Diary of a Working Mum

Earning Money on the Side as a Busy Mum

Being a mum is a full-time job, but with rising costs and busy schedules, many mums are looking for flexible ways to earn extra income, myself included . I have started some side hustles, and balancing motherhood with a side hustle is challenging, yet I have found it is entirely possible with the right approach and determination. Here are some practical ideas that I have found to make money on the side without sacrificing a lot of family time.

1. Freelancing: Your Skills, Your Schedule
If you have skills in writing, or in pretty much anything, freelancing platforms like Upwork or Fiverr can sometimes connect you with clients. This allows me to work from home, and I choose my own hours. I often write a blog post when my daughter is napping or playing. It is best to start small with one or two clients to make sure you can work out the best schedule for you.

2. Online Tutoring or Teaching
I am yet to really persue this option, however it is something I will definitley do. If you’re knowledgeable in a subject or speak another language, consider tutoring online. I have seen numerous success stories about this and the pay rates make this option even more attractive. A quick online search shows that platforms like Tutor.com or Preply allow you teach students worldwide via video calls. The sessions can be as short as 30 minutes, making it the perfect choice to squeeze into a busy day. Plus, teaching can feel rewarding.

3. Selling Handmade or Digital Products
Creative mums can turn hobbies into cash. I have to admit, I really struggled to think of something that I could create, and then sell. I had to sit down and do some brain storming, and eventually came up with a few ideas. Some people choose to make and sell crafting kits or personalised gifts, others choose to make and sell decorations or clothing. Platforms like Etsy make it simple to set up an online shop, although I have heard that fees on this site can be quite high. Digital products are especially low-maintenance since they don’t require shipping. I plan to spend a few hours a week creating some digital products, then hopefully the sales wll roll in.

4. Micro-Tasks for Quick Cash
For mums with unpredictable schedules, micro-task platforms like Amazon Mechanical Turk or TaskRabbit offer small, flexible jobs. These can include roles like data entry, completing surveys, or doing local errands. While the pay per task is quite small in some cases, these can add up and can be done when you decide you want to do them.

5. Content Creation for Long-Term Gains
If you love sharing tips or experiences (like me), consider starting a blog, YouTube channel, or social media account focused on anything you like. This can be parenting, family recipes, or lifestyle topics. As I am finding out, it takes time to build an audience. I plan to monetize my blog through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate marketing, as this can create a steady income stream. I try to record videos or write posts when my daughter is asleep to keep it manageable.

I have learned that earning extra money as a busy mum doesn’t mean sacrificing precious moments with my daughter. I get up at 5am each day, and spend a good hour building my income streams. With a bit of creativity and planning, you can find a side hustle that fits your skills and schedule, bringing in extra cash while keeping family first. What’s one small step you can take today towards changing your life?

Cheerio

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