You’ve seen the ads floating around the internet. Usually in places like your Facebook sidebar or in pop-up ads on popular sites. Deceptive text shouting promises like: “Earn $6,000/week from home! It’s easy! Sign up here! “scammyfineprintprintblahblahblah”
To those I say a big fat “Pfffffftttt, yeah right!”
A few years ago, I was constantly seeing those dumb ads, and every time I saw one I’d sigh wistfully, wishing there really was a legitimate way that I could earn some money without giving up on my desire to be at home with my kids.
Long-time readers here at R+H know that money has been super tight over the last few years as we have gone through hubs’ flight training to become a pilot. He has been employed as a flight instructor (you know – the guy teaching the future pilots of your commercial flights in airlines around the world how to fly…) but it pays abysmally. Absolutely shamefully, really.
Most flight instructors are young, unmarried guys who don’t have a family to support, because it is next to impossible.
So… he quit that job last fall, and has landed fortuitously into a contract consulting job in aviation safety (fancy way of saying that he’s working on a pilot safety website on a government grant). He’s also doing audio-visual tech stuff part-time at a large church in the city.
Things are better now. Still tight… but waaaaay better. I know from experience that somehow, in some way – things get better. Whether that be in heaven or on earth – tough times won’t last forever, and for that I am grateful.
As we emerge into a new season and phase of life, I have been pondering the way that every dollar counts.
Related: 3 Possible Reasons You’re Failing at Sticking to a Grocery Budget
It’s still fresh for me – the counting out change from the change jar to buy bananas before the next payday… the invitation of a meal shared with friends and knowing that it would give relief to your shrunken grocery fund… the tears of frustration at not being able to stretch the dollars quite as far as you’d like, and making difficult decisions on what to forgo.
I know that there are so many in that boat today. So many of you, dear readers. So many parents sacrifice a lot of financial security in order to stay at home with their kids. So many of you wish that there was something that you could do on the side – in the cracks and corners of your days and evenings and weekends that would earn enough extra money to give a little room to breathe. Something flexible, home-based, and (dare we wish it?) enjoyable.
I have tried a number of different income-earning ventures over the years:
- Ad manager for a large blog (in charge of procuring and implementing advertising revenue for the site)
- Digital graphic design (not my niche, but I can make nice-looking, simple images)
- VA work (virtual assisting – like an administrative assistant, but working remotely)
- Blogging (this site!)
- Babysitting/daycare (I had my niece 4 days/week for a year)
- Photography (I’ve been hired a handful of times to do family photo shoots. My skills are basic, but decent enough to get some nice shots.)
- Social media assisting (again, working with bloggers)
- Moderator for webinar panel discussions
- Placenta encapsulation
All of the things I’ve done have been extremely flexible and most have been temporary. Blogging is currently my “side job” here, and I have discovered over the last 1.5 years that it is most definitely a passion of mine. I kind of always knew that I loved writing… and now I know that I really enjoy the entrepreneurial/business side of it as well.
Let’s be honest: being self-employed and working from home isn’t all flouncy pens and steaming cups of tea in bed… but sometimes it is. And it’s glorious.
I recently asked my Facebook followers if any of them had any money-making side ventures, and the response was amazing. So many responded with an incredibly diverse array of ideas that I knew I just had to share them here. I decided to link up some of those that responded to the thread, so you’ll see some R+H reader business links below in the list.
If you’re interested in finding a way to earn money from home, you can use this list as a jumping off point to research which type of opportunity might be right for you. There are so many possibilities!
(Disclaimer: money doesn’t start rolling in after just a little effort. These ideas obviously take dedication, perseverance, and hard work. Some of these ideas need certain qualifications – but many need none.)
Money-Making Ideas for Stay-at-Home Parents:
- Blogger (holla!)
- Doula
- Making and selling lotions, soaps, and other bath & body care products (check out this awesome page: Homebody Co., or this one: Purely Essential)
- Running an online fitness studio (like Fit2B!)
- Selling home or health products as a company rep, also usually known as a multi-level-marketing company. Jamberry, Thirty-One Gifts, Mary & Martha, Zeal for Life, Juice Plus, Steeped Tea, Avon, Nerium International, Scentsy, My Premier Designs – jewellery, Origami Owl, Younique Beauty Products, Norwex (and another reader who sells Norwex), Lilla Rose Hair Accessories, Wildtree Food Products, Radiantly You – body care products, Avon Products, Plexus Slim, Nikken – wellness products.
- Selling essential oils as a company rep (DoTerra, Young Living, and there are others if you do some research to see the options. Readers Ashley, Heather, and Krissa also sell DoTerra.)
- Design and sell digital sewing patterns
- Elderly care (A reader said: “I do full time home share for a 60-year-old woman who is autistic. She goes to a program 5 days a week and I assist her with food, showering and dressing and some hygiene. We are very thankful because it enables me to stay home while bringing in a full time income.”)
- Run a farm share program
- Sewing and weaving (Kaitlin of Butters and Bubsie says: “I do headbands, soother clips, lovey blankets, burp rags and most importantly I weave baby wraps.”)
