Are you a working mom wanting to quit your day job so you can spend more time with your family? Or maybe you’re already a stay-at-home mom (high five!) who wants a side hustle so you can add extra income to your family’s budget?
If you have the skill set, I say go for it! Turn your skills and passion into a profitable business! There’s nothing wrong to want to have more time for your family. There’s nothing wrong to want to earn extra income. There’s nothing wrong to want to do things outside of being a mom and wife.
I wanted all these things and just going for it made me a happier mommy! I got to turn my skills into a profitable business, take control of my time, and earn for my family–without leaving our home, or sacrificing time for my children. And you can do it too!
Now, I’m not talking about answering surveys for pennies. I’m talking about a real business that makes real money.
I earn money as a freelance writer and social media manager. I’ve always loved writing and interacting with people with the same interests, which is why I chose these two services when I started my online business.
Would you like to do the same thing? Here are 16 services you can offer as a stay-at-home mom:
1. Writing
Do you have a way with words? Then give freelance writing a shot! I landed my very first freelance gig in 2008 as a freelance writer for an e-commerce website where I wrote product descriptions for the client. I’ve always loved writing–mostly about my travel adventures–so I knew this is something I can do for a living.
Some websites you can check for writing gigs are:
Sometimes, big websites look for writers too. Watch your favorite websites closely for announcements so you can send over your application as soon as there’s an opening!
2. Social Media Management
Another growing need in the business community is for a Social Media Manager. Social media has become a key player in boosting a business’ presence online, but it can eat up a lot of time. Most businesses, therefore, hire someone who can manage their social media accounts for them. Tasks include creating engaging posts, scheduling posts and replying to queries.
Having knowledge about Insights and social media marketing is a plus if you want to get into this profession. I highly recommend reserving a seat in the online classes offered by Sandi Krakowski and Melyssa Griffin.
3. Virtual Assistance
If there’s one thing business owners want, it’s more time. More time to create new products, more time to network, more time for actually living. Hence, the birth of virtual assistance services. Virtual assistants run the back-office work for clients so clients can have time working on more important tasks. Tasks that will most likely be assigned once you’re hired as a VA are calendar management, answering emails/calls, and preparing travel itineraries among many others.
4. Graphic Design
Are you the bomb when it comes with design? You might want to try applying as a freelance graphic designer for companies and entrepreneurs who need help with their logo design, brochure, or business card. One place where I see awesome designers is in Fiverr.
Better yet, set up your own website where you can showcase your portfolio! The perfect example here is Fancy Girl Designs, who has helped numerous bloggers realize their blog brand vision.
5. Photography
If you have an eye for capturing moments or products, then freelance photography is perfect for you! Of course, unless you have your own studio at home, expect that you’ll need to work outside of the home. If that’s fine with you, then go try it!
6. Real Estate
I am not very good when it comes to sales, but if you are awesome at sales and are familiar with the real estate market, this is a very promising industry you can enter as a freelancer. Some moms work as agents, while others earn by managing their very own rental property.
7. Coaching
Are you an expert at something? Do you have a knack for encouraging people and motivating them so they’d find the right path for them either in their personal life or in their career? Then you can try offering coaching services. One known coaching service provider here in the Philippines is Make It Blissful, who helps women entrepreneurs and bloggers find bliss in their lives by practicing intentional living.
8. Website/Blog Management
Not all of us are techies – and that’s okay! However, if you know your way around codes and such, why not offer your help to those who need it? Just like Jennyfer Tan of The Techie Mom, who offers blog migration and website optimization services. Believe me, there’s a HUGE market out there looking for techie people who can help them out with their websites!
9. Hosting Workshops
If you have a wide network of experts in different fields, why not use that network and start offering workshops to those who want to learn certain skills? Ginger Arboleda, the General Manager of Manila Workshops, together with her team created an avenue for people who want to learn and aspire towards their career and personal goals.
10. Tutoring
My own mom is the perfect example for this. A teacher by profession, my mom started offering tutorial services as a side job. She would visit her students in their homes, or her students would go to our own home. If you are great with kids, this is something you should definitely try!
11. Bookkeeping
If you are an accountant by profession who’d like more control over your time, you should think about offering bookkeeping services to both foreign and local clients. I, for one, have hired two moms to do my bookkeeping for me. There are A LOT of local entrepreneurs who are seeking this service, fyi!
12. Selling Crafts
Are you good with crafting? I’m not! (LOL) But if you are, you might want to turn your hobby into a business, just like Marge Aberasturi of Crafted Crafts who turned her love for crocheting into a booming business. Have you seen her work? Just amazing.
13. V-logging
V-logging or ‘Video Blogging’ is, believe it or not, another way to earn money from home. There are numerous companies out there who are on the lookout for talents who can v-log for them. I saw in one freelancing forum a mom who earns by recording herself unbox toys. *dream job*
14. Write Your Own Ebook
Do you specialize on a certain topic? Share your knowledge about something you’re an expert on by writing about it and selling it as an e-book, just like what Teresa Gumap-as Dumadag does! She sells her books and programs about hands-on-parenting through her website.
15. Online Teaching
If you have experience in teaching, let me tell you that it is POSSIBLE to continue your work at home! With online schools like 51Talk, you can build your online teaching career from the comfort of your home. Isn’t that just brilliant?!
16. Food Services
Love to cook or bake? Turn your skill in the kitchen into a profitable business like Denise Rayala of Bebeng’s Kitchen. When Denise started her business, she sold her goods online. She then moved to selling her products in bazaars and later on went into consignment.