Side Gigs For Single Parents: Earn Without Sacrificing Family Time
by guest blogger Eric Kelly from My Dadventures
All single parents know how hard it can be to work all day, come home and only have limited time with the kids, and still not be able to make ends meet. There are daycare fees, rent or mortgage and the cost of living. When one job isn’t enough, many parents are forced to take on another one even though it will mean spending even less time with their little ones.
It’s a hard world for single moms and dads, but fortunately, nowadays there are plenty of options when it comes to finding extra work. Side gigs are becoming increasingly popular and allow you to work from home or set your own hours, meaning you can earn money without sacrificing family time. Whether you want to do some freelance writing or turn your creative hobby such as jewelry making into an online business, there are several ways you can become your own boss and earn some cash while you do it.
Here are some great tips on how to get started.
Start an online shop
Starting an online shop where you can sell the things you make or curate is a great way to earn extra money. If you’re an artist, craftsperson or just someone who has a great eye for vintage items, consider starting a shop on a platform like Etsy where you can set your own prices and be your own boss. Just keep in mind that most of these online stores require a small listing fee for each item.
Do some writing
Freelance writing or blogging is a great way to earn extra money, although it requires some patience. Blogging, especially, usually takes a little while to garner followers and freelance writing sites -- both legit and not-- are everywhere. It will take a little time and research to go through all the sites and pull the ones you think will work for your skillset and commitment level.
Of course, if you’re going to be working from home, you need a dedicated home office. It doesn’t have to be a separate room, but it should be a neat, organized space that is free of distractions and has all the tools you need to work. Being your own boss is tough when there are so many things that demand your attention, but having your own workspace will help. Click here for some great tips on how to create a great home workspace.
Babysit
Parents are always looking for sitters during the summer, when school is out but they still have to go to work. If you can do some research to find out how much daycare costs are in the area and set a per-hour rate that’s a little cheaper, you’ll have parents clamouring for your services. Take into consideration, however, that many states have laws regarding how many children can be under the supervision of just one person.
Graphic design freelance
Graphic design does require a certain skill set, but if you took courses in school or are thinking of going back to school in the near future, it’s a great way to earn some extra cash. Freelancing means you have to really work to get your designs in front of the right people, but once you do you’ll be free to work from home on your own time.
Finding jobs that will allow you to work from home and earn extra money isn’t always easy, so don’t get discouraged if it takes a little while. Do your research, ask for help from friends and family and be prepared to try a few different things before you find one you like.
