How to make money as a stay-at-home mom in 2024
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Being a stay-at-home mom is a full-time job in its own right! It's like working as a child care specialist, grocery delivery service, gourmet chef, tutor, Uber driver, and more, all rolled into one.
But if you're wondering how to make money as a stay-at-home mom on your own schedule, you've come to the right place. Today, there are more remote jobs out there than ever before, many of which come with the added benefits of a very flexible schedule.
Join us as we explore how to earn money from your own home, all while enjoying the benefits of raising your own children. We'll go over some of the best jobs for the stay-at-home parent and introduce you to a great way to generate passive income on your own schedule.
Main takeaways from this article:
From freelance writing or teaching English online to remote data entry or pet sitting, today, there are more opportunities to make money as a stay-at-home mom than ever before.
Managing work from home along with childcare demands strategic planning. Tips include creating a daily schedule, setting up a dedicated workspace, setting boundaries, partnering with family for shared responsibilities, and investing in self-care.
Print on demand is a business model that allows you to sell items featuring your own designs, without ever having to worry about product creation, managing inventory, or order fulfillment.
The income from a print on demand business can vary, with some stay-at-home moms making a few hundred dollars a month and others generating a full-time income.
Success in POD relies on investing time in managing the store, marketing products, and utilizing strategic steps like selecting a niche, finding a reliable supplier, designing unique products, choosing the right sales channel, setting up the business effectively, and employing robust marketing techniques to attract and retain customers.
Running a print on demand store can be a great way to earn extra cash while enjoying the freedom to create your own schedule.
What kind of jobs can a stay-at-home mom get?
As many stay-at-home moms can attest, there are now more opportunities for remote work than ever before. Finding the perfect job for you will largely come down to your own personal interests, skills, and even the age of your child.
For instance, if you're a stay-at-home mom who is caring for a newborn, then offering pet-sitting services from your own home may not be the smartest play. Instead, you might look into part-time jobs that allow you to earn cash doing something like:
1. Freelance writing
If you've got a knack for stringing words together in a way that not only makes sense but also engages and intrigues the reader, then freelance writing may be a viable income source for you as a stay-at-home mom. This opportunity provides flexibility and diversity - you can take on projects when it suits your schedule and write on a multitude of topics.
How to get started:
Identify your niche and what you enjoy writing about and are good at. This can range from children's literature and parenting advice to tech articles and travel blogs.
Compile your best work into a portfolio to showcase your writing skills to potential clients. If you're new to writing, you can create sample articles.
Start your job search. Platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, and ProBlogger are great starting points to find freelance writing gigs. You can also pitch to blogs, magazines, and businesses directly.
Set your rates. Initially, you might have to start with lower rates, but once you've gained experience and positive ratings, feel free to increase your charges.
2. Working as a social media manager
If you're social media savvy and enjoy engaging with people online, working as a social media manager could be a fantastic way for you to generate income from home. This role involves planning, implementing, managing, and monitoring a company's social media strategy to increase brand awareness, improve marketing efforts, and increase sales.
How to get started
Assess your skills and brush up on current social media trends. Understand analytical tools and ensure you have top-notch communication skills. Showcase your skills by building your social media profiles and engaging in strategic networking.
Learn more about each platform. Each social media platform has its own rules and audience. Understanding these nuances can be beneficial.
Obtain relevant certification. While not always necessary, certifications can enhance credibility and job prospects.
Finally, you can start applying! Use job posting sites, networking, or even reach out to businesses directly to find potential opportunities.
3. Data entry
Are you a whiz at typing and comfortable with spreadsheets? If so, data entry could be an ideal way for you to make money while juggling the demands of motherhood from home. Data entry is a flexible, non-technical work-from-home opportunity where moms can leverage their effective typing skills and attention to detail to earn a substantial income. It offers a stable source of income and flexible hours that could work well amid your mom duties.
How to get started
Brush up your typing and spreadsheet skills. Websites like Coursera and Khan Academy could offer free resources to get up to speed.
Create a profile on freelance job boards like Upwork or Fiverr, showcasing your skills and any relevant experience.
