23 Apr 13 Ways to Generate Additional Income as a Single Mother
You might love your current job, but what would happen if you were laid off without any warning? Would you have enough funds to support your family? For many people in the country, it’s becoming more and more common to be laid off. In this article, we will discuss various ways that you can generate additional income. We’re not just talking about getting a second part-time job, although that is a good option. We’re talking about opportunities that allow you to do what you enjoy while still earning a good income.
1. Telecommuting Jobs
These jobs are offered by major companies that let you work as a virtual assistant, account executive, travel agent, or marketing specialist right from your home. You will need equipment such as a landline phone, noise-canceling headset, a desktop computer with the latest versions of hardware or software, and a designated workspace in your home.
2. Online Tutoring
If you’re a teacher who desires to work from home, then online tutoring could work for you. Websites such as VIPKID and Chegg always have openings, and you can work flexible hours. You apply through their website where you’ll land an interview. Some online tutoring websites require a bachelor’s degree while others just require a high school diploma and general work experience.
3. YouTube Creator
Many mommy channels feature married women, but there are only a handful of channels targeted at single mothers. You can create a channel for single moms around a variety of niches. These niches include personal finance, co-parenting tips, career development, entrepreneurship, parenting tips, or day-in-the-life-of videos. You can monetize your channel through affiliate marketing, ads shown on your videos, or by selling your own services by linking your website.
4. Housekeeping
There’s no shortage of people who live busy lives and are in need of extra hands to keep their homes in order. You can always work as a self-employed housekeeper. Visit neighbors and offer some basic cleaning services for decent prices, and print out flyers and post them around hospitals, supermarkets, banks, parks, and near bus stops. You get to work a flexible schedule, and you can typically bring the kids if the need arises.
5. Babysitting
This is a great idea if you have a toddler and want him or her to have some playmates. Talk to neighbors with small children, and offer to watch their kids for a few hours a week. If you do an excellent job, those clients can refer you to others. This gig can earn you a few hundred dollars a month, and you’ll get to spend time with your children as well as make money!
6. Freelance Writing
If you don’t have time to start and maintain a profitable blog, that’s okay; you can work as a freelance writer. Numerous online magazines, marketing agencies, and online freelance job sites are always seeking talented writers. This can become your full-time job, and you’ll be able to achieve your dream of working from home permanently. You’ll need a strong understanding of SEO, good research skills, the ability to write well, and time management skills if you plan on working with multiple clients.
7. Graphic Design
This industry is growing by leaps and bounds. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that graphic designers can earn up to $23.00 per hour or $77,000 annually. The good news about this job is that you don’t need to attend a four-year university for training. You can attend a community college or take online courses on websites like Udemy or Coursera. Even YouTube has a lot of detailed tutorials on all aspects of graphic design.
8. Social Media Manager
Are you a social media junkie? Then turn this passion into dollars by becoming a social media manager. This sounds like a fun job, but you’ll still be working hard. Some duties of social media managers include:
- Creating social media accounts
- Posting regularly to those accounts
- Responding to comments on the accounts
- Developing marketing strategies for clients using social media platforms
- Performing analytics to track customer engagement on social media platforms
You’ll need to know the algorithms of all major social media platforms and stay updated on any changes to them. This is important because it affects how you promote clients on the platforms. You will also need to have access to a good social media automation tool such as Buffer or Social Warfare. Good communication skills, some graphic design knowledge, excellent writing skills, and organization skills are needed for this job.
9. Translator
If you’re a foreign language teacher, put your skills to work as a translator. We live in a more globalized society, and this means there is a greater need for translators. Start by applying for jobs on websites such as Lingosaur, Upwork, TranslatorPub, Appen, and Morningside Translators.
10. Ride Sharing
Ride sharing has affected the way we shop and get around town. You can work as a Lyft or Uber driver, and you can also use your car as a personal shopper for companies such as Shipt and Instacart.
11. E-commerce
If you have an idea for a unique product or service, e-commerce is a cool idea. Before you build the website, research your product’s viability to determine if your target customer would buy it. You can do this by giving surveys, giving freebies, and doing in-store product demonstrations. E-commerce serves as passive income, and there is gratification in knowing that others’ lives are made easier because of your product.
12. Reselling
This is related to e-commerce, but with a twist. Instead of coming up with your own products, you’re buying items at low prices then reselling them online at higher prices to make a profit. You’ll have to figure out which products sell best online so that you’re not purchasing things that no one is really interested in.
13. Hairstyling or Barbering
Those who create awesome hairstyles will love this idea. Pick out a room in your home where you can service clients, then purchase equipment and supplies, and you’re ready to start. Word-of-mouth marketing is the best kind of promotion for this business. However, you can post pictures of your clients on your website and social media pages.
In conclusion, these ideas can supplement or even replace your current income at your regular job. Many of these ideas also have low start-up costs and are fun to get involved with.
