Two years after finally landing a full-time writing job (which ended up being mostly customer service, not writing), I took an online content marketing course for work. It gave me some great insights into a field I didn’t really know existed. On the surface, I was learning how content marketing works and how I could apply it to my job. But deep below, it inspired me. I realized I could make a living creating content for other people.

Within two weeks, I got my first client. Within a few months, my part-time earnings from writing nearly equaled what I was making at my full-time job. And within three years — having taken my freelance writing full-time — I tripled my salary.

I wasn’t just doing it for the money, though. I loved the flexibility my business offered.

I could set my own schedule, not have to be behind a desk at 8:00 AM on the dot.

I could leave work in the middle of the day for vet appointments, doctor appointments, kid’s field trips, and other activities without having to ask permission or have someone cover my phone and inbox.

I could work in my car while waiting in the school pickup line.

I could work at night if I wasn’t feeling well during the day.

I could start dinner in the slow cooker or transfer laundry in between projects.

Ultimately, I built a career around my life, not the other way around. I don’t have to try to fit into a position that was never made for me in the first place.

To be, that’s the very definition of work/life balance.

Alli Hill has been freelance writing for 6+ years. Here’s why.