Start applying for data entry jobs. Make sure you understand the task and confirm the pay rate before accepting any job.
Consistently deliver high-quality work and gather positive reviews to increase your rates over time.
4. Finding ways to monetize your own blog
If you're passionate about writing and sharing your experiences or expertise, monetizing your blog can be a lucrative income source. With a well-established blog, you can earn money through various methods like affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, advertising, and selling your own products or services. However, ensure your content is high-quality, relatable, and valuable to your readers to foster trust and drive consistent traffic.
How to get started
Find your niche. Determine your passion, expertise, and target audience to form your blog's content foundation.
Create and promote content. Publish high-quality, valuable content regularly and use SEO and social media to grow your audience.
Engage in affiliate marketing with relevant programs, secure sponsored posts, and display advertisements.
Expand revenue streams. Explore selling your own products or services like eBooks, courses, or consulting through your blog.
5. Monetizing your craft skills by starting an Etsy shop
If you have a creative flair for making beautiful, unique items, opening an Etsy shop can be an excellent way to channel your craftiness into a profitable business venture. Etsy provides an online marketplace specifically for handmade goods, vintage items, and craft supplies, attracting millions of shoppers who appreciate original and personalized designs. Launching your Etsy shop can be a rewarding and fun way to make money from home while showcasing your individual creativity.
How to get started
Decide what type of product you'd like to sell. Ensure it aligns with your skills and interests to keep you motivated. Whether it's handmade jewelry or personalized home decor, pick a product that has a market on Etsy.
After settling on a product line, create a small inventory. Etsy shoppers love items that are high-quality, unique, and have a personal touch, so make sure every piece is something you're proud of.
Set up your Etsy shop. Visit Etsy’s website, click on "Sell on Etsy" on the site, and follow the step-by-step instructions to get your shop off the ground.
Now, create product listings. Use clear, high-quality photos from multiple angles, write descriptive product titles and descriptions, and set your pricing. Lastly, don't forget to market your shop.
6. Creating online courses
Another exciting opportunity for stay-at-home moms in 2024 is creating and selling online courses. If there's a particular skill or knowledge that you've mastered, why not share that wisdom with others while making money doing so? All you need is a clear concept, engaging content, and the right platform to reach interested students across the world.
How to get started
Determine a subject matter that you're well versed in and feel confident discussing. Check online platforms to see if there is a demand for courses in your chosen field.
Create an outline to develop a logical and engaging course syllabus.
Film your course. Make sure the video quality is as high as your content. You don't need professional equipment - a decent smartphone camera can do the trick.
Choose a platform like Udemy, Teachable, or Coursera to host your course and reach a broad audience. Promote your course leveraging social media and your personal network to market your course.
As your kids get older, you'll enjoy less fear of your phone waking up your infant during the few hours of precious freedom you score during nap time. As your kids grow, so will your options for great ways to make extra money or even generate a full-time income while working your own hours. You might consider flexible jobs such as:
7. Remote customer service rep
If you're a natural when it comes to problem-solving and have great communication skills, consider stepping into the shoes of a remote customer service rep. This is a role that allows you to interact with customers from the comfort of your own home, providing help and resolving issues related to a company's product or service.
How to get started
Enhance your communication, problem-solving, and technical skills. Familiarize yourself with common customer service software.
Look for remote customer service job listings on job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Do remember to read through the job description meticulously.
Apply for jobs. Tailor your resumé and cover letter to match the job requirements. Highlight your communication skills, technical experience, and previous customer service roles, if any.
Prepare for interviews. Rehearse common customer service scenario-based questions and be prepared to display your problem-solving ability.
8. Remote real estate agent
If you have a passion for property and enjoy connecting people with their dream homes, working as a remote real estate agent could be perfect for you. This role generally requires helping clients buy, sell, and rent properties. It can provide you with the flexibility you need while offering a substantial income, especially once you've built a strong network. You don't always have to leave your home to do this job, as virtual home tours and digital marketing have become widespread.
How to get started
Gain knowledge of the real estate industry. This can be done through self-study, online courses, or obtaining a real estate degree. Gain a good understanding of buying, selling, and property laws.
