Pointers for Stay-at-Home Parents Who Want to Earn Some Extra Cash - Written by Stephanie Haywood

Pointers for Stay-at-Home Parents Who Want to Earn Some Extra Cash

Stay-at-Home- Photo Credit: Pexels.com

Being a stay-at-home parent gives you plenty of time to devote to your child. However, if only your partner is working, living in a single-income household can be difficult. If you're stressed about money, you can earn some by working from home. There are plenty of opportunities available that will allow you to focus on your child while making extra cash. Here’s a quick guide to work-from-home jobs for parents.

Find a freelance job that fits your skillset

If you've got a child to care for, a job like dog-walking or rideshare driving isn't a great fit. You want something you can do comfortably from home. There are plenty of opportunities available. Parents magazine notes that popular gigs for stay-at-home moms and dads include tutoring, working as a personal assistant, and social media management. Try to select a job that matches your expertise.

Know where to look for jobs

Once you've decided what kind of job you want to pursue, you can start looking for work. There are many online platforms that can connect you with potential clients. Fiverr is one example, providing a far-reaching marketplace where people hire everything from graphic designers to writers. There are also online platforms dedicated to specific niche fields, like personal assistants.

Consider setting up your own business

If you want to take your stay-at-home gigging to the next level, consider starting your own business. If you go this route, register your business as a formal legal entity. A limited liability company, LLC, has advantages, like simplifying your tax filing, protecting your personal liability, and reducing administrative burden. State regulations for LLCs vary, so check your area's guidelines before starting. 

Activate your professional network

Whether you decide to freelance or start your own business, a strong professional network will be a big boon. You can tap into your network to find clients, for example. Liaising with other freelancers or entrepreneurs can also provide much-needed support when you're facing hurdles. Owl Labs provides a guide to networking remotely, for example via social media like LinkedIn. This approach to networking is ideal for stay-at-home parents.

Create a work-from-home space

You want to have a dedicated workspace in your home where you can concentrate on your daily tasks. This is especially important if you have a child to care for. Having a separate place to work can help improve concentration and foster productivity. To set up the perfect space, select an area without a lot of distractions, add ergonomic office furniture, and install plenty of light.

Use technology to streamline your work

You only have a limited number of hours in the day. You want to use them wisely! This is especially true when you're juggling parenthood with working life. Investing in the right technology can help streamline your work processes, saving you valuable time. Examples of tools that may be useful include transcription software, time-tracking apps, and video meeting technology.

Go back to school

Earning a degree in a new field could open up a world of job opportunities. Whether you want to learn about computer science, business, or nursing, online courses allow you to complete the coursework at your own pace so you can still fulfill your family and work responsibilities.

Be prepared to ask for assistance

Balancing a career and a kid is a lot. Don't expect to do it all on your own. Know when to ask for help. For example, if you have a big work deadline coming up, you may want to organize some child care support. On the business side, consider what tasks you can outsource to other people. According to World First, this could include generating business leads, agenda management, social media posting, and bookkeeping.

As a stay-at-home parent, you have a wonderful opportunity to connect with your kid every day. Flexible remote jobs give you the opportunity to make money at the same time, giving you the best of both worlds.

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