Finding the time and energy to work a full-time job while taking care of your family can be challenging, to say the least, especially if you’re trying to do it all on your own. So, if you’re at your wit’s end or if you’ve been praying for a change, hang in there, momma! We’ve got you covered. This blog looks at some of the best side hustles for single moms out there right now.
Each side hustle description will include the skills necessary for the job, the expected salary, and a special “Busy Mom Meter” that rates the amount of time you can expect to put into it on a scale of one clock (Not Very Busy⏰) to five clocks (Super Duper Busy ⏰⏰⏰⏰⏰). So, you'll be able to quickly see if it fits into your busy schedule.
We like to keep things real around here!
See how thousands of single parents have turned a self-publishing side hustle into early retirement, paid college tuition, and extra vacations! This free webinar reveals the exact framework they all use to this day! Sign up today.
Why Start a Side Hustle as a Single Mom?
Moms are some of the busiest people on the planet. Trying to build a side hustle as a working mom with full-time work can be challenging because working full-time either isn’t feasible at all or doesn’t always bring in enough income. The right side hustle can fit into pretty much any schedule and leave you in charge of your earnings.
Here are five reasons to start a side hustle as a single mom:
- To Be Better Prepared for Emergencies: Most people in the US are just one hospital visit away from clearing out their savings, and there’s nothing scarier than financial constraints affecting your kiddo’s health. Our co-founder Rasmus Mikkelsen experienced a crisis when his own son needed an organ transplant. If it weren’t for his self-publishing hustle at the time, there’s no telling what his family would have done.
- To Pay for Rising Grocery Costs: From coast to coast, families are spending triple on the same groceries they had in their carts three years ago. With no end in sight for the price hikes, the only solution is to figure out a way to make more money.
- To Pay for Clothes and Other Essentials: It’s always frustrating as a parent to buy your kid a new pair of shoes only for a growth spurt to make them completely useless. A side hustle can make sure you don’t have to rely on credit cards to provide for your family.
- To Save for Your Kids’ Future: College isn’t the best choice for everyone (and there’s nothing wrong with that). Starting a side hustle is a great way to start building a nest egg without having to take budgeting to the extremes.
- To Spoil Yourself for Once: Most moms put their kids before everyone and everything else, but you can’t pour from an empty cup! You deserve a nice bag, a trip to the salon, or a night out with the girls every now and then.
The Best Side Hustle for Single Moms: Self-Publishing
We miiiiiight be a little biased here, but our student community is literally filled with thousands of single parents whose lives have been completely changed by self-publishing (you’ll even meet some of them later in this post!).
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰
- Skills Required:
- Research
- Basic marketing
- A creative mindset
- Project management
- Potential Income: Unlimited. Royalties provide ongoing recurring income long after your book is published. See how much you can earn with our free royalty calculator.
- Why It Works: There’s a common misconception that you have to be a good writer to be a successful self-publisher, but you don’t actually have to do any writing at all! Your job is just to oversee the publishing process, which means you can outsource all the other parts to other creative professionals that fit your budget. You’re 100% in charge of your schedule, projects, and income.
- Start-Up Advice: Use platforms like Amazon KDP to publish without the major upfront costs associated with other side hustles. Focus on niches you’re passionate about to connect with specific reader groups.
Check out some of our passive income ideas for stay-at-home moms so you can earn money on virtually autopilot.
The Best Publishing Course for Total Beginners: AIA
The AI Publishing Academy offers publishing newbies the fastest ramp to royalties through self-paced instructor-led modules covering everything from:
- Finding the most profitable book ideas hidden in plain sight
- Conducting customer and market research the right way
- Nailing the book outline
- Crafting book descriptions and author bios that people actually want to read
- Growing your publishing business and selling it (if that’s what you want to do)
We give you all the tools and knowledge you need. Seriously, all of it. You just have to show up.
Whether you’re in your pajamas on the couch or watching videos while you work out in your garage, you decide on a comfortable pace.
Remote and Flexible Side Jobs for Moms
Let’s start with a list of jobs from home for ladies. This comes in handy when you’re homeschooling or want to spend time with your baby.
Freelance Writing and Editing
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Strong writing or editing skills
- A good grasp of grammar
- Attention to detail
- Research skills
- Marketing
- Potential Income: Varies widely, generally $15-$50 per hour, depending on experience and project complexity.
- Why It Works: Freelance writing and editing offer the flexibility to work on different types of projects, such as blog posts, social media content, and newsletters. Platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer make it easy to find work that matches your skill set and schedule.
- Pro Tip: Choose projects that fit into nap times or before/after your kids' bedtime.
Virtual Assistant
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Organization
- Communication
- Basic tech skills to manage emails, appointments, and data entry
- Potential Income: Typically $10-$30 per hour, based on the complexity of the tasks and your experience.
- Why It Works: VA jobs don’t usually have too many requirements, like specific degrees or certifications, making them a lot more accessible.
