One of the biggest challenges I had a few years back was that we were very short on cash, and I needed to find a way to bring in money, while staying at home with my then infants and toddlers. I ended up doing a few different side hustles, from babysitting, to telephone marketing, to cleaning homes, and they made a big difference for us financially, while still allowing me to be with my children. Here's some more ideas from a reader with suggestions of side hustles you can do as a busy mom.
If you feel like in your home there is more month than money, it may be time to make a change.
But instead of taking a traditional part- or full-time job, you might be able to find a family-friendly side hustle that you can do from home—or at the very least around your kids’ schedules. For example, check out the following ideas:
Start Your Own Business
A terrific way to earn some much needed extra income that does not involve signing the kids up for spendy after-school camps is by starting your own business. For example, you could sell handmade items on Etsy, open your own clothing boutique or sell your graphic design services on Fiverr—whatever your interests and skill set allows. Or, if you're not quite ready for entrepreneurship, consider partnering with an established company such as Amway. Since 1959, Amway has been giving busy moms the opportunity to sharpen their business skills while selling high-quality health and beauty products. With both options, you can work as little or as much as you want on your own schedule—which will allow you to continue to chaperone your kindergartner's field trip to the zoo and tuck her in at night.
Launch a Lawn Care Service
If you are handy with a lawn mower and love the idea of working outdoors, you might consider starting your own lawn care service. A major benefit to this type of work is that it can grow quickly, thanks to happy customers who will refer you to their friends. In addition to the mower, you will need a weed whacker, possibly a leaf blower and other basic tools like clipping shears, rakes and brooms—all of which might be in your garage right now. Start by approaching neighbors that you know are super busy and whose lawns are looking a tad overgrown and mention your new business; over time, you can build up a client base including plenty of repeat customers. Because yard work is typically done in the daylight, you can work while your kids are in school.
Drive People Where they Need to Go
As a mom, you already spend tons of time in the car shuttling your tweens and teens where they need to go. Here’s an amazing thought—what if you could get paid to drive people places? By signing on with a ride-sharing company such as Uber or Lyft, you can earn some extra cash shuttling people to the airport or their appointments. You determine when you want to work, so you can be available while the kids are in school, or if you are a night owl and want to grab some evening work once they are in bed you can certainly do that as well.
Unload Your Treasures on eBay
Another nice way to make some extra cash is by selling gently used and desirable items on eBay. Aside from making trips to the post office, which the kids can accompany you on if need be, you can do all of your listings from your home computer and box up the sold goods at your kitchen table. Start by selling any unwanted possessions that are gathering dust, but can still get good money—things like collectible toys, memorabilia and discontinued patterns of fine china. As your inventory starts to move, consider visiting yard sales in your neighborhood to find additional items to sell.
More Money Than Month…Now That’s a Nice Way to Live
It is reassuring to know that you can make much needed extra-income without being away from your kids or paying high prices for child care. By channeling your inner entrepreneur, getting your green thumb on, being paid to chauffeur folks around and/or setting up a store on eBay, you should soon find that your bank account has a bit more padding to it, while still seeing your kids as much as ever.
See my disclaimer.
