Best Jobs For Stay-At-Home Moms
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There was a time when families could make do with dad’s income, so mommies were free to stay home and look after the kids without worrying too much about finances. Alas, that reality faded a long time ago. And now, even though being a mom is a full-time job, most mothers have had to merge childcare with at least one side hustle to bring in some much-needed extra income.
The good news, though, is that thanks to online technology, work-from-home jobs are not so difficult to come by anymore. Just a simple Google search for “work from home jobs,” and you’ll see hundreds of opportunities. The real struggle is finding the kind of gigs that pay well and allow you to work on your own schedule.
In this article, we look at some of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms that you can start to help meet your income needs today. You might be surprised at the variety of exciting, high-earning options available.
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What are work-at-home jobs?
They’re exactly what they sound like — jobs you can work on from home or generally any other type of fitting, convenient location. Essentially, work-at-home jobs allow you to handle your professional responsibilities without the stress of going to a formal workplace.
Most of these work-from-home jobs for moms involve online work, but many options don’t necessarily require you to stay glued to a computer to get your work done.
The most critical factor when finding the right job as a stay-at-home parent tends to be flexibility. You’ve already got your hands full caring for the kids and running your home all day. That means a standard 9-to-5 schedule will likely not work, even if it's a remote job.
That’s why flexible work is a key consideration when compiling this list of jobs for stay-at-home moms. Let’s get to it.
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Best jobs for stay-at-home moms
1. Become a virtual assistant
It’s the 2020s, so chances are you already know what a virtual assistant (VA) does. Becoming a virtual assistant is a well-known work-from-home job for moms.
The role involves handling the duties of an assistant, usually for a business owner or top manager in a company. These duties widely vary but typically include basic yet time-consuming tasks, such as administration, typing, data entry, customer service, email management, photo-captioning, etc.
As a VA, you can usually set your own work hours. The work is rarely “urgent,” so it’s quite the perfect job as a stay-at-home mom — you can work during your baby’s nap time, when they’re at daycare, or just about any time that suits your work schedule. There’s also plenty of work available as more and more companies are choosing to onboard VAs to handle admin tasks so they can focus on other aspects of their business.
Requirements
Most virtual assistant tasks can be performed on a computer, so you’ll generally need to have some digital skills and know your way around a system. Ideally, you should have a knack for organizing and storing documents, making them easy to access whenever needed. You’ll also need to be able to dedicate at least 20 hours per week and be available on weekdays.
There are several online job platforms where you can find work as a virtual assistant. Examples include FlexJobs, VirtualAssistantJobs.com, Upwork, and Virtual Staff Finder. You can become a virtual assistant with no prior experience. However, applicants with some years of experience under their belts are often given preference since it usually means they can hit the ground running without extensive training.
How much can you make?
Rates tend to vary, but generally speaking, virtual assistants can earn an average of $15 per hour. You can charge higher rates as you gain more experience and establish credibility with your clients.
2. Become a transcriber
Transcription is one of the best jobs for stay-at-home moms because it’s relatively easy and has no strict qualification requirements.
As a transcriber or transcriptionist, you must listen to pre-recorded audio files and accurately type out what you hear. These audio files are typically interviews, podcasts, business meetings, doctors' notes, research work, phone calls, university lectures, and so on.
Overall, transcription jobs are as flexible as they come, meaning you can work at your own pace, whether it's late at night, in the wee hours of the morning, or even on weekends.
Requirements
The primary requirement of this flexible stay-at-home mom job is speedy and accurate typing skills. It’s also important to have a good grasp of the English language with strong grammar and punctuation.
One of the best things about this career option is that there are tools that make capturing audio content easier and converting it into text. This saves precious time and helps you avoid having to do the transcription manually. For example, you can use a tool called Otter.ai to transcribe audio files automatically. All you need to do is proofread the transcribed copy and edit it to ensure the final content is cohesive and easy to understand within its context.
How much can you make?
According to Glassdoor, transcribers in the U.S. earn an average of $13 per hour. Transcription jobs in the legal and medical fields tend to pay more.
3. Take online surveys
Online surveys are a classic side hustle for stay-at-home moms. In addition to making extra cash, taking online surveys is usually straightforward. You can make money by answering questions and providing your opinion on issues that can influence brands' decision-making.
What’s more, you don't have to adhere to any schedule. Simply log in, complete surveys and other tasks, and earn your rewards anytime, anywhere.
Some of the best survey platforms available today include Survey Junkie, Swagbucks, MyPoints, and InboxDollars. These apps have solid ratings on Trustpilot and other review sites. More importantly, they generally pay well compared to most survey sites. For example, MyPoints allows you to rack up points, which can later be redeemed for gift cards, cash, or even travel miles.
Requirements
All you need to earn money from online surveys is a good mobile device and a strong internet connection. Most legit survey sites, including MyPoints, Swagbucks, and Survey Junkie allow you to sign up for free, plus you get a welcome bonus of $5 to $10.
