn’t care, and honestly, neither do I. We watch a movie and cuddle on the couch, both ready to unwind after a long week.
9 p.m. — After Sophie’s asleep, I reflect on the week. The client meeting went well, and I feel a little more confident about freelancing. It’s not perfect, but the flexibility it gives me with Sophie is worth everything.
Daily Total: $15
Weekly Total: $359
Closing Thought: This week reminded me that while freelancing has its challenges, it also gives me the freedom to create a life where Sophie comes first. I may not have all the answers about the future, but for now, I’m okay with figuring it out one day at a time.