Balancing both motherhood and work is quite challenging, particularly for single mothers. However, imagine if I told you there is a method to increase your earnings without giving up valuable time with your family. Step into the realm of side gigs: versatile, fulfilling, and occasionally enjoyable methods to make additional money.
If you have an extra room to rent or excel in writing or technology, a suitable side job is waiting for you. Let’s explore 29 side gigs that could lead you to financial independence and a better work-life balance.
Best Websites to Kickstart Side Hustles for Single Moms
| Provider | Type of Website | Earning Potential | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Freelance Platform | $5-$100/hour | Visit Upwork |
 | Freelance Platform | $5-$10,000 | Visit Fiverr |
 | Online Tutoring | $15-$25/hour | Visit Preply |
Why Start a Side Hustle as a Single Mom?
Let’s face it, being a single mom is like being a superhero without a cape. You’re already juggling a million things. So why add another ball to the act and make extra cash? Well, side hustles aren’t just about making ends meet. These are about creating opportunities on your schedule.
Imagine having the freedom to take that family vacation without stressing over the budget, or building a college fund that doesn’t leave you eating ramen noodles. This and more is possible with a profitable side hustle you can complete as a single mother!
Financial independence is the golden ticket here. Yes, you can even replace a full-time job and save money for anything you like.
Online Side Hustles
Online side hustles are perfect for single moms looking to make money online because they offer one thing. It is the ultimate flexibility. You can work in your pajamas. Yes, you can work during odd hours, or even while the kids are doing their homework. All you need is an internet connection, an online portfolio, and some knowledge about online platforms. Let’s explore some of the ways you can make a profit online.
1. Freelance Writing
Got a way with words? Freelance writing could be your golden ticket. All you have to do is write articles. Freelance writers can even offer tutoring sessions online and make money. But you need additional skills for this. You can even start your blog and write a blog post about the life of a single mother.
Pay rates vary widely. However, an experienced freelance writer can make 10-15 cents per word or more. That means a 1000-word article could net you $100-$150. It is easy to make money writing and you can even develop a full-time career using this method.
Keep in mind that as a freelance writer, you have to own amazing language skills and find writing gigs by yourself. Upwork is the leading online platform for this purpose. But, Fiverr, Writer, Freelancer.com, and People Per Hour are decent additions.
2. Virtual Assistant
Consider yourself the digital equivalent of the Swiss Army knife. Virtual assistants, or VAs, are the unsung heroes that keep companies operating efficiently. You might be in charge of data input, social media administration, email management, and appointment scheduling.
Upwork and Fiverr are excellent places to start. Focus on your valuable service offerings and social media presence. Depending on your expertise and ability level, rates for virtual assistants normally vary from $15 to $30 per hour.
3. Online Tutoring
Do you recall assisting your children with their homework? You can now begin making money in this manner. Indeed, there are numerous duties. Online tutoring is becoming more and more popular, and not only for academic topics. It also covers science, languages, math, and other topics. Numerous tutors are available.
Platforms like Preply and Chegg (formerly known as InstaEDU) connect tutors with students worldwide. Pay rates are impressive, ranging from $15 to $50 per hour while offering a flexible schedule, something your family members will appreciate.
4. Social Media Management
Businesses in today’s digitally native world are desperate for social media whizzes. You will produce content, interact with followers, and track success on several platforms as a social media manager.
Although rates vary greatly, you should be able to make between $15 to $50 per hour, with the possibility of more as you develop your portfolio. You can earn extra money every day by doing this in your leisure time. It can be useful to understand the nuances of every marketing tactic and the components of social media posts.
5. Transcription
Do you have a good ear and quick fingers? Transcription might be your calling. This job involves converting audio or video content into written text. You can make money typing anything from interviews and podcasts to medical or legal recordings.
Platforms like Scribie, Rev, and TranscribeMe offer a steady stream of work for transcriptionists. Pay rates typically range from $0.45 to $1.5 per audio minute, which can add up quickly if you’re fast and accurate. Secure your financial future using these simple services online.
Home-Based Side Hustles
Not all side hustles require you to be in front of a computer. There is another way. Some of the most rewarding gigs can happen right in your own home. Believe it or not, they can fit amazingly into your family life. Let’s explore side hustles from home that could transform your home into a source of steady income.
6. Childcare Services
You’re already a pro at managing your brood. Why not add a few more to the mix? Offering childcare services from your home can be a natural fit for stay-at-home moms.
