You need to earn cash to care for your family, but you need to be present and there for them, too. To complicate matters, you’re on your own. How can you be a provider and a nurturer when there are only so many hours in the day? First, answer these questions. Are you tenacious? Are you a risk taker? Are you adaptable? Do you like to solve problems?
Welcome to the gig economy, where you make your own schedule and can be your own boss. Here are some lucrative side gigs that will help you bring in the money, without sacrificing any family time.
Freelance Writer/Blogger
It’s never been easier to get started as a writer. With the expansion of new media, you can make your voice heard and grow your audience like never before. Freelancers start around $20 an hour and go up from there. Some have even parlayed their writing into books and television. If you love to write, this could be a great way to make some extra cash.
Babysitting/Childcare
This one’s a no-brainer. You’re great with your own kid, so hire out your expertise. In-home childcare can be lucrative, bringing in $21,000 per year on average. Startup costs are pretty minimal, but it’s a good idea to get CPR certification. Also, check with the authorities to see how many kids you can look after before you must get licensed by the state.
Personal Virtual Assistant
You can make as much as $16 an hour answering emails, returning calls, and handling correspondence from your home. If you have basic office skills and own the necessary equipment, this could be the right job for you!
House Sitter/Pet Sitter
If you just need the occasional boost to your income, check out local social media for people looking for someone to watch their home and pets while they’re away. You can make as much as $75 for an overnight job. Check Craigslist and Facebook for people looking for help.
Tutoring
There’s a booming business available for in-home tutors and English language instructors. Tutors can earn $50 an hour, working part-time from the privacy of their own home, online or in person. Usually, all you need is an internet connection.
Online Sales
Turn a love of crafting into an industry and sell your creations on Etsy! Do you love yard and estate sales, thrifting, and flea market runs? Consider becoming an eBay reseller. Many people have turned their hobbies into their business by harnessing the web to create a customer base.
Transcriptionist/Coder
These days, a lot of companies hire contractors to do transcription and medical coding from home. Such positions usually require minimal training or equipment and start at around $15 an hour. They can go much higher with greater experience.
Driver
With the advent of Uber and Lyft, anyone with a good car can make money with ridesharing. Drive as little or as much as you want, and work the hours you want. The app lets you select routes and times you want to work and offers protections against poor clientele. For example, if someone trashes your car, their credit card will be billed for the cleanup.
There are as many ways to earn money as there are stars in the sky — all it takes is a little creativity and imagination. Wouldn’t it be great to bump up your income without having to be away from the kids? Work-at-home jobs mean caring for the kids while you’re earning a living. Even jobs outside the home are getting better about allowing you to schedule your hours so you can limit the need for a babysitter. The sky’s the limit if you’re willing to try something new.