Acquire your real estate license. Check the requirements of your state and complete the necessary courses and exams to get your license.
Join a brokerage. As a newly licensed real estate agent, you will need to work with a brokerage to gain experience and start working with clients.
As a remote agent, a strong online presence is crucial. Build a professional website, utilize social media, and consider online ads to help connect with potential clients.
9. Earning money as a mystery shopper
If you possess a keen eye for detail and have a fondness for reviewing products and services, mystery shopping might be your ticket to earning money as a stay-at-home mom. Companies look for feedback to enhance their customer service, and that's where you step in. As a mystery shopper, you evaluate a business's products, customer service, or even their websites and get paid for your insights.
How to get started
Research reputable companies. Be vigilant and research companies before signing up to steer clear of scams and fraudulent platforms.
Once you find reliable companies, sign up on their website. Many mystery shopping sites demand some personal information and details about your shopping preferences.
Businesses will assign you tasks or scenarios to go through during your shopping experience. Ensure you understand all instructions before starting your assignment.
Follow the given guidelines during your shopping experience, take detailed notes, and then submit a report including your honest review and feedback about your experience.
10. Teaching English online
Sharing your language skills can become your next source of income, especially if you're proficient in English. As a work-from-home English teacher, you can connect with eager learners all over the world, share your knowledge, and earn income, all without stepping out of your home. Unbelievable, right? No, it's not! Below are your four simple steps to switching your native tongue talents into a profit-making machine.
How to get started
Get a TEFL certification. Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) certification is typically required for online English teaching positions. Locate a reputable provider and complete the necessary coursework.
Next, choose an online teaching platform that suits your needs. This could be a company that matches teachers with students or a platform that allows teachers to set their own schedule.
Set up your digital classroom. Ensure you have a quiet and well-lit space for teaching and a stable internet connection. Use a quality webcam and headset to enhance communication with your students.
Once you're all set, it's time to start teaching. Ensure you plan your lessons well, make them engaging, and cater to your students' learning style for optimum results.
11. Virtual assistant
Gain from your organizational skills and multitasking abilities by becoming a virtual assistant. As a Virtual Assistant, you'll provide administrative, technical, or creative assistance to clients remotely, making it a perfect fit for moms who prefer work-from-home setup. So, how do you kick-start your freelance virtual assistant career?
How to get started
Identify your skills. Pin down your strengths and expertise areas—be it email management, content creation, bookkeeping, or customer relations.
Understand market requirements. Research the in-demand services that businesses seek from a Virtual Assistant to align your offerings accordingly.
Establish your online presence. Create a professional website, complete with your services, testimonials, and a portfolio, to attract potential clients.
Network and market yourself. Leverage social media and online platforms like LinkedIn, Upwork, or Fiverr to network with potential clients and advertise your services.
12. Offering pet-sitting services
For moms with an affinity for animals, pet-sitting can be a fantastic way to bring in some extra income. By providing care for pets when their owners are away, you can transform your love for animals into a successful home-based business. Since many people prefer personalized pet care to boarding facilities, the demand for trusted and reliable pet sitters is high.
How to get started
Begin by identifying the types of pets you are comfortable with and the services you can provide, ranging from daily walks to overnight stays.
Get certified. While not mandatory, having a pet care certification can add credibility to your business. Research organizations that offer relevant courses and certifications.
Design a list of your services and pricing. Be clear about what is included in each service, such as feeding, walks, playtime, etc.
Promote your business. Start spreading the word within your community, create a website, or use pet-sitting platforms to promote yourself and connect with potential clients.
13. Remote accountant or bookkeeper
If you have prior experience or training in finance, working as a remote accountant or bookkeeper can be an excellent way for stay-at-home moms to generate income. These roles involve maintaining the financial records of a business, such as preparing reports, updating financial statements, and checking financial records for accuracy.
How to get started
Get a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance. Look into online courses or certifications for bookkeeping if you don't have this background.
Organize a quiet and dedicated workspace at home to maintain focus and professionalism during work hours.
Get accustomed to accounting software like QuickBooks, Excel, or FreshBooks. Many of these software systems offer free training resources online.