Online Tutoring
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Expertise in a specific academic subject
- Patience and good communication
- Basic tech troubleshooting
- Potential Income: Usually $15-$50 per hour, higher for specialized subjects or advanced levels.
- Why It Works: Platforms like TutorMe and Chegg can connect you with students, and tutoring can be a really fulfilling experience that will come in handy later as your kids age and need help with their schoolwork.
Using Technology to Make Side Income
Now, moving on to jobs that are a bit more tech-centric.
e-Commerce Ventures
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required: Basic Internet skills
- Customer service
- Planning
- Budgeting
- Marketing
- Potential Income: Highly variable; significantly influenced by product choice and marketing.
- Why It Works: Platforms like Shopify simplify the process of starting an online store, making it accessible, even for beginners.
App-Based Delivery Services
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Driver’s license and defensive driving certification
- Good navigation skills and time management
- Customer interaction and conflict resolution
- Potential Income: Generally $10-$25 per hour, depending on the service and demand. Can also include tips!
- Why It Works: There are tons of app-based delivery services these days that are always looking for new people to join, and you get to decide when you want to work.
- Popular platforms include:
- Food Delivery: Join services like Grubhub, DoorDash, Gopuff, or Uber Eats to deliver restaurant meals.
- Rideshare: Use your car to drive for Uber or Lyft.
- Grocery Delivery: Work with Instacart or Shipt to shop for and deliver groceries.
Social Media Management
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Social media skills across multiple platforms
- Creative content creation
- Strategic planning
- Data analysis
- Potential Income: $15-$50 per hour, which can increase with experience and successful campaigns.
- Why It Works: Many companies these days are looking for part-time freelancers and contractors, which means you can work from home in the evenings, and flex your time throughout the week, depending on your family’s needs.
Creative Side Hustles
Are you more of a creative spirit? These side hustles might be more up your alley:
Crafts and Handmade Goods
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Craftsmanship and creativity
- Inventory management
- Bookkeeping
- Potential Income: Varies widely; dependent on product popularity and marketing.
- Why It Works: Platforms like Etsy and Shopify let you sell unique handmade items and get paid directly through their site each time you make a sale. You can also use social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to attract customers.
Photography Services
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Good eye for detail
- Camera knowledge
- Scheduling
- Photo editing
- Potential Income: You can charge per session (e.g., $100-$500), depending on the event and package offered.
- Why It Works: There's a constant demand for high-quality photography for events, portraits, and commercial uses, as well as stock photography for websites.
Graphic Design
- Busy Mom Meter:⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Proficiency in graphic design software
- A good eye for composition and style
- Drawing (by hand or digitally)
- Time management
- Potential Income: Freelancers can earn anywhere from $20 to $100+ per hour based on the complexity of the job and their expertise.
- Why It Works: With businesses continuously needing graphic design work, platforms like Upwork and Fiverr provide a wide audience looking for freelance designers. Targeting local businesses can also open doors to steady contracts.
Home-Based Businesses
Some of us are homebodies, and that’s alright!
Here are some side hustles you might enjoy:
Baking and Catering
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Baking and/or cooking
- Food safety
- Basic business management
- Potential Income: Earnings vary based on order volume and event size.
- Why It Works: Participating in special events like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings can be really special! You can also scale up your business to start your own private catering business and serve even more guests.
Childcare Services
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Patience and compassion
- Childcare and child development expertise
- CPR and First Aid
- Potential Income: Rates depend on local demand and services offered.
- Why It Works: Looking after other kiddos is a good way to make extra money from home while also helping your own kids socialize with others (though this business model definitely takes a good level of dedication).
Beauty and Personal Care
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Beauty treatment knowledge
- Customer service
- Certifications and licensure
- Potential Income: Typically, charges are per session and vary widely based on service.
- Why It Works: If beauty care is your forte, you can turn your passion into extra cash while helping others feel good about themselves.
Party Planning
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Organization
- Creativity
- Planning
- Strong communication
- Potential Income: Varies with event size and complexity.
- Why It Works: If you’re the social butterfly type, this side hustle might come naturally to you and introduce you to all kinds of people.
Life Coaching
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Empathy
- Effective communication
- Problem-solving
- Potential Income: Rates can vary; often charged per session or via package deals.
- Why It Works: As a coach, you get to share your life experiences and insights to help others overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Local Opportunities
The following side hustles are more community-based:
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Animal care and safety
- Dog training
- Customer service
- Potential Income: The rate is typically $15-$25 per hour, but you can charge more for overnight stays, administering medications, and watching multiple dogs at once.
- Why It Works: You can turn your love for animals into a profitable venture by hosting them in your own home, or you can bring your kids along for walks in a stroller.
House Cleaning
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Organizational skills
- Planning
- Outreach
- Potential Income: Ranges from $25-$45 per hour, depending on the complexity and duration of the job.