- Make and sell knit/crochet/etc. goods (check out this cute page, or this website – she also does wall murals for people!)
- Health consulting – “I am a trained homeopath in my career before I had children and so I do some phone and online consulting to assist people with their health issues.” Another reader said: “…and I just got certified to be a Dr. Sears Health Coach! Super excited about that!” This reader at Baby Kale Health is a family holistic health coach. Another health consulting type of business: Nutritional therapist.
- Virtual Assisting
- Advertising Manager (for a large blog – a growing field!)
- Bookkeeping
- Reflexologist
- Yoga Facilitator
- Customer service – My friend has an Amazon business and I do customer service from home for her.”
- Social media consulting – “…I also do some Pinterest consulting work for bloggers. It still blows me away that I can get paid for playing with Pinterest.“
- Freelance writing (like CG Marketing Pro!)
- Sewing – “I sew for people…preparing for craft shows at the moment.”
- Managing consignment sales – “I manage a twice-a-year consignment sale for our local parents of multiples club.”
- Teach dance classes
- Placenta encapsulation (Check out my Placenta Encapsulation tutorial here on the blog)
- Sell antiques and paint furniture
- Hula hoop maker/instructor
- Make and sell baby headbands and blankets
- Make and sell handmade jewellery (check out these cool ‘tree of life’ necklaces! And this one: Four Little Lady Bugs, making teething necklaces and girly accessories.)
- Web design
- Babysitting/daycare
- Make custom wooden furniture
- Pet sitting
- Image and Influence Consultant with FanTABulous Women.
- Substitute teaching
- Photography (Shelley said: “I’ve had my photography business for 6 years. I shoot weddings and on evening and weekends do portrait sessions so I can stay home with my kiddos and homeschool them full time during the week! My business gives me a creative outlet plus helps with the finances, and I am very thankful for it!”)
- Baking/cooking (this woman sells her cakes locally – and they look DELISH)
- Sell flower arrangements
- Sell excess garden produce to neighbours
- Sell eggs from your backyard chickens
- Start an online shop selling items you love and are passionate about (Check out Delia’s Pantry: “I try and make if affordable for every one to have access to organic herbs spices and teas …and a few other things”, Primal Kitchen Company, selling fermentation/pickling supplies, Country Bums – a cloth diaper shop, Deborah & Co – a clothing company for girls/women)
Have you ever made money on the side while being at home with your kids? What would you pick from this list?
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Alyssa Marie Thys
Thanks for the suggestions! I’m trying my hand at blogging. This is the first time I’ve come across your blog and I look forward to reading more!
Kayla
This was a helpful list & I plan to look into several I hadn’t thought of already. You mentioned baked goods but I have earned some income with canned goods as well; yes check with local & state laws first.
Jeni
I sell Tupperware. Yes we still exist! 🙂
Stefani
I’ve gotten a couple gigs as a curriculum rep at homeschooling conferences.
Ammarah Onine
This sounds interesting. How did you do that?
jordan wiles
I am a wellness advocate for doterra as well and LOVE IT! I’ve also done my fair share of etsy crafting and I currently have a business creating holistic products from our home with herbs and essential oils! http://Www.createdtoheal.net
Beth R
I have an alterations business. I do mostly bridal, bridesmaids, and prom alterations. There is a huge need for affordable bridal alterations because the stores overcharge so much! I make about $30/hour doing alterations! It is a huge time commitment, and causes lots of schedule interruptions, especially during wedding and prom season. But at least it is somewhat flexible and I can be home more! Requires some training and experience, but if you are willing to work hard the pay is great! I do virtually NO advertising, it’s all word of mouth and have built a large client base in only 6-7 years.
Allycia
Awesome list! I am a stay at home mom and Navy wife! I started my own business with It Works Global, a health and beauty company. I LOVE it! There are so many ways for stay at home moms to actually bring in an income while taking care of their family and home. Just do your research and find something that you can be passionate about!
Eva
I’m with It Works too! OTOM! Lol. I really enjoyed this list though. I’ve done a few of these myself as well as finding items cheap at garage sales, pawn shops, etc and reselling on ebay, real estate photography (look up Velocity REOS, the y contract nationwide), making flower clips, and what I’m doing (and loving) now with It Works. In a few months, I’ll be going back to school for Alternative medicine, so that should open some more doors as well.
It’s like others have said start with something you want to learn more about or already enjoy and see how far you can go with it. If you don’t enjoy it, it won’t stick or work out as well as you’d like it to. Thank you for the post! 🙂
Eva
Sorry, this is my page for anyone that was wondering what It Works is…lol
http://www.FloridasFinestWorks.com
Teresa Jackson
I have been using and promoting Thrive for several months and the product is amazing for this stay at home mom! I have 3 teenagers that are always wanting to go go go! I used to take a nap every afternoon or sleep late, now I’m up before my husband and can keep up with the kids! Oh and it was free to sign up as a promoter! Can’t beat that! http://Www.teresajackson79.le-vel.com
Jill
Love! Always looking for extra ways to earn money and be home with my kids! I have my own crochet/tutu dress business I started 3 years ago..and it’s grown and grown 🙂 so it def is possible to earn money at home!
Jill
Oops here my page and blog if you want to check it out to get ideas http://www.maddiesmadhatters.com
Erica
While I agree that Bookkeeping can be done from home (since I do it) it does take a pretty high level of knowledge and isn’t for just anybody. It’s not just about managing a check book. It used to be something that could be learned kind of on the fly, but with complicated tax and employment laws these days it shouldn’t be done by someone who isn’t properly trained. There’s an awful lot of risk assumed by the Bookkeeper and in today’s sue happy society no one who doesn’t absolutely know what their doing should be doing it freelance without a support team. Just my 10 cents.
Melissa Matters
Some great tips here. I started doing freelance writing a few years ago and made an average of $500 a month. I was only able to work at night and when my kids were napping. Freelancing can be inconsistent but I’m happy to make a little less and be able to stay home with my kids.
Melissa wadingthroughmotherhood.blogspot.com
Amy Freemon
I’m a fitness and nutrition coach with Team Beachbody. I help people reach their fitness and nutrition goals and get paid too do so. I also get a discount on the products. Which is awesome since I just about buy every workout program they come out with. Hello PiYo! I also drink Shakeology everyday for the weight loss/maintenance and health benefits. My team also receives training from the number 1 coach in the company. She makes in the 6 figure range and she has only been a coach for 3 years. Check out my website and see what you think. http://www.teambeachbody.com/amyfreemon under coach
C gibbs
How much do you make bring a beach body coach?
Trudy
I sold Tupperware for a few years when my children were young. It supplied me with more than a kitchen full for myself 🙂 as well as wedding gifts, dance lessons, splurges at the salon for myself, and other misc. things. One of my friends sold Pampered Chef at the same time and we would do trades.
Olivia
Thanks so much for the shout out 🙂
Regina
DOULA! However, I’m not sure I would recommend this job as a side gig for SAHMs wanting to make a little extra money. For one, it requires a LOT of time, passion, and commitment for birthing families, and for another, you put in a LOT of time for not a lot of return, although it depends a little on your area and market. Just know, it will take a lot of time to get started and you won’t see much of a return on your investment for several years. There are multiple reason for why the doula field has such a high burnout rate.
That said, I do love my work, it is truly my calling, after that of wife and mother, I’m making it work for us and our lifestyle. However, I’m working on building a business and a career (it “only” takes 4 births a month to be considered a fully-booked doula) and I really don’t think I’ll be able to call myself a SAHM once I reach my goals. Between consultations with potential clients, prenatal visits with current clients, births, postpartum and follow-up visits, etc., having 4 clients a month will keep me as busy as any full time job in the cube farm. I already leave my little ones with a babysitter one day a week so I can work on paperwork, studying, appointments, marketing, communicating with clients, etc., and my fullest month so far has only been 3 births.
But in this same line of thought, another thing for SAHM who are passionate about informed birth to look into would be becoming a childbirth educator. You get to talk about your passion, but don’t have to be on-call and have regular hours! Plus, if doulaing is something you’d like to pursue, it’s generally pretty easy to move into that with most childbirth education certifications. And easy to market yourself too- who wouldn’t want to bring their experienced childbirth educator and all their knowledge at their birth?!
Sorry, just realized I sorta wrote a novel…
Christine
I’m also a doula and totally agree with your assessment. It really has to be a calling.
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup
My most successful stay-at-home money making venture has definitely been in home day care/babysitting. I have tried selling items that I have knit/made, but that is very hit and miss. I am a brand new blogger, so I haven’t made any money with that (not sure that I will?). This is a very detailed list. I’m definitely going to look into a few of these options. Thanks so much! I loved this line in your post – “I know from experience that somehow, in some way – things get better. Whether that be in heaven or on earth – tough times won’t last forever, and for that I am grateful.” This is so encouraging to me!
Kaethe
I’m a mom to four little girls ages 8-2 and for the past two years I have taught a Parent-Toddler class at my girls’schools, two mornings a week. My older girls are in school then and my toddler attends with me. It has been a wonderful way to generate a little extra income while encouraging other stay at home parents.
Valerie
I am involved with a great company called Javita, they sell weight loss coffee and green tea as well as energy and mind coffee for those who want the energy with the abiblity to focus during the day without the weight loss (for those who don’t need to ) lol. http://www.myjavita.com/4betterhealth is my website if you are interested.
Gail Akeman
I write on a site called Bubblews.com. You get one cent per like, view, and comment each. Read other posts and they read yours. You can write up to ten posts a day. When it hits $50 you can cash out. The more active the better and the more connections you have to you the better.
Randi
Have you been writing with Bubblews long term? I keep seeing mixed reviews about this site.
Rachel R.
How do the readers who sell handmade baby goods deal with the CPSIA?