More and more working parents are finding it tough to keep up financially in today’s economy, with rising prices, growing debt, and stagnant wages making it a constant struggle to make ends meet.
In response, parents are looking to increase their financial strength with side jobs, with many of these being done from home.
The allure of “at home online” jobs include saving money on fuel, having work time flexibility, and salvaging as much quality time with the family as possible.
For those parents looking to make a bit of extra money, there are many options available, yet they require careful consideration and planning.
Selling homemade items
One of the most common ways to make an extra buck is to sell products online that are made at home.
Those experienced in this recommend that before doing this, one should consider what they want to sell, the pricing structure, the online platform you will use, how one will promote oneself (i.e. social media), and logistical factors like packaging, mailing, and tracking sales.
Social media management
A social media manager is one who assists in crafting and supporting the online footprint of a brand. This is done by creating, gathering, and publishing online content designed to reach a target audience.
Types of management include account setup, content creation, analysis of social media metrics, consulting, graphic design, and customer service.
Becoming a social media manager can be done from home through online certification courses, bootcamps, tutorials, YouTube videos, and on-demand classes.
Affiliate marketing
Another superb at home gig is that of affiliate marketing. This is a commission-based job where an individual can earn money by promoting the goods or services of a business.
Usually, this centers on two types of commissions; one from “low-price, high volume” sales (with rates averaging around 5%), or one from “high-price, low volume” sales that have rates around 20%.
Freelance writing
Wordsmiths will be happy to know that there is a burgeoning need for freelance writers.
What makes freelancing so appealing is the many pros accompanying it. With a Wi-Fi connection, freelancing can be done anywhere and at a time that is convenient for the writer. The diverse selection of topics and formats, as well as the volume of content needed by businesses, make the growth potential of this job both interesting and explosive.
Tutoring
COVID saw the rapid rise of online tutoring, and that niche has remained a potent force since then.
Starting up this venture requires promoting yourself with a website and/or social media presence and becoming fluent in using such on-line resources as Google Meet, Zoom, Whereby, Google Docs, and Zoom Whiteboard, among other internet tools.
Pet Sitting
Combining doing something you enjoy, providing a community service, and making some extra cash are the common “pros” noted by those doing pet-sitting.
Other perks include how relatively easy the job tasks are, the fact that the time involved for this often allows it to be tailored around the demands of another job, and the incredible freedom of being able to schedule out one’s workload.
While starting out can involve using pet sitting apps like Rover and Pawshake, which connect pet-owners to sitters, going out on one’s own is reportedly also easy to do.
And the list goes on…
The jobs listed above are some of the more common and better paying “side hustles” that can be done from home by any parent.
Yet there are plenty more options for parents, with some even focusing on the cumulative experiences of being a mother or father. The below list includes, but is in no way limited to, the following:
- Offering online content about parenting advise and experiences
- Blogging, vlogging, or podcasting parent-related information
- Creating an eCommerce site
- Purchasing and reselling clothing, home goods, or outdoor tools
- Data entry
- Bookkeeping
- Renting out property
What to Watch For
The benefits of working from home have been discussed. Now it is time to consider a few the “cons”.
Perhaps the most commonly expressed downside to working from home is the ever-present elephant in the room: distractions. The demands of a spouse, children, and household upkeep can easily capture the attention of a parent. Discipline is key here.
Psychologically, working from home often contributes to a greater sense of isolation and may dull social skills. Last, but not least, is the lack of career growth and absence of healthcare benefits many of these side jobs have.
While there are certainly pros and cons to working from home as a parent, what is most important is that you find an income that best fits around your circumstances. If you’re interested in putting your writing skills to work, apply to work for Words of Worth and earn money doing something you love.