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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Masa Nozawa
I am a first time mom committed to staying home for the first couple years and hv been looking for a way to make some supplemental income from home throughout my whole pregnancy. I tried affiliate marketing for a while but didn’t find it to be too lucrative for me. I stumbled upon this wellness company in a pregnancy forum and gave it a try mainly because it is a online store similar to walmart that has the products that we buy every month anyway.. laundry detergent, dishwashing liquid, cleaning stuff, bath stuff (soap, lotion, shampoo), etc and the products are cheaper, eco friendly and shipped directly to you. The rev sharing side is also very simple, just refer ppl to the store and you get paid for each person but even more you get a residual income 10-20% of each person’s order moving forward EVERY month after they sign up when they come back and shop! So I have about twenty of my family and friends shopping from the store now only months into it and I receive a check of about five hundred dollars EVERY month with out ANY work! And as I refer more ppl that check will increase. I think it is great and I’m hooked on the products as well. Check it out at http://fortuneandwellness.com/
Melanie Clark
Can you send me info on this?? Thanks! [email protected]
Kassandra
I am a stay at home mom and home school my children. I found I can make some extra money selling home schooling kits to other moms. I hope this helps, maybe an add to the list?
Thanks for the great post, I may use some of these too.
Claire Menard
I am a stay at home mom, wife and a crossfit coach. I just started selling Rodan + Fields. The reason I got hooked on the company was because my husband had terrible acne. He started the unblemish regimen and it truly changed his life. I personally use reverse and LOVE it! I believe in this company because it changes lives. Not just the people buying the products but the consultants. You truly cannot succeed in this business without helping others. I have met so many wonderful women through this company. Some not even in person and their friendship and willingness to help amazes me!
Vicky
I am a stay at home mom with my own online business.
Love having the freedom to work on my own terms, but still making a fulltime living doing so.
Affiliate marketing has been the answer for me!!
Vicky
Michelle
Hello,
I have 4 kids and would love to stay home with them. How do you become an affiliate marketer? Many thanks in advance!
gray
Email me at [email protected]. I am making a full.time income with a no touch health and weight loss product. plus use lost 30 pounds never thought it was possible but is really happening. I would love to help others get started
Mariam
Hi Vicky,
Thanks for posting ideas and it’s an inspiration. Could you please guide how to go into affiliate stores? I would really appreciate that, since for me going outside for work is nearly impossible. I would really appreciate it, thanks!
Christi
I have an 11 month old and another baby due in Sept. I would love more information about how you got started in what you’re doing.
Kelly
I just wanna add another MLM for a company I work for called ItWorks! We sell those crazy wraps that allow you to lose inches in as little as 45 minutes. If anyone is in interested in selling I can sign you up to be a distributor, just click on my website and send me a message. We also have other amazing products as well such as Greens and have a whole facial care line. Really great organic stuff and pays extremely well. 🙂 http://kellyh90.myitworks.com/
Melanie Clark
How much do you make doing this?
jhon
I found a blog on google that are easy money I recommend to all http://torrentmethodtomakemoney.blogspot.com/
Amanda
I have been teaching conversational English to Japanese students online now for about 2 years at a Japanese site called speakeikaiwa.com. I don’t have any teaching qualifications but it doesn’t matter as Japanese students just want to talk with a native speaker. The money is great! I charge from between $20 to $45 a class for a one hour lesson.
My brother in law started doing this around five years ago after losing his job and does it now as his full-time income. I gave it a try after seeing how well he was doing and was surprised to see how easy it was to get students. He has a blog page that explains the shortcuts to getting started. http://conversationarena.blogspot.com.au/
The time difference with Japan is a bit of an issue, but if you are an early riser like me then you can earn some great pocket money.
Megan
Have you been able to keep income coming and how long do clients normally take lessons for?
Seriously considering this.
Thanks for the suggestion…first non selling idea in awhile. Lol.
Amber
Hello. I am looking into this myself now. Do you have any tips or suggestions for me?
Thank you in advance!
Camille
You can’t substitute teach while being a stay at home mom. I have my substitute teaching license and can’t use it because I chose to be a stay at home mom.
jacob Young
Another great way is taking part in usability studies. These are basically paid surveys. Loop11 is a company that offers these and they keep sending surveys to you as they come up.
http://www.loop11.com/get-paid-to-test-websites/
Just browsing
I didn’t see ebates on your list of ways to earn cash from home. I love it and love to spread the word. For anyone who shops online, either often or even just every now and then, can earn a free gift card, cash back, and referral rewards through ebates, all for just shopping online and referring others to shop online. Here’s my link if you want to check it out (just in time for the holiday shopping – that’s when I tend to earn the most!).
http://www.ebates.com/rf.do?referrerid=%2BlpUU7vhRv9Dc%2Bqii%2FH1bg%3D%3D&eeid=26471
Nikki Minton
I am a stay at home mom and my work is my passion! That is why I would love other moms looking for work from home ideas to know about this. I’ve been a beachbody coach since 2011 and my job is to encourage young and busy moms like myself that they can get their body back in shape and have more energy and confidence with at home workouts and an amazing and positive peer-support group! These relationships turn into deeper friendships over the years. This business if it becomes a passion can also reward you not just with extra income, but income to buy a new house, car, and even retire your spouse from the military.
