Earn Extra Money: Side Hustles for Full Time Parents
Please be aware that this post does NOT include any MLM (multi level marketing) businesses which typically prey on mothers who need extra cash. You'll know what I mean - those "hey hun" messages in your facebook inbox from the woman you haven't seen since school asking if you want to hear about an amazing opportunity where you have the potential to earn lots of money by encouraging people to buy certain products (usually cosmetics, body care products or coffee!). Definitely not those. Steer clear! (Sorry hun)...
Make Money on the Side: Best Side Hustles for Full Time Parents
Freelancing
Freelancing is a great way to earn extra money as a full-time parent. There are many freelance opportunities available, such as writing, graphic design, web development, and more. You can find freelance work on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer, but these don't always pay well. The best way to earn your worth is make connections on Linkedin, or dedicated Facebook groups, build a community and start to get recommended and put forward for work by others within your circle.
Virtual Assistant
Many small business owners and entrepreneurs are in need of virtual assistants to help them manage their day-to-day tasks. As a virtual assistant, you can earn money by providing administrative support, managing social media accounts, scheduling appointments, and more. Busy bloggers often require VA support to help manage their admin tasks such as broken link checks, comment checks, spam checks or filtering through emails. If you have knowledge of blogging platforms such as wordpress or blogger/blogspot then your skills could be useful to many bloggers who require a bit of ad hoc help.
Babysitting or Nannying
As a full-time parent, you already have experience taking care of children. Why not use that experience to earn some extra cash by babysitting other children in your area? You can offer your services to friends, family, and neighbours. You can also offer your services as a Nanny, where you go to the house of the child and look after them there for the day, caring for them like a parent. This can work well if your own child is the same age as the child you're nannying for as you can take your child along and they will be a welcome playmate (if the family agrees).
Selling Crafts
If you're crafty, consider selling your creations online. Websites like Etsy and Handmade at Amazon allow you to sell your handmade items to a global audience. Do look into the fees for selling online at places like Etsy - which can quickly build up and are pretty high (factor to lose at least 25% to fees). If you plan on making items for children or babies, do be aware that these need to be CE/UKCA tested to sell legally - the cost of which can be prohibitive. Have a read of this blog post all about CE testing homemade playdough to find out exactly what costs are involved.
Pet Sitting/Dog Walking
If you love animals, consider pet sitting or dog walking. You can offer your services to friends, family, and neighbours or sign up for websites like Rover to find pet sitting and dog walking gigs. Make sure you have the required insurance, and try it out first by offering to walk alongside a local dog walker who will be supportive rather than see you as competition.
Food delivery
With the rise of food delivery apps like Uber Eats and DoorDash, there's a growing demand for drivers to deliver food from local restaurants. As a food delivery driver, you can set your own hours and earn money on the side whilst you and your partner tag team with the childcare in the evenings.
Photography
If you have a passion for photography, consider selling your photos online. Websites like Shutterstock and iStock allow you to sell your photos to a global audience.
Tutoring
If you have expertise in a particular subject, consider offering tutoring services to students in your area. You can advertise your services on social media such as local facebook groups or sign up for websites dedicated to tutoring gigs.
Event planning
If you have a knack for planning events, some good connections and the ability to haggle, consider offering your services as an event planner. You can help plan weddings, birthdays, and other special events for clients in your area. You'll be surprised how many find this too stressful to undertake themselves.
Cleaning services
If you're good at cleaning (more Marie Kondo Pre-kids, not after) consider offering your services as a cleaner. You can offer your services to friends, family, and neighbours or advertise on local facebook groups. Flyers through doors also works well, and a good cleaner quickly becomes known via word of mouth! If you can manage this when your partner or other family member is spending time with the children, it can be a useful side gig.
Social media management
Many businesses are in need of social media managers to help them manage their online presence. As a social media manager, you can earn money by managing social media accounts, creating content, and engaging with followers. A good understanding of all main social platforms is a must, including their current algorithms, how to post and engage ORGANICALLY, as well as some good editing apps and software in order to produce content for the client. If you can show that you have successfully built up your own social media presence first, then this will be a great 'CV' for you to use to market your services.
Online surveys
While online surveys won't make you rich, they can provide an easy way to earn some extra cash in your spare time. Websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie allow you to earn money by taking surveys, watching videos, and more.
These are just a few more ideas for side hustles that full-time parents can try. Be sure to choose a side hustle that suits your skills and interests, and that fits into your schedule. With a little creativity and hard work, you can earn some extra money to help support your family.