One thing to keep in mind is that many survey sites are only available to people in specific regions. For example, MyPoints is only open to the United States and Canadian users. In some cases, you may bypass the location requirement by using a VPN, but this is not guaranteed to work all the time.
How much can you make?
The amount you can make per completed survey usually ranges from a few cents to $5 or even more. Surveys that take longer or require more comprehensive answers usually pay more.
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4. Make money playing mobile games
Did you know you can earn real money from playing games on your smartphone or tablet? It’s like the ultimate side hustle because it doesn't actually involve any work. There are many kinds of games to choose from, so it’s not like you have to spend your time playing something that doesn't interest you.
One of the best things about this gig is that the games are easy to play. Of course, it would help if you had some prior experience in certain games, but even if you didn't, there’s usually little to no complex learning curve involved.
Rewarded Play is a great starting point if you’re looking to get into real money gaming. This app lets you download and play a wide selection of mobile games. In return, you will earn points, which can be redeemed for premium gift cards. Rewarded Play is a legit app with good online reviews and worth checking out.
Another option is to compete in cash tournaments where you compete against other real players for real money. These are usually classic games inspired by real-world competitions. For example, if you’re familiar with classic bingo gameplay, Bingo Cash lets you test out your skills for a chance to win real money for bingo. The game is powered by Skillz, a leading mobile eSports platform that connects players worldwide to compete for real cash rewards.
Requirements
There are no requirements to making money from playing mobile games. You're good to go as long as you’ve got the right skills and a good mobile device with solid internet. Play at your own pace and on your own schedule. There’s no boss to report to and whatever you earn is yours to spend.
That’s what makes it such an awesome “job” for stay-at-home moms.
How much can you make?
Not that much, to be honest. On Rewarded Play, point values usually range from a fraction of cents to $2, maybe $3, depending on the achievement reached. Still, don’t expect to make huge amounts of cash from real money gaming.
You can maximize your earning potential by playing multiple cash-paying games throughout the day, but this will require much of your free time, which is an uncommon luxury for a mother.
That being said, some games do pay above average. For example, Solitaire Cash, another Skillz-powered mobile game, lets players earn up to $83 per win. However, you’ll need to compete at the highest levels to get a shot at games with such high stakes.
5. Become an online tutor
Do you consider yourself an expert in a particular subject matter? Why not turn that expertise into an income-generating gig?
Online tutoring can be a great way to make extra income as a stay-at-home parent. You can work based on a flexible schedule, interacting with young learners and imparting knowledge.
Teaching is one of the most rewarding career paths, whether from within the four walls of a classroom or from the comfort of your home office. There are so many subjects that you can teach, the most common being the English language. Of course, you’ll need to be proficient in your chosen subject.
If you’re looking to explore virtual tutoring, there are several online platforms where you can sign up for free as a teacher. Some popular tutoring companies include VIPkid, Tutor.com, Chegg, QKids, Kaplan, and Manhattan Prep. The online tutoring market is blossoming and more and more opportunities are expected to be available over the coming years. Now may be a great time to get into it if you've got the capacity.
Requirements
You don’t necessarily need a teaching certification to become an online tutor. However, most tutoring platforms will require you to at least have a bachelor’s degree in a course relevant to the subject you want to teach.
You may also be required to demonstrate your proficiency in the subject matter. Tutoring platforms for overseas students, particularly those that provide English language lessons to non-native speakers, may have less stringent requirements and are more suitable for beginners.
The other things you’ll need to become an online tutor are a reliable computer system with clear video and audio functionality. Usually, tutoring companies provide their own platforms for facilitating lessons, but if not, you could always use free tools like Skype, FaceTime, and Google Hangouts.
How much can you make?
Online tutors can earn around $14 to $25 per hour. Some companies do pay considerably more. However, these are usually for tutors specializing in high-demand or specialized subjects. For instance, language tutors teaching a foreign language may earn more than tutors teaching English only.
Some platforms also offer bonus and incentive programs so tutors can earn extra income in addition to their base pay.
6. Start an online business
You can make some serious cash selling stuff online. These don’t even have to be things that you make. Many apps and platforms are available today, including Amazon and eBay, where you can simply resell stuff that you know people would love.
If you love crafting, you can also make a profitable business out of it. Most craft materials are easy to obtain at your local flea markets, and then you can simply sell the things you make on Etsy and other platforms. You could also sell digital products to earn passive income again and again.
One thing to remember is that you should be able to vouch for the quality of the product you’re selling in your online store, especially if you’re dropshipping or reselling items. The last thing you want is to sell low-quality products because you will be quickly bombarded with tons of negative reviews that can effectively kill your store.
Requirements
There are usually some startup costs associated with starting an online business. Even if you stick to the bare minimums, you’d still have to pay for domain name registration, platform fees, payment processing systems, and more.