- Why It Works: Families and businesses are always looking for help with cleaning, and most cleaning jobs take less than a day or two. Some clients might not mind if you bring your kid along with you, especially if they’re in the same neighborhood.
Renting Spare Spaces
- Busy Mom Meter: ⏰⏰
- Skills Required:
- Hospitality management
- Customer service
- Marketing
- Potential Income: Passive income varies widely based on location, space, and market rates.
- Why It Works: This is a great way to generate extra income from the unused space in your home without ongoing effort.
What Strategies Can a Single Mom Use to Quickly Increase Her Earnings?
Investing in your own skills and growth is always going to be the best way to increase your earnings as a single mother, but dealing with the “mom guilt” can be really difficult! Who better to listen to than others who have been in your exact same shoes?
Here are three badass single moms who you might be able to relate to:
Karina went from publishing on the side to leaving her full-time corporate job to go all in, and that journey led her to become a publishing coach!
As a single mom of three boys, Carolina was constantly surrounded by distractions and chaos, but that didn’t stop her from publishing her first book and seeing profits!
Routine is everything, but how the heck do you do that with kids in the picture? Nicole shares her best tips here!
By the way…our Student Success Hub is filled with stories and top-notch advice just like this!
Investing in Self-Improvement as a Mom
We’ve already talked about how investing in your skills can increase your income potential, but what if you’re not even sure where to start? This section highlights some self-improvement options perfect for single moms pursuing side gigs.
Online Professional Courses
Online professional courses are a convenient way to expand your knowledge and improve your skillset without leaving the house (and there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there, too). These courses cater to various interests, like freelance writing, graphic designing, social media management, publishing (wink wink), and online tutoring.
Some popular platforms include:
- Coursera: Offers a wide range of courses taught by leading experts in various fields.
- Udemy: Provides affordable courses in many areas with lifetime access, allowing you to learn at your own pace and revisit the material whenever needed.
- Skillshare: Focuses on classes in creative fields, perfect for side hustles like graphic design, photography, or writing.
Certification Programs
Certification programs aren’t necessary by any means, but they can add credibility to your skills across multiple fields. Otherwise, it feels good to complete something just for yourself, even if it never makes it onto your resume.
A few examples of certification programs include:
- Google Workspace Certification: This certification demonstrates your knowledge of productivity and collaboration tools like Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It’s especially useful for writers, virtual assistants, and social media managers.
- Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification: This certification shows your ability to manage and execute projects efficiently. It’s great for freelance project managers or consultants.
- TESOL/TEFL Certification: This certification opens up opportunities in online tutoring and teaching English as a foreign language as a coach or teacher.
Finding Support and Connecting with Other Moms
Being a single mom doesn’t mean you have to do everything alone. There are tons of ways to find support. And who knows? You might just meet your new best friend.
Benefits of Joining Support Groups:
- Emotional Support: Connect with peers who understand your challenges, providing mutual encouragement, motivation, and accountability.
- Practical Advice: Gain insights and tips from others who might be further along in their side hustle journey.
- Networking Opportunities: Meet potential collaborators or clients who can help you expand your side hustle.
Where to Find Support Groups:
- Online Platforms: Explore Facebook groups specifically for single moms, such as "Badass Single Moms," “Moms with a Side Hustle,” or regional parenting forums.
- Meetup Events: Look for local meetups on Meetup.com that focus on entrepreneurship or specific interests like digital marketing or freelance writing.
- Community Centers and Libraries: Local community centers and libraries often host support groups where you can connect with other single parents in person.
- Business Associations and Chambers of Commerce: Besides meeting other business-minded moms, joining these types of groups can give your freelance business or side hustle more credibility, too!
What Government Programs Provide Financial Support To Single Mothers?
If you need a little extra help before your side hustle takes off, government programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provide financial support to single mothers and families in need. There are also programs like Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) that offer healthcare assistance.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Provides temporary financial assistance to eligible families to help cover essential needs such as food, shelter, and clothing.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): This program offers nutritional support by providing funds for purchasing groceries.
- Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP): These programs offer comprehensive healthcare coverage to low-income families.
Section 8 Housing: This program provides housing vouchers that help families afford safe and stable housing, reducing the burden of high rent costs.
You’re Already a Super Mom! Self-Publishing Could Be Your Next Super Power
Moms have the best intuition—it’s just a fact! It’s basically a superpower.
You already know how to manage a million different tasks, make every dollar stretch further, and give good advice. But what if you could…
- Spend even more time with your kids
- Take your family on vacation whenever you want
- Build a legacy of stories and advice to pass on to your children
This is NOT a fairytale.
You CAN unlock financial freedom and work your own schedule that fits your family life without sacrificing too much of your time (or sanity).
When you’re ready to discover the #1 way to make self-publishing your new superpower, head over to our free webinar, where we’ll show you the exact framework our students and coaches use to turn their ideas into recurring income!
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