6 Flexible Side Gigs for Busy Parents

Being a parent is a full-time job, and while it can be life-affirming and rewarding in a myriad of ways, it doesn’t pay your bills. However, resourceful parents have figured out how to bring in some extra cash by turning their existing hobbies and interests into lucrative side hustles.

Here are some ideas for parents on how they can earn some extra cash.

Child care/pet care

If you are a stay-at-home mom or dad, the most natural option for a side hustle is to expand into babysitting or childcare for other people’s children. Licensure requirements and regulations for an at-home daycare vary by state, so research what’s possible where you live. Alternatively, instead of caring for children, you can consider pet sitting or dog walking. Several easy-to-use websites can help you connect with pet owners looking for temporary boarding or daycare for their furry friends.

Refurbish garage sale items

It’s amazing what some people will throw out. If you are thrifty and have a good eye for spotting treasure among junk, consider salvaging discarded items at garage sales or thrift stores. With a little love and refurbishing, you can flip furniture, art, clothing, and knickknacks for more than you originally paid for them. It’s easier than ever to sell miscellaneous objects online through social media or free classified-ad boards.

Drive for a rideshare service

While not something you can do when you have kids in tow, many parents have found success driving for a rideshare service. You can choose your own hours, which means you can work around soccer practice pickups, errand runs, and other obligations. If you’d rather not have a stranger in your car, some rideshare services have expanded into food delivery, which offers another avenue for making some money on the side.

Launch an online store

If you are a creator of any sort, you should consider starting an online store to sell your products. The thought of it may seem intimidating, but templates and resources have reduced the barrier to entry. You will still need to do some research to find an e-commerce platform that can support a payment-processing system, and you should make sure that payment system is secure for your customers. You will also need to create an omnichannel business strategy that gets your products and website seen by as many potential customers as possible. However, if you are business savvy and up for the challenge, managing your products and online store can be done around your existing schedule.

If you’re starting an online store, you’ll likely find yourself working from home a lot. Look for a spot that’s quiet and free from distractions. To make your office space conducive to productivity, you’ll need to limit clutter and carefully organizer paperwork, supplies, and electronics.

Blogging

If you’ve got a knack for writing and photography, then you might want to consider blogging about your passion. To be successful, you’ll need more than just content-creation skills. You will need to know how to market your blog. Like with an online store, you will need to harness social media to build your audience. But once you have an audience, there are multiple ways to monetize your blog, including traditional advertisements, sponsored content, partnerships, and even public appearances and book deals.

Miscellaneous odd jobs

In today’s world, people will pay for anything. If you can think of it, there is likely someone out there willing to pay for it. If you are a cash-strapped parent, get creative! Find people who need some help doing odd jobs around their home, such as laundry, dishes, or yard work. If you have a specialized skill (e.g., tutoring children, teaching music lessons, editing essays), you can get paid for it. Start with your immediate network of friends and family and use word of mouth to build your base. You can also utilize online platforms where people post errands and other miscellaneous tasks they’ll gladly pay someone else to do.

Raising children isn’t cheap, and parents know that every penny counts. By using your existing strengths and embracing a flexible schedule and technology, you can make a steady stream of side income that benefits you and your family for years to come.

Photo via Pexels