On a business trip to Chicago this past spring I got a new lesson in work life chaos and the crucial need for flexible working arrangements from a high school friend who is raising two boys in the shadow of a deadbeat dad scenario. I hadn’t seen Debbie in quite a few years and this gave me an opportunity to have a unique view into HER world of being a freelance worker in our new economy.

The result was a WorkLife Nation video with a deep message: no matter how tough it gets, do what you love – and hope the money will follow.

Debbie Doetzer is a single mom bringing up two young boys in downtown Chicago. She’s a voice-over specialist/actor/comedienne; the epitome of what author Marci Alboher refers to as “slash careerists” in her book One Person/Multiple Careers. Debbie now includes teaching in the mix of her career melting pot, and she wouldn’t have it any other way unless a TV producer swept her off her feet for a starring role on Glee– she also sings.

Despite the challenges of a deadbeat father, who according to Debbie and the courts is living with some mental challenges, and is behind on child support to the tune of more than $30,000, she’s sticking to her career path and expanding it every chance she gets to bring in more cash. Her boys, she hopes, will do what they love when choosing their own career. Times are tough, but she’s determined to remain a role model. Debbie is hilarious and insightful at the same time. Her story is an emotional one and she chose to tell it, to help others like her. You can watch the video by clicking here.

This article was cross-posted in Judy Martin’s WorkLifeNation blog.