One of the most common questions I see is from parents who are staying home (or want to), but want to make some sort of income. Now, this income goal could be small, where they just want to have some spending cash to finance their Starbucks addiction, or large, where you want to earn a full time income!
Your long-term and short-term goals will determine which path you’ll want to take. Some opportunities will provide you with cash more quickly. Others are a long-term play. For example, if you want to build your own empire–which is totally possible–that’s a long-term goal.
Some initial options to consider:
- Direct Sales: This is an easy one to get into. You’ve probably seen many of your Facebook friends posting about sales, parties, and opportunities. Should you go this route? It’s not for everyone. You need to make sure you are comfortable and have the right personality for selling! And I’d make sure you like the products, too 😉
Pros: The system is already in place, you just have to sell the products.
Cons: Not as much flexibility; the company dictates what you can/cannot do.
- Blogging: This requires more of a long-term investment of time to be able to see income. If you enjoy writing, especially about a specific topic, and can commit to being consistent, this could be the right choice. This is also a good choice for adding in affiliate marketing, where you can make money when people use your links to purchase products from different websites.
Pros: Complete flexibility, you decide everything from content to who you work with.
Cons: It will take some time to see income. You need to be consistent to see results.
- Virtual Assistant (VA): If you’ve ever ventured into freelancing, you’ve likely seen people looking for and posting as VAs. Virtual assistants can do many different things. Some clients look for appointment setting, or data entry. Very popular VA tasks are basic graphic design or social media posting. If you’re more advanced with social media, you can look for social media freelance positions, but applying for VA jobs in social media is a great entry point to gain experience.
Pros: Variety, lots of options, can create a long-term relationship with clients to secure income.
Cons: Competitive market, should have some experience in the task to be able to apply for the jobs.
These are only 3 of many options for working at home. We’ll delve further into these (and others) in future blog posts, but for the time being–do any of these look like they would be a good fit for you?
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Great way to start bigger compilation! Blogging and VA are very popular 🙂 can’t wait for the next part!
Thanks so much for reading! I hope you’ll get just as much out of part 2 🙂
Three good options, and things to consider before diving into any of them. I am enjoying my blogging journey and slowly building content and relationships, I am seeing a steady and gradual increase in blog views and my email list encourages me. I have contemplated doing some side work as a VA but just not sure I can find the time to fit it in so holding off for now.
Hi, Lisa! Glad to hear that you are enjoying blogging. Seeing those numbers increase is such a nice validation! What kind of VA work would you be interested if you were able to find the time?
This is a great place to start if someone is looking for a little extra income! I have heard VAs can be a great option, but haven’t looked too much into it. Your post inspired me to! Thanks!
Thank you, Laura! It’s definitely a good space to look into if you’re hoping for that additional income with flexibility. Let me know if you decide to move forward with it 🙂
Great tips for a variety of personalities!
Glad you think so, Chryssy! Thanks!
This is really handy for moms like me who loved working but took a break after kids were born. I actually did not know anything about VA or even than it’s a work from home option. Really relevant info. Thanks!
So glad I could help, Shubhreet! As a new mom myself, I’m hoping I can help other moms as well 🙂
Totally liked this post, I am aware of first 2 types but VA is something new to me. I have started blogging just 2.5 months back and I think I have my heart into it. There is so much to learn and explore. Looking forward to your next post.
That’s wonderful, Neha! What is your blog? I’d love to check it out.
Wow! What a thoughtful post and a much needed information for me being a stay at home. Thank you so much for this.
Thank you, Mamatha! I hope it helped 🙂
I did some VA work for a couple of years along with a full-time job. And now that I’m home with my baby, I’m duly dedicated to blogging. You are right, there’s no quick results and it takes time to really settle in and see any cash flows coming in
Congratulations on your baby 🙂 What is your blog? I’d love to check it out!
These are indeed the most popular work from home options. But nothing comes easy. I feel its more challenging to work from home than to work full time
It is really great that we have so many options available these days, which offer flexibility as well as job satisfaction.
Great options! To add to it, I suggest fellow moms who are on a break to pursue their hobbies and hidden talents – with Facebook groups as a great place to market oneself, I really think one should get back to basics.
In a lighter note, I had written about takents that we moms are equipped with during the process of mommyhood. Do have a look and share your views 🙂
http://www.gomommy.in/8-jobs-i-am-eligible-for-since-becoming-a-mom/
Great information here! I blog right now and am considering branching out into VA when I’m a little more comfortable with blogging. Great series, thanks!
These are some great options for stay at home moms to get into freelancing. As a blogger, it does take some time before one starts earning. VA option is great too.
It’s amazing how modern technology and internet allows new opportunities for working from home. Being a stay at home parent no longer means not earning an income. Helpful list