The Best 7 Side Hustles for Busy Parents in 2023
Being a parent is a full-time job, but it doesn't have to be the only job. Many parents struggle to make ends meet with just one source of income. Fortunately, there are many side hustle opportunities available that can help parents earn extra money on the side without sacrificing their family time.
In this article, we'll explore the best 7 side hustles for busy parents, including their pros and cons, earning potential, and how to get started.
Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is a popular side hustle for parents who have experience in teaching or tutoring. It's a flexible job that allows you to set your own schedule and work from the comfort of your own home. According to a study by Report linker Global Private Tutoring Market to Reach $290.8 Billion by 2030, creating a huge opportunity for those interested in the field. To become an online tutor, you should consider the following:-Experience: You don't have to have a degree or certification, but it's helpful if you have experience teaching or tutoring.
Pros: Flexible schedule, work at home, high demand, and decent pay.
Cons: You may need to work evenings or weekends when students are available, and you need to have good communication and technology skills.
Earning Potential: Online tutors can earn between $15 to $60 per hour, depending on their experience, subject expertise, and the platform they work for.
How to Get Started: Research online tutoring platforms such as Chegg, Tutor.com, or Varsity Tutors. Create a profile, take any required tests, and start applying for tutoring jobs.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a well know side hustle for parents who have a passion way with words. It is a flexible job that allows you to work from anywhere and set your own schedule. According to a survey by the Content Marketing Institute, 62% of businesses outsource their content marketing, creating a huge demand for freelance writers.
You can find freelance writing jobs on sites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Guru. You can also search for writing jobs at local newspapers, trade magazines, and websites that publish content. The key to success as a freelance writer is having an extensive portfolio of published content (ideally in the same niche you want to write about) and good writing skills. How to Get Started: Read up on the latest trends in your industry. If you don’t have any experience, consider taking a course or two online or through local colleges. Create an online portfolio of your work with link.
Pros: Flexible schedule, work from anywhere, high demand, and decent pay.
Cons: Writing can be competitive, and you need to have excellent writing skills and attention to detail.
Earning Potential: Freelance writers can earn between $0.10 to $1.00 per word, depending on the type of content and their experience.
How to Get Started: Create a portfolio of your writing samples, and start pitching to clients or apply to freelance writing job boards such as Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr.
Dog Walking or Pet Sitting
Another side hustle is dog walking or pet sitting is a great side hustle for parents who love animals and enjoy spending time outdoors. According to a report by IBISWorld, the pet care industry is expected to grow to $6.11 billion by 2023, creating a huge demand for pet care services.
Pros: Flexible schedule, work outdoors, and can be a fun and enjoyable job.
Cons: You need to be comfortable with animals and have a flexible schedule that accommodates pet owners' hours.
Earning Potential: Dog walkers and pet sitters can earn between $10 to $30 per hour, depending on their experience and the number of pets they care for.
How to Get Started: Create a profile on pet care platforms such as Rover, Care.com, or Wag. Get certified in pet first aid and CPR, and start taking on clients.
Delivery Driver
Delivery driving is a side hustle that's becoming more popular with the rise of online shopping and food delivery services. It's a flexible job that allows you to work when it's convenient for you, and it doesn't require any specialized skills.
Pros: Flexible schedule, easy to get started, and can earn tips in addition to base pay.
Cons: You need to have a reliable vehicle and be comfortable driving in different weather and traffic conditions.
Earning Potential: Delivery drivers can earn between $10 to $30 per hour, depending on the platform and the number of deliveries.
How to Get Started: Create a profile on delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Grubhub, or DoorDