15 Ways Stay-at-Home Moms Can Earn Money

There are now more stay-at-home moms than ever. And feelings of isolation have set in. Perhaps you were already thinking about ways to earn income to help pay for summer camp, sports, college expenses or other things. Now you may be desperate to help pay monthly bills and interact with other professionals. So, what to do? There are opportunities to earn income, have much-needed flexibility, and reap the benefits of socializing with others (even if it’s only virtually). Here are ways to work part-time while remaining a stay at-home parent.

Customer Service Representative

My friend provides customer service from her house through Liveops. She creates her own flexible schedule by signing up for time blocks. She started by taking calls for infomercials, then processed auto claims for Allstate and took orders for Pizza Hut. The only cost to her is a dedicated phone line. Learn more at https://join.liveops.com/workfrom-home-call-center-jobs/.

Delivery Person

You may already know someone who is an Amazon delivery person through Amazon Flex. Drivers must use their own car and an app to select a block of time to deliver packages. Rates vary by region and time of year. https://flex.amazon.com/

Etsy Shop Owner

Set up your own online store on Etsy. Most people sell handmade crafts, jewelry, and other items, but there are also shops that sell clothing, home décor, vintage items and more. I bought a custom logo from a graphic designer for my website on Etsy!

Online Transcriptionist

There are several companies that hire people to work from home transcribing audio speech to written documents. The audio could be from a doctor, lawyer, court hearing or freelance writer. Some companies don’t require any experience. There are transcription courses available for a fee. Transcription companies include: Rev (www.rev.com/freelancers/ transcription), Scribie (https://scribie.com), CrowdSurf (http://crowdsurfwork.com/ get-started-on-work-market)

Paid Focus Group Participant

Market research companies pay focus groups for their opinions of products. Group members usually participate for one to two hours. To participate, sign up with companies such as WatchLab (www.watchlab.com/) or FocusGroup (www.focusgroup.com).

Pet Sitter

My friend started a pet-sitting business to board dogs in her house five years ago. She used the website Rover (not limited to dogs) to set up her rate and availability. In addition to boarding pets, people can walk dogs or watch pets at an owner’s house. Learn more at www.rover.com.

Fashion Stylist

Stitch Fix is a clothing subscription service. Stylists work from home and help other people create stylish outfits based on budget, personality and fashion tastes. The job requires an onsite six-hour training course and working 15–30 hours per week. www.stitchfix.com/careers/styling

Teach English

There are a few different companies through which people can teach English online from home. Most require a college degree and proficiency in the English language. Some companies to investigate are VIP KID (www.vipkid.com/teach/) and Qkids (https://teacher.qkids.net/).

Test Websites and Apps

Userlytics connects people with an app or website that is in the developmental phase and wants user feedback before it is launched. Participants offer thoughts and feedback about the app or website by answering questions. Most projects take 15-20 minutes. www.userlytics.com/tester-signup

Fitness Instructor (online or outdoors with social distancing)

A few of my friends are fitness instructors, such as spin, body pump or TRX teachers. These jobs require certification tests that cost around $300 (recertification every two years is about $100). My friends enjoy the flexibility of the job and that they get paid to work out. Many gyms offer free membership to their instructors and some even offer free childcare while teaching.

Tutor (online only for now)

According to Tutors.com, anyone with a high school diploma or GED can become a tutor; the only requirement: complete a tutor training program. Once certified, set up a free profile at Tutors.com to find jobs. https:// tutors.com/pro/how-to-become-a-tutor

Once the Quarantine is Lifted

Once the quarantine is lifted and people can be around each other again, here are additional ways to earn extra income.

Rent Your House for a Movie Set

List your house on San Diego Locations and Set Scouter to rent it out for movies or TV shows. People’s homes nowhere near Hollywood have been used to film various scenes—some indoors and some outdoors. You never know when Hollywood might come knocking! Visit www.sandiegolocations.com and www.setscouter.com.

Babysitter or Nanny

Some parents take care of other kids while watching their own. If you are unable to find a job through friends and family, try looking on websites such as Sittercity, Care.com, or UrbanSitter.

Tasker

TaskRabbit matches people with those who need tasks done around their houses such as cleaning, moving, furniture assembly or home improvement. Learn more at www.taskrabbit.com/become-a-tasker. Referee or

Umpire

Many youth sports leagues need qualified people to officiate games: soccer, softball and baseball, lacrosse, field hockey and more. Referees need to attend certification training and complete a background check. Contact local sports leagues for requirements.

Most people won’t get rich doing these jobs, but it will be empowering to earn some extra income. Of course, you never know where your side business may lead you one day. A mom can dream, right?

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and a mother of twins and a daughter.