Platforms like Care.com can help you connect with families in need. You can also tap into your local network. Rates vary depending on your location, the number of children, and the hours you provide care. Usually more is more profitable. But, you can generate income with a simple initial setup. You can even start multiple local businesses and earn cash even more.
7. Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
If you’re more of an animal person, you might want to look at walking dogs. It’s a nice opportunity to spend time with animals, exercise, and make money doing all these things. Connecting with local pet owners is simple with platforms like Wag! and Rover.
Dog walking usually costs $15 to $25 per hour. On the other hand, pet sitting costs more. If the pet is staying overnight, you make even more. You may work from home and earn a full-time salary without needing a driver’s license!
8. Baking and Catering
Turn your kitchen into a mini bakery or catering business. A baking business is ideal if you need side income and you like cooking. It’s the simplest of all hustle ideas but one that works well.
Earnings depend on meals you are making, amount, clients, and your location. It is one of the hustles for single moms that always works.
9. House Cleaning
House cleaning services are always in demand. This is a well-known trend. For busy professionals who don’t have time to keep up with household chores, you are a savior.
Platforms like Care.com can help you find clients. Yes, you can start by offering your services to friends and neighbors. Rates typically range from $25 to $45 per hour. These depend on the size of the home and the depth of cleaning required.
Look at job boards to land a job. Offer pristine service and get even more clients. It is easier than it sounds.
10. Crafting and Selling Handmade Goods
Making a side business out of something you forgot can appear amazing. Whether you enjoy knitting, woodworking, jewelry making, or designing original home décor, there’s probably a market for what you can produce.
Today, it’s easier than ever to sell handmade crafts online through platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or even your own website.
With website builders like Hostinger, you can create a professional-looking site in minutes—no tech skills needed.
Hostinger: Top Website Builder for Beginners
Flexible Part-Time Jobs
Sometimes, a more structured approach to earning extra income can be beneficial. Flexible part-time jobs offer a balance between the freedom of side hustles and the stability of regular employment. Let’s explore some options that could fit nicely into a single mom’s busy schedule.
11. Bookkeeper
Many small firms need financial management assistance but are unable to hire a full-time accountant. Here’s where you get involved. It’s a decent way to supplement your income, with average earnings ranging from $18 to $23 per hour.
This is the ideal position for you if you have good record-keeping and financial support skills. You can even start an online bookkeeping business, offering your services remotely to clients from anywhere.
12. Medical Biller/Coder
Medical billers and coders with expertise are in high demand due to the expanding healthcare industry. This position entails coding medical treatments for insurance companies. Even in part-time positions, certified professionals in this industry can make over $60,000 per year.
Though it seems difficult, it isn’t. However, it’s a well-paying position. You can make more money than a virtual assistant and still work during your hours.
13. Proofreader
Got an eagle eye for grammar and spelling mistakes? Proofreading might be your calling. From academic papers to website content, there’s always a need for sharp-eyed individuals to catch those pesky typos and grammatical errors.
14. Substitute Teacher
Being a substitute teacher can be a great option for moms who love being around kids, even if they’re not their own. Each state has its own rules, but most will require a background check and a bachelor’s degree. Pay can vary quite a bit, usually ranging from $10 to $16 an hour, depending on where you’re at.
15. Health Coach
If you’re passionate about health and wellness, consider becoming a health coach. In this role, you’ll help clients set and achieve health-related goals. It can be losing weight or managing stress.
You can learn some basics by watching videos online. But, you need to appreciate this way of life to sell it to clients. It is one of the side hustles for single mothers which is hard but amazing.
Tech-Based Side Hustles
There is no need to add that tech skills are more valuable than ever. If you have skills, these tech-based side hustles could be your ticket to a flexible and lucrative income stream. Here are the best options available.
16. Graphic Design
Do you have an eye for aesthetics and some skills with design software? Making money with graphic design is probably the way to go. From creating logos and branding materials to designing social media graphics, the demand for visual content is endless. Own schedule is common in this side hustle.
17. Web Development
In a world where every business needs an online presence, web developers are in high demand. If you can code or are willing to learn, this could be a highly lucrative side hustle. Building apps or creating websites will be your profession. Using website builders can make this task much easier.
Start by following a step-by-step guide on how to become a web developer to build your skills and confidence as you go.
18. App Testing
This gig involves testing apps for bugs, user experience issues, and overall functionality. Then you have to report issues to developers. Every single mother can do it and still have plenty of time for her own kids.
