Maternity leave self employed

Katie 🇬🇧

Is anyone else self employed? (I’m in the UK btw) I’m a mobile hairdresser and plan on working up to 36 weeks (currently 18) and I don’t know how long I want off. My boyfriend has a great job and earns enough to easily support us all once the baby is here.

I’m so used to working and having my own money, I hate asking him for anything (even though he’s more than happy for me to)

So anyway, how long are you planning to have or did you have off work? I’m entitled to 39 weeks maternity allowance but I’m not sure i want that much time. I’m also a little worried about losing clients if I have too much time off 😕

Advice greatly appreciated!! Xx