As a stay-at-home parent, you know the value of even just a little extra income. If you’ve been thinking about earning some money on the side in addition to your full-time parenting job, you need to look no further than your own front door. In the following guide presented by Wisconsin Buys Local, we take a look at some tried-and-true ways you can earn some money on the side all while you look after your kids and manage your home:
1. Start freelancing
Utilizing a skill you already have to provide services for an online clientele is one surefire method for making a little more income out of your own home office. There are several types of freelancing jobs, including:
- Writer
- Designer
- Accountant or bookkeeperw
- Marketer
- Social media consultant
- Virtual assistant
Really all you need to get started freelancing in these areas is a desire, a computer, and a dedicated workspace. Motivation, drive to find clients, and business know-how are close secondary needs! Any one of these kinds of jobs is a good place to start, since they usually entail project-based work that will allow you to determine your own hours and work pace.
2. Start an eCommerce business
Now more than ever, it’s easy to launch a business that exists solely online. In particular, the field of eCommerce continues to boom with no real end in sight with 87 percent of UK residents making at least one online purchase in 2020.
All of this is to say: Starting your own eCommerce business is a great way to make extra money from home, especially if you use the right marketing strategies.
For the future: Before you hire
When you launch your online business, you may do so by yourself, but eventually, you may want to bring in employees to help you build your brand and participate in your successful venture. When hiring a small staff, it will be prudent to use an Excel spreadsheet to track employee hours; however if you’re hiring a larger workforce, you may need scheduling software.
3. Start a babysitting business
Another thing you could do that would utilize your space — and efficiently use the time you’re already spending taking care of your own child — is to start a childcare business out of your home. You can still accommodate your needs and the needs of your child while at the same time earn money by taking care of other people’s children.
You need relevant experience, so some basic certifications may be necessary (e.g., CPR, first aid, and other childcare-related activities). There will always be a need for childcare, so why not get paid for the thing you’re already doing? Not to mention that taking care of kids can be a deeply fulfilling experience.
Find a Larger Home
Is your home large enough to accommodate your home business? If you currently lack office space or space for inventory, it may be time to upgrade your home. Connect with a reputable estate agent to discuss your needs and potential properties. Give careful consideration to what you can afford—you can use a mortgage calculator to figure out how much you can spend based on your income and the term of your mortgage.
Your new office should be large enough to accommodate all of your supplies and equipment while providing you with space for comfort and productivity. If possible, pick the room that allows for the most natural light, as it can improve mood and help reduce eye strain, among other benefits. To ensure you always have enough natural light in your office, consider hiring professionals to routinely clean them. Search online for “residential window washers near me” and find the businesses who have received the highest ratings from customers.
Start now!
These are only a few ways you can supplement your income with some extra cash while you also take care of your children from home. It’s all about taking advantage of the time you have in order to get the most out of the workday. Work during naps, take phone calls while the kids are immersed in the latest video game, and if you have a partner, tag them to help sometimes.
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