Thank you for letting me share this opportunity on your blog!
Nicole
About how much money do you make per year being a beachbody coach?
Marilee
How do you become a Beachbody Coach? I use several of their exercise DVD’s and I would really enjoy coaching. Thanks!
dymond
I am a stay at home mom and my husband lost his job a few months ago so I started to look for ways to make fast money online. I searched everywhere and came across cashcrate . They pay you to take surveys and offers. It is a great site and it allows you to make money quickly without doing much work. They start you off with 1.00 just for signing. If any one is interested go and check it out. http://www.cashcrate.com/5570597 it is a great opportunity
Missy
I have earned over $400 this year… and I know I could have earned more if I put the time into it. In the morning while I drink coffee and at night when I watch tv I just run videos and do small online tasks) – the neat thing is that you can cash out immediately and choose a variety of 100 different gift cards – or get a check. Christmas will be great this year!
Go to: http://www.instagc.com/188973 and sign up! Moderated online chat helps you out and you meet people (unanimously) from all over! Even kids 13+ can join in and earn some gaming gift certificates! Super place!
Audra lynn
I have been doing surveys , I do them whe my kids are watching nick jr , or playing outside. I can put them down and finish when I break up the fight they pay you pay pal, not a lot but it. All ads up most pay 1-2$ some pay 15 They are about 10-20 mins long
please give it a try you have nothing to loose it doesn’t cost anything
http://tryvindale.com/V5pY0hkp
Lori Solberg
Sell childrens books! Check out Usborne Books & More for info about being a consultant! http://www.myubam.com/c4682
Galit
How do I become a consultant? How much money can you make?
Shauna
Hi Galit! I just wanted to make sure you received the information you asked for. I did not see a reply to your question. Are you still looking for further information on Usborne Books & More?
Petra
Hi everyone! I started working from home a year ago when I got pregnant with my now 3 month old son. After searching and researching every ally to replace at least a portion of my previous income I stumbled on a couple different options. Luckily a speak another language so translating became my most lucrative source of income. I found a website that compiled a ton of translation opportunities into one location. There was a small start up fee but if you don’t like it they will give you a full refund. It was worth every penny to me. http://tinyurl.com/n9nryw7
I also found I was pretty decent at writing press releases, blogs, proofreading and many other writing projects. I did not get rich at either of these two programs but they did give our family the breathing room we needed to cover bills and provide for a new baby without having to return to work. Follow this link to check out the writing page:
http://tinyurl.com/qaqgog4
Hope one of these can help you as much as it has helped my family.
Asia Curry
I stopped working at 4 months and now am making 2-3k/mo with my online business. I like the ways mentioned above to earn money but I favor more passive forms of income. Things that require initial setup but low maintenance once setup is complete. you can get free info here on how to make money online —–> http://bit.ly/1ojCZBZ
Jennifer Reynolds
The link in the listing is not available. If you are interested in a small investment of $15.00 and have friends and family, then Avon is the place to supplement your household income. Do you know that Avon is not just about makeup and skin care any longer. They have everything (candles, jewelry, clothing, gifts, shoes, boots, etc.)
Jennifer Reynolds
https://jenniferreynolds.avonrepresentative.com/
Marguerite
Hi. I’m currently a teacher, but I really need a side job because my debt is eating me alive! I used to work as a chyron operator for a tv news station inputting all of the words, scores, etc.. That you see on the screen. I’m an incredibly fast typist and have wondered how people get into jobs transcribing close-captioned shows? I recently watched a live broadcast for the installation of our local. Bishop and the closed captioning was awful!! I thought, “I could do this!” Also, how do people get involved in test proctoring, etc… I really need help 🙂
Thanks in advance!!
Valerie
Hi,
I saw your post and thought I best respond. I am a certified shorthand reporter ( commonly known as a court reporter. ) We are state licensed, here in California. In order to achieve this certificate, you must go through a trade school to earn your certificate. Typically you start out at writing 60 words per minute of shorthand – – a theory that you must learn to write on a different type of machine that is not a typewriter. You can be the fastest typist in the world, however, and maybe not get the knack of the shorthand theory as quickly. In California you must pass a 200 words per minute test in order to become licensed. Captioners, that you read on the screen on TV, are typically licensed court reporters. Because you are writing verbatim what people say in real time, and you write phonetically, you will see things in captioning that are not spelled correctly but will be written phonetically for the hearing impaired to hopefully understand. Not every word in the world can be in your captioning dictionary, that is why you see things misspelled. Remember, captioning is for the hearing impaired. Typically they are thrilled with the captions. Go online and look up the trade schools for captioners. It pays incredibly well, but it can take years to get certified, FYI.
Hope this helps!
Ashley
Check out Rev captioning. I’m applying with them currently. I don’t know how much they pay but they have you do a few tests before they hire you. It’s all online.
Ashley
Oh and you don’t need experience
Anna
i went to a French class and the teacher listed one of the benefits of knowing a second language is you can do translating work at home. She used to make $50 a page when she was a SAHM. My husband is a professor and he has had to hire a translator to translate journal articles coming out of other countries that were relevant to his own research.