How Stay-at-Home Parents Can Earn Extra Income

Guest blog from Gwen Payne of www.invisiblemoms.com

Let it never be said that being a stay-at-home parent isn’t a job. Ask anyone who has chased a toddler across the house all day, and they’ll tell you exactly how challenging a job it can be. Unfortunately, it’s not lucrative. As a result, many parents are interested in finding ways to bring in a little extra income each month. 

However, finding a job you can juggle while parenting at home isn’t just about the money. It’s also about the chance to provide, contribute, and make use of the skills you’ve spent years developing. The Side Hustle Journey knows how important it is to have an identity that isn’t just wrapped up in parenthood. Here are a few jobs that can help:

Starting a Business

When it comes to flexible work, you can’t really beat running your own business. Being your own boss means setting your own hours, defining your own workload, and building the schedule that works for you. There are a ton of great home-based businesses parents can run. For example, you can look into the e-commerce market. If you make homemade goods, there are a ton of great platforms where you can sell online. Supplement your shop with dropshipping, and you can make even more product without finding extra space for inventory. 

When you start your business, you should consider setting up an LLC. This is a type of business structure that creates a legal barrier between your personal assets and your professional assets. It means that only your company’s funds are at risk in the event of a lawsuit, and you and your family are protected. Look into your state’s LLC laws to see if it makes sense for your business. 

Blogging 

Writing a blog is another great option for parents who want to bring in some extra income. If you have a passion, an area or expertise, or even just something you’re interested in learning more about, start a blog about it. If you can gain an audience, you can make money off of ad revenue, affiliate sponsorships, and even direct support from readers through sites like Patreon. 

Smart Blogger notes there are several steps to creating a successful (and profitable) blog. First and foremost, you need to produce regular, quality content. Set yourself a publishing schedule and stick to it. Next, you need to make sure that content gets seen. Promote your work on social media, and ask friends and family to share it as well. It may take a while for your blog to catch on, so be patient and give it time to work.

Consulting 

Many stay-at-home parents have had long, successful careers. If you’re an industry expert, you can still share your knowledge while parenting at home. As Marqui Management explains, many companies need consultants to help them make major decisions, handle problems, and push their business forward with confidence. 

To get started, create a website advertising your services and reach out to members of your professional network. Let them know you’re starting a consulting service, and ask them to reach out or share your name in their networks. You’ll start to gain clients, and from there it’s a matter of maintaining strong relationships, getting (and tracking) results, and staying current in your field. 

Maybe your family is struggling to make ends meet; maybe you’d just like a little more padding in your budget; maybe you’re just getting stir crazy at home. Whatever the case, The Side Hustle Journey is here to tell you there are a ton of great career options out there that stay-at-home parents are perfectly suited for. Check them out, and you can find the right fit for you. 

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