EPISODE · Jun 14, 2026 · 48 MIN
Freelancing as an Unpaid Carer - Adrian Ashton
from Being Freelance · host Steve Folland
Adrian’s been a successful freelancer for 21 years. But in the past 7, his definition of framing success has changed.For the last seven years, Adrian has also been an unpaid carer for three immediate family members. He talks honestly about what that's meant for his business - the travel he's had to give up, the networking events he can't get to, the inquiries he's had to turn away, and why he deliberately caps how much work he takes on (and how much money he can make).But he also talks about the bigger picture. Seven years ago, he went looking for support and found nothing. Half a million freelancers were in the same boat - and nobody was talking about it. So he stepped up and opened up.In this episode of the Being Freelance podcast with Steve Folland, we cover:Why Adrian chose to make his caring role a "first date disclosure" with every new client - and how it's actually strengthened client relationshipsPlanning marketing around your worst week, not your bestThe theory of constraints - and why having less can unlock more creativity and enjoymentHis annual impact report: a 20-year habit that's never won him work directly, but keeps him accountable, sane, and focusedThe impending crisis for the UK as the numbers of freelancers with unpaid caring responsibilities increasesHow we can make a difference and a changeThe impact freelancers have in the world - yep, you includedThis episode is available to watch in video on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify.Adrian is a member of the Being Freelance Community - come join us, you’re not alone being freelance.Find Adrian at adrianashton.co.uk And his Impact Reports are available too.---LINKS FOR CARERS MENTIONEDIPSECarers UKNumber 18, In The Corner BlogCitizens Advice - CarersBenefits & Financial Support for Carers (UK)---EPISODE SPONSORED BY ECAMMFor years people have asked how Being Freelance live shows look so good. Well, this is the secret.Ecamm is a video studio for your Mac. Give anything you do with video, a pro look in real time.Presentations, screen shares, webinars, video calls, demos. Plus livestream/record in landscape & vertical at the same time, perfectly designed for both formats.Try Ecamm for free. Use code BEINGFREELANCE to save 15% on your first payment.JOIN THE COMMUNITYYou're not alone being freelance. Come and hang out with your BFFs (Being Freelance Friends).beingfreelance.com/community NEW TO FREELANCING? THERE'S A COURSE FOR YOU!The Being Freelance course is made for you!Take the course and you'll also get 6 months FREE community membership. FREELANCER MERCHGet Being Freelance merchandise at beingfreelance.com/shopLike VIDEO? - Check out the Being Freelance on:Instagram - Instagram.com/beingfreelanceYouTube - YouTube.com/SteveFollandBeing Freelance is hosted and created by freelance podcast editor Steve Folland.
What this episode covers
Adrian’s been a successful freelancer for 21 years. But in the past 7, his definition of framing success has changed. For the last seven years, Adrian has also been an unpaid carer for three immediate family members. He talks honestly about what that's meant for his business - the travel he's had to give up, the networking events he can't get to, the inquiries he's had to turn away, and why he deliberately caps how much work he takes on (and how much money he can make). But he also talks abou...
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Freelancing as an Unpaid Carer - Adrian Ashton
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