The Art of Letting Go (of Everything but the Writing)
After 19 years as a freelance writer, I thought wearing multiple hats was just part of the job. Writer, accountant, editor, account manager, strategist — I juggled them all while homeschooling six children. Then I found Comma, and something unexpected happened: I remembered what drew me to writing in the first place.
The biggest surprise wasn't the organizational support or the steady paychecks (though those are wonderful). It was rediscovering how much deeper you can go with research and writing when you're not constantly switching roles. When someone else handles the client onboarding, project management, and revision coordination, your mind has space to fully immerse itself in the work that matters most.
What I've found at Comma isn't just a more efficient way to work — it's a more human one. Here, understanding runs deep. They get that writers have families and lives beyond their keyboards. Each month, we simply share how much work we can take on. No guilt, no pressure, just respect for our boundaries. They even mandate a week-long summer break where everyone — writers and clients alike — goes email-dark. In 19 years of freelancing, I've never experienced that level of support for work-life balance.
The Joy of Not Wearing All the Hats
Remember when you learned to drive? Looking straight ahead was easier once you stopped constantly checking your mirrors. That's how writing feels now. Without the constant context-switching between client management, invoicing, and editing, my mind can focus fully on research and storytelling.
This focus shows in the work. I stay with the same accounts, which means a deeper understanding of each client's voice and goals. No more scrambling to relearn businesses or writing styles. The more I write for each client, the more intuitive it becomes. And since my natural writing voice resonates with clients, the work flows more easily and quickly than ever.
It's a simple truth I wish I'd learned sooner: when you stop trying to be everything to everyone, you become better at what you do best.
When Systems Set You Free
Having a clear process changes everything. At Comma, projects flow smoothly from assignment to completion. Every brief comes with the resources I need — brand guides, style documents, and reference materials. Each resource lives in its designated space in our project management system, ready the moment I need it. No digging through old emails or piecing together scattered feedback; everything I need to write compelling content is right there.
Even revisions, often the most chaotic part of freelancing, follow a structured path. Clients stay on schedule with their feedback, and I know exactly when to expect payment. It's the kind of reliability that lets me plan my life and focus on what matters: crafting content that makes a difference.
The Write Way Forward
With six homeschooled children, balance isn't optional . . . it's essential. Now that I'm writing faster and more efficiently, I have more time for what matters most. Each month, I decide how much work fits our family's schedule. Some months that means taking on more projects, others less. There's no pressure, just understanding.
What stands out most is how this approach benefits everyone. Clients get better work because I'm focused and refreshed. My family gets more of my attention because work doesn't spill into every hour. And I get to be fully present in both roles — writer and mother, without constant compromise.
My journey has taught me something surprising about professional freedom: it flourishes in the space between letting go and zeroing in. Comma gave me that space. Here, I've discovered a rhythm that honors both my writing and my family life, each making the other stronger. The path forward, I've learned, often reveals itself when you find the right place to set down your load and focus on what truly matters.
Written by Saphia Lanier as part of the Comma culture series. Are you looking for a team of writers to support your marketing content? Schedule your free 20-minute consultation today and discover how Comma can make a difference.
