Being a stay-at-home mom is no easy feat. In addition to taking care of the kids, you also have to manage the household, cook, clean, and do everything in between. It’s no wonder that many stay-at-home moms feel like they’re always running on empty. If you’re looking for a way to make some extra cash while retaining some flexibility, a side hustle might be the perfect solution. However, how should you even choose a side hustle? Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Extra Cash
Let’s face it, being a stay-at-home mom can be expensive. Between diapers, clothes, food, and activities, there’s always something that needs to be bought. A side hustle can help you offset some of these costs and give you some extra spending money. A side hustle can also help you diversify your income, assuming your partner works. Choose a side hustle that does not simply promise you extra cash, but actually delivers on that promise. Whether that is through free-lancing or child care or some other creative endeavor, make sure you are getting paid for your time and effort.
Flexibility
With a side hustle, you should be able to create a schedule that works around your family’s needs. This might mean working nights or weekends when your partner is home to take care of the kids or only taking on projects that can be completed in short bursts while the kids are napping or strapped into a car seat (think yard sign business). Consider what will work best for your family, and then look for a side hustle that fits that schedule.
Passion
A side hustle should be something you’re passionate about. Not only will this make the work more enjoyable, but it will also help you stay motivated. When you’re passionate about something, it’s easier to put in the extra effort required to make it successful. If you’re not sure what you’re passionate about, think about things you enjoy doing in your free time. Do you like baking? Crafting? Photography? Party planning? These are all potential side hustles that you could pursue. Don’t just choose any part-time job. Give at least a little weight to the interests and unique experience you will bring to the job!
Talent
Whatever side hustle you choose, make sure you have the talent and skills necessary to be successful. There’s no point in starting (or joining) a business if you’re not good at what you do. Do some research into your chosen field and find out what it takes to be successful. Are there online courses or books you can read to improve your skills? If so, make sure to invest the time and effort into acquiring the necessary skills before starting your side hustle
Support
Being a stay-at-home mom can be isolating. Having a side hustle can help you connect with other adults and feel part of a community again. Additionally, many side hustles offer support groups or forums where you can connect with others who are in the same boat as you are. If you are joining an organization, ask about the kind of support they offer.
Purpose
It’s easy to lose sight of your goals and purpose when you’re constantly juggling parenting responsibilities. Having a side hustle can help you remember areas you’re passionate about that you would not otherwise necessarily focus on. Additionally, pursuing your passions can set a good example for your children and show them the importance of hard work or even that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Take time to consider if you align with the vision and mission of the business or organization you intend to join.
Conclusion
There are endless reasons why pursuing a side hustle is beneficial for stay-at-home moms! Hopefully, this article has helped frame what to consider as you look into viable options that fit into YOUR lifestyle – whether that’s something as familiar as writing, or something brand new, like starting a local yard sign business! Don’t be afraid to start looking into what could work for your family today!