Register on freelance job platforms or remote job boards to find prospective clients. Also, network with small business owners or other professionals in your local area or online communities.
14. Personal finance advisor
If you have a knack for budgeting and saving and enjoy helping others reach their financial goals, consider becoming a personal finance advisor. This job involves offering financial advice to individuals about various aspects of their personal finances, like investments, insurance policies, and retirement plans. The best part? You can offer your services remotely in 2024.
How to get started
Acquire the necessary knowledge. Understand the financial market, tax laws, and investment products. Taking finance-related courses or earning a degree in finance can be beneficial.
Become more credible by earning professional certifications like Certified Financial Planner (CFP) or Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).
Build a strong network. Networking is crucial in this field. Start by offering your services to friends and family and let word-of-mouth referrals grow your client base.
Create a professional website to showcase your skills, offer your services, and attract potential clients. Remember to outline your pricing structure clearly.
No matter what your interests are, there are now plenty of legitimate jobs out there for stay-at-home moms searching for flexibility. Sites like FlexJobs are dedicated exclusively to remote work, but even popular job sites like Indeed now offer a remote job filter.
Strategies to balance work-from-home opportunities with daily responsibilities and childcare
Let's admit it—balancing work and domestic life in such a closely intertwined scenario can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. But we’ve got you covered! Here are a few handy tips to help you efficiently manage both your work and household.
1. Make a daily schedule
Structure your day so that everything works out well. A daily schedule helps to reserve specific time slots for work, childcare, and house chores. This way, you're better guided on how and where to spend energy during the day. Just remember, it's okay if everything doesn't go as planned!
2. Create a dedicated workspace
Set up a dedicated workspace in your home. It doesn't have to be a separate room, but a consistent space that is clutter-free, quiet, and stimulates productivity. This 'work zone' signals both to you and your family that it's work time, helping you strike that crucial balance.
3. Set boundaries
When home and work share the same space, it's important to set boundaries. Clearly communicate your work hours to your family, and, as much as possible, stick to these as your committed office hours. Just like in a traditional job setting, let your kids and spouse understand that while you are physically at home, you are mentally at work during these hours.
4. Partner with your spouse or a family member
If possible, share childcare and household duties with your spouse, older children, or any other family member. It's a team effort! And on days when they can relieve you for a few hours, seize that opportunity to focus on your work.
5. Outsource when necessary
Remember, it's okay to ask for help. Consider hiring a babysitter, a meal delivery service, or a house cleaning service to lighten your load. While doing everything on your own may feel good, you're not a superhuman and don’t have to do it all yourself!
6. Invest in self-care
Remember to look after yourself, too. A burned-out you isn't good for business—or your family. Schedule regular downtime to rest and rejuvenate, even if it's just a quick coffee break, a workout session, or a few pages of your favorite book.
What is print on demand (POD)?
Print on demand (POD) has become an increasingly popular way to make money as a stay-at-home parent. Not only is it a fantastic way to make extra cash in your spare time, but it's easy to get started with minimal effort or overhead investments.
The print on demand business model allows you to get into direct sales by selling items from your own website or online marketplace account without ever actually having to create or ship your own products. Here's how it works:
You create your own unique designs or slogans.
Select a print on demand supplier like Gelato that provides high-quality merchandise like apparel, mugs, totes, wall art, and more.
Upload your designs and offer them for sale on the products of your choice.
When a customer places an order, your POD supplier will create the product and ship it right to the customer.
You only pay the POD supplier's fees for products that have already been sold and keep the extra cash.
Print on demand can make for a great stay-at-home mom job due to the fact that there's no need to set aside a spare bedroom to manage your own inventory. Since you don't even have to worry about shipping your orders to clients, you can earn money and spend time with your child all at the same time.
How to make money as a stay-at-home mom with print on demand
Just how much money can you make from your own POD store? This will largely depend on how much or little time you want to put into your business.
Some stay-at-home moms make a few hundred dollars a month, while others are able to generate a full-time income. It's important to realize that while it's definitely possible to make money running your own Etsy shop or online store, neither is a get-rich-quick scheme.