In terms of time commitment, you’re the boss, so you can work in the store during your free time.
The good news is that you don't need a bachelor’s degree or any other formal education to start. However, it does help to have some prior experience in business management or a related field like marketing, sales, customer service representative, supply management, etc.
How much can you make?
One of the biggest benefits of being a small business owner is unlimited income potential. However, several factors can affect how much profit you can make. These include the level of competition in your chosen niche, your pricing strategy, and your shipping policy, among others.
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7. Run a blog
Being a blogger is one of the most flexible stay-at-home mom jobs available today. As a mom, you most definitely have something unique to share, and with blogging, you can make money by sharing it. You can write about anything you’re knowledgeable and passionate about, and there will likely always be an audience out there who need the resources and tips you publish.
How do you make money as a stay-at-home mom blogger?
There are dozens of ways to monetize your blog, though the most common option is through affiliate marketing. This is when you use your blog to promote products and services to your readers. If they decide to buy it, they go through your unique affiliate link, which gives you a commission on every sale.
Other options include publishing sponsored posts on your blog, displaying paid ads on your blog site, and selling digital products (courses, e-books, guides, etc.).
Blogging is one of those online jobs that are practically recession-proof. As long as you publish timely, relevant information for your readers, you’re likely to keep making money even when times get tough. There’s also a low entry barrier, making it a perfect income-earning activity even for beginners. Flexible work and no income limit — what’s not to love?
Requirements
To succeed as a blogger, there are two main qualities that you must possess — the ability to write informational, persuasive content and adequate free time that you can dedicate to marketing your blog.
In terms of hardware requirements, a reliable computer with a good internet connection is all you need to get started. Most of the tools and apps that you need for blogging are available for free, though keep in mind that there are some unavoidable startup expenses, such as custom domain name registration and blog site hosting.
You’ll also need to be patient, especially in the early stages when you’re still trying to grow your reader base. Be consistent with the frequency and quality of your output even when it feels like there’s no one reading. All successful bloggers have gone through this phase, so don’t feel too disheartened.
How much can you make?
Successful mom bloggers routinely make hundreds or even thousands of dollars every month. As long as your readers keep interacting with your posts, there’s a potential to make money even if the content was published months ago. However, don’t expect to start earning huge amounts in the beginning.
Other factors that can impact how much you can make as a blogger include how much work you put into it, how profitable your chosen niche is, and how well you can drive traffic to your blog site.
8. Provide freelance services
Freelancing is a classic work-from-home job. You work according to your schedule, and it’s easier than ever to start. Several online platforms (Fiverr, Upwork, FlexJobs, etc.) allow you to sign up and access hundreds of job postings related to your freelancing focus areas.
Some of the most popular freelance services that you can offer as a stay-at-home mom include:
- Freelance writing — As a freelance writer, your job is copywriting relevant content for small businesses to meet their content marketing needs. You can also earn extra money as a proofreader and editor.
- Graphic design — As a freelance graphic designer, your work can be featured on websites, social media pages, blogs, online forums, and even print media. There’s always a lot of demand for quality graphic design work.
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO) — Freelance SEO professionals specialize in making a business’s online presence searchable and accessible on the web.
- Web development — Website design and development are among today's highest-paying online jobs. While you don’t necessarily have to be a software engineer, you need to know your way around content management systems and web development coding.
- Bookkeeping — Offer your services as a freelance bookkeeper and get paid.
- Social media management — As a social media manager, you’re essentially in charge of your client’s social media marketing and related strategies.
- Recruitment — Companies are always on the lookout for talents that fit within their recruitment budgets. As a recruiter, you headhunt suitable candidates on their behalf.
Requirements
The main requirement to become a freelancer is to be good at what you do. Competition in the freelancing market is quite stiff, so you’ll want to make sure you’re able to deliver great work every time.
You’ll also need to know how to talk to potential clients and convince them, so they are convinced to hire your professional services.
How much can you make?
There’s no limit on how much you can make as a freelancer. That said, fulfilling your obligations to your clients will often require time, so it’s important to be sure of what you can handle given your mom duties and other household obligations.
Use InboxDollars To Make Real Money!
- Cashback rewards club that pays out real cash.
- Play games like Solitaire and Mahjong for a chance to win money.
- Watch videos and fill paid surveys to earn today.
- Includes a first-class referral program
The bottom line
A stay-at-home job gives you the work-life balance and flexibility needed to make money while raising your kids. There’s no shortage of legitimate work opportunities for stay-at-home moms. Whether you’re a single mom looking for a full-time remote job or trying to get a part-time job to establish an additional income source, hopefully, something on this list has piqued your interest.
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Writer
Ezekiel Arifalo is a freelance journalist who specializes in personal finance writing and editing. His work has appeared on sites including Nova Credit and Medium.
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