You can also discover more ways to make money from an app, such as offering feedback incentives, affiliate links, or even promoting your own content within the app.
19. E-commerce Business
Platforms like Shopify and WooCommerce make it easier to set up an online store. Then you can sell products without the overhead of a brick-and-mortar shop. Think wisely about what you are going to sell. Not all things sell well.
20. Teach Online Courses
If you have expertise in a particular subject (like helping others learn German or other languages), why not share it with the world and get paid for it? Platforms like Udemy, Teachable, and Skillshare allow you to create and sell online courses on virtually any topic.
Selling and Renting Side Hustles
At times, the simplest method to earn additional income is by utilizing what you already possess. There are methods to transform clutter or unused space in your home into money, whether it’s unused items or extra space. Let’s consider some possibilities that could assist you in tidying up and boosting your finances simultaneously.
21. Sell Unwanted Items
We all have items scattered around that we no longer use. Why not transform those scattered items into money? Online marketplaces such as eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Decluttr simplify the process of selling a variety of items like old electronics, secondhand clothing, and furniture.
22. Rent Out Extra Space
Having an extra room, garage, or additional storage space could potentially be a lucrative opportunity. Services such as Airbnb enable individuals to lease spare rooms to tourists, whereas Neighbor facilitates the rental of storage space.
23. Rent Out Your Car
Is your car sitting idle while you’re at work or on weekends? Put it to work and make money with your car for you through platforms like Turo or GetAround. These services allow you to rent out your vehicle to others when you’re not using it.
24. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a business model where you sell products without holding any inventory. When a customer places an order, you purchase the item from a third party who ships it directly to the customer.
It’s easy to get started—just follow a step-by-step guide on how to start a dropshipping business and learn how to pick a niche, find suppliers, and launch your store.
Visit Dsers 25. Print-on-Demand
If you have a creative streak, print-on-demand could be your ticket to passive income. This business model involves creating designs that are printed on t-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and other items only when a customer places an order.
Service-Based Side Hustles
Sometimes, the best side hustle is simply offering a service that people need. These gigs allow you to leverage your skills and time to earn extra income. Let’s explore some service-based side hustles that could fit well into a single mom’s schedule.
26. Personal Shopping or Grocery Delivery
With busy schedules becoming the norm, many people are willing to pay for the convenience of having someone else do their shopping. Platforms like Instacart connect shoppers with customers who need groceries or other items delivered. Earnings typically range from $15 to $25 per hour, including tips.
27. Event Planning
If you’re the go-to person among your friends for organizing get-togethers, why not turn that talent into a side hustle? An event planning business can cover a wide range of occasions, from children’s birthday parties to corporate events.
28. Personal Chef or Meal Prep Services
Providing personal chef services or meal preparation can be a tasty opportunity for individuals with cooking expertise to make additional money. A lot of professional individuals and families who are busy are ready to spend money on nutritious, homemade dishes that they don’t need to cook. Personal chef rates can vary from $30 to $50 per hour or higher, based on experience and meal complexity.
29. Freelance Makeup Artist
If you are skilled at applying makeup, think about providing your expertise as a freelance makeup artist. This can be especially profitable for events such as weddings, proms, or photo sessions. Prices can fluctuate greatly, however, proficient makeup artists may ask for $50 to $100 or higher per hour.
Conclusion
Starting a side hustle journey as a single mom can feel intimidating, yet it is also very empowering. These 29 choices are only scratching the surface – the important thing is to discover something that matches your abilities, hobbies, and availability. Keep in mind, that the ideal second job is waiting for you. It could require some experimentation, but with perseverance and imagination, you can discover a method to increase your earnings while still being available for your children. Feel free to proceed and take the initial step. Your future self, as well as your bank account, will be grateful.
Next Steps: What Now?
- Take a look at the list once again and choose which hustle is ideal for you.
- Start planning and balancing your in-house and hustle responsibilities.
- Promote and share your hustle online and offline.
- Focus on quality rather than on quantity.
Further Reading & Useful Resources
- 49 Proven Online Business Ideas (You Can Start Quickly)
- How to Start an Online Business With No Money: 15 Unique Ideas
- How to Make Money Fast as a Woman (33 Proven Ways)
- How Much Do Food Bloggers Make? (Plus 20 Ways to Make More Money)
- How to Start a Personal Blog and Make Money: Beginner’s Guide (+ Examples)
- How to Start a Photography Blog & How to Make It Successful
- How to Start an Affiliate Marketing Blog and Make Money: Beginner’s Guide