In order to generate extra income, you'll still need to take the time to manage your store and market your products. But the upside is that you'll be able to enjoy the freedom of working your own hours.
Interested in finding out more? Let's go over how to make money as a stay-at-home mom by launching your own POD store.
1. Choose a niche
The good and not-so-great news about the print on demand business model is that the word is out that it can be a great way to earn extra income. On one hand, there are now plenty of great resources, but on the other, there's also a great deal of competition.
One of the best ways to help your online store stand out is to cater to a specific niche. Basically, this means choosing a certain audience or theme to stick to rather than simply offering a huge variety of random products.
The key to selecting the perfect niche for you is often considering your interests, hobbies, and passions. For instance, if you love to pet sit but are on a hiatus due to your new baby, you might consider designing pet-themed shirts and hoodies.
You may even discover that your own child is a great source of inspiration. If you are known for your witty social media posts about the stay-at-home mom experience, you might consider printing funny slogans on baby gear like t-shirts or onesies.
No matter what niche you select, use everything from your social media accounts to tools like Google Trends to research what types of products are trending among potential clients. The better you get to know your audience, from their age and interests to their locations and demographics, the more ideas you'll generate.
2. Find a reliable print on demand supplier
Selecting the right print on demand supplier can go a long way toward generating extra income while maintaining control of your own schedule. Make sure to do your research to ensure that you select a supplier that you can count on for:
High-quality products
A wide variety of products to choose from
Reliable shipping and delivery options to plenty of different locations
Great customer service
Sustainability and other values that align with your own
At Gelato, we only sell items of the highest quality standards and offer plenty of free resources and educational guides to help you get started. With an emphasis on sustainability, we partner with over 130 production partners in 32 countries to produce a 90% local production rate, quicker delivery times, and few carbon emissions.
Our customer service team has always got your back when it comes to any questions or concerns to ensure that you can enjoy making money in a smarter, faster, and greener way. We're dedicated to helping busy moms everywhere earn extra money while enjoying the freedom to raise their own children.
3. Select your products
Now that you've selected your niche, it's time to decide what type of items you want to sell! If you already run your own blog or enjoy a large number of followers on your social media accounts, then running surveys and polls can be a great way to get feedback directly from your audience.
Otherwise, you can use the time-honored direct sales strategy of creating a customer persona. A customer persona is more or less a fictional character that represents your target customer, their interests, profession, values, etc.
For instance, you might create a persona called Maggie the stay-at-home mom. By visualizing Maggie and her needs, you might discover that she's in the market for things like:
An indestructible phone case
A tote bag with plenty of room for extra diapers
A customized baby onesie
A wall calendar to help her stay on top of her busy schedule
A shatter-proof travel mug she can use on the go
Or maybe your shop caters more to a niche like yoga lovers? In this case, you might create a persona called Yoga-loving Laura, who might be more into things like:
A performance tank top to wear during class
A 100% biodegradable phone case
A stainless steel water bottle
4. Design your custom products
Once you've narrowed down the type of products you want to offer, it's time to tap into your inner graphic design skills! Rest assured that if you aren't quite so confident in your own inner Picasso, it's now easy to hire a freelance graphic design expert on sites like Fiverr or Upwork to help bring your ideas to life.
Otherwise, you can use your favorite design software or the Gelato Design Editor tool to create digital mock-ups of your designs. Play around with different colors, fonts, and design placements, while keeping in mind that too many of any of the above can make your design look cluttered and overwhelming.
This is a great time to take Pinterest or look at the products available on other sites for inspiration. Once you're happy with your designs, it's always best to place a sample order of any product you want to sell to ensure it looks great in person.
Once you've verified that your products are exactly what you want to offer, take high-resolution photos to use for your online store. You might even consider using your friends as models to show off your products.
5. Choose a sales channel
Now it's time to decide where to set up shop! There are now plenty of different places to sell items online and the good news is that Gelato provides easy integrations that can seamlessly connect with almost any of them.
