When you’re a mom who takes care of kids full time, figuring out how to earn extra money presents a challenge. Fortunately, you can squeeze one of these 13 flexible side hustles into your tight schedule either on weekends or while the little ones are at school or asleep.
1. Writer
Writing is a great side hustle if you have a flair for words. Becoming a freelance writer entails crafting online articles, press releases, blog posts, ad copy newsletters and more. You could choose to write about an array of topics or narrow down your niche, depending on your interests and skills. The best part is that most writing gigs allow you to decide when and where to work—perfect for a busy mom’s life.
According to Indeed, $22.85 is the average base hourly wage of a freelance writer in the United States. To get started, build your writing portfolio and look for entry-level gigs.
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2. Transcriptionist
Online transcription involves converting audio and video files into text. For instance, you might transcribe medical records by listening to an audio file as you type the text in a separate document.
The demand for freelance transcriptionists is continuously rising because of research and SEO requirements. Take online training courses and quizzes to get started, and browse for opportunities on Scribie or TranscribeMe.
3. Photographer
If you have an eye for picture-perfect moments, consider photography as a side hustle. This is a rewarding gig because it allows you to exercise your creativity.
There are a few different approaches you can take. If you have the time and resources, as well as the skills, you can start a portrait business. You could take portraits for graduations, engagement announcements, new babies or professional headshots.
Another option is to sell photos you’ve taken to stock photography websites. This option is much less time consuming, and you can simply submit photos you’ve already taken on your phone.
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4. Virtual Bookkeeper
Remote bookkeeping could be the best side hustle if you love to organize. A company can benefit from your skills to maintain its financial affairs. As a virtual bookkeeper, you’ll track expenses and handle accounts.
You don’t need to be an accountant to do the job. However, you need to understand bookkeeping and accounting principles properly. There are free and paid online courses available to get you started.
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5. Tutor
Tutoring can be a great option for moms who probably already have experience in helping children with their homework. There’s a lot of flexibility with tutoring, as well. You can reach out to other parents you know and tutor their children at your home. This option is great if you need to have your own children with you while you work.
If you want to tutor virtually, check out places such as Brainfuse and Qkids.
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6. House Cleaner
If you’d prefer an in-person gig rather than an online one, consider offering home cleaning services. You can schedule services during the day while your kids are in school and have full control over how many clients you take.
There will be costs upfront, as you’ll likely need to bring your own supplies. However, there are plenty of ways to keep your costs low. For example, buy cleaning products in bulk and invest in versatile and reusable supplies, such as microfiber towels in place of paper towels.
7. Grocery Shopper
Becoming a grocery shopper is an easy side hustle that doesn’t require you to learn any new skills. You’re likely already familiar with the grocery stores in your area, so it won’t be too hard to find the items on an order list.
You can apply through Instacart or research other services that operate in your area.
8. Food Delivery Driver
Food delivery jobs come with similar requirements to grocery shoppers. Choose whichever service is popular in your area, such as Uber Eats or DoorDash, and apply online. This job is flexible and easy to do whenever you have free time.
9. Seller
Do you like knitting, painting or creating accessories? Consider selling your handmade crafts on Etsy, Amazon and eBay. You can also up-cycle clothes and furniture and target environmentally conscious people.
If you love creating custom artwork, put your designs on bags, phone cases, mugs and t-shirts. Sell high-value items like custom tees. Figure out what your audience loves, then create designs that reflect their interests.
10. Dog Walker
A side hustle that involves spending time with dogs might be a dream come true for you. Take fluffy, four-legged creatures for a walk around the town and get paid for it. A dog walker can earn more than $16.50 per hour in New York — that’s a pretty fun way to make money.
11. Social Media Manager
Social media management is an excellent industry for digital-savvy moms. This position involves crafting marketing strategies, designing online content and replying to customer inquiries. Your main goal is to increase the company’s online presence.
You don’t need prior experience to become a social media manager, but knowing the ins and outs will set you apart from other applicants. You can learn more about this job through several online resources, like YouTube and HubSpot.
12. Survey Taker
Did you know you can earn cash for answering online surveys? This is an excellent way to maximize your free time. While it’s not the most lucrative on this list, it’s a quick way to earn extra money. To start, just create an account on websites with online survey services like Branded Surveys, Survey Junkie or SwagBucks.
13. Virtual Assistant
If you used to do administrative work in an office, use your skills as a part-time virtual assistant. Job responsibilities include helping business owners schedule meetings, outreach, lead generation and providing overall support. You can enter this industry with a stable internet connection, organizational skills and a willingness to learn.
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Earn Extra Money Today
As a mom, you know how expensive raising a family is. If you don’t have time for a full-time job but want a little extra income on the weekends, there are plenty of side hustles out there. Choose one that will work with your busy schedule.