No matter which option you choose, make sure you come up with a catchy, relevant, and memorable name for your shop. You'll also want to design a sleek logo, either by using free design tools like Canva or by enlisting the help of a freelance logo designer.
Your own custom website
These days, there are plenty of great online tools like Wix and Weebly that offer easy drag-and-drop tools to help you design your own website in no time. The benefit of this approach is that you can customize your site to reflect your branding as much or as little as you like.
If you have the budget to spare, you might even consider hiring a freelance writer or website design expert if you need help. The only possible drawbacks are that, unlike online marketplaces or social media platforms, your site won't come with an established audience, so you'll need to figure out ways to draw in potential customers.
Social media platforms
Ever wish there were more remote jobs available for stay-at-home moms who are awesome at networking? This could be your chance to create your own!
Many social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram now offer online shops that allow you to sell directly to followers. While these shops can be a great way to make extra money, many retailers also choose to use them in addition to their own websites or online stores.
Ecommerce platforms
Ecommerce platforms like Shopify come with plenty of great tools that can connect to your existing website or even help you create a new site. The only potential downside is that Shopify does charge a monthly subscription fee you'll want to work into your overhead costs.
If you are familiar with WordPress, then the WooCommerce plug-in can be a great way to go. If it looks like the best option for you, you might even consider signing up for an online course to help you learn how to use it to create your online store.
Online marketplaces
Online marketplaces like Etsy tend to be very user-friendly and make it easy to get your shop up and running. As opposed to ecommerce platforms, online marketplaces are designed to feature multiple sellers on the same site, sort of like an online mall.
While you won't have to pay any monthly subscription fees to run an Etsy shop, just be aware that the marketplace will charge you a percentage of every sale. Be sure to factor these charges into your pricing to ensure they don't eat away at your profit margins!
6. Set up your online business
Once you've selected your sales channel and customized it with your own branding, you'll be ready to start offering your products for sale. Remember to feature high-quality photos and detailed descriptions alongside each of your products.
You'll also want to use search engine-optimized (SEO) keywords to ensure that your products are as easy to find as possible. If you're new to the concept, it's worth checking out HubSpot's free SEO online course.
The pricing you choose for your products is also a vital key to ensuring you are able to make money from your store. Be sure to factor in overhead costs such as:
Your POD supplier's fees for each product
How much time or money you spent creating each design
Any ecommerce platform or online marketplace charges
Marketing costs
The trick is to ensure you can charge enough to make a profit without overcharging. Be sure to check out your competitors to get an idea of average prices within your niche to ensure you aren't charging too much to remain competitive.
7. Market your products
Once your shop is open for business, all that's left is to get the word out to potential customers! If you choose to use POD to make money as a stay-at-home mom, then this will be your most essential task in the long run.
Whether you want to earn extra cash or turn your shop into a full-time job, your ability to draw in customers is the key to success. Luckily, there are now plenty of different ways to use the internet to advertise your merchandise.
Social media
Social media sites are a marketer's dream, as they allow you to get the word out about your store to people all over the world. Create dedicated accounts for your shop on social media channels like Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Twitter.
Tools like Sprout Social and Hootsuite can be incredibly helpful when it comes to both managing free posts and running paid ads targeted at viewers in your niche. While Google Ads comes with a bit of a learning curve, it can also be an invaluable tool to generate business.
Collaborate with influencers
Use your social media accounts to follow and network with popular influencers who are relevant to your niche. Influencer marketing and cross-promotions can go a long way toward getting the word out about your store to a wider audience.
Build an email list
It's also a great idea to use your website and social media accounts to compile an email list. While it's important not to overwhelm your subscribers, using tools like Constant Contact to announce discounts, deals, or contests can be a great way to generate interest.
Keep in mind that your emails don't have to be specifically dedicated to sales. You might choose to create a newsletter with articles or stories related to your niche, as well as announcements about new products or designs.
Generate passive income with print on demand
These days, there's no need to choose between raising your own child and making money. Print on demand offers stay-at-home moms the opportunity to run their own businesses on their own time.
Ready to explore how you can turn your custom designs into extra income? Sign up for Gelato today to join stay-at-home moms everywhere who are earning extra cash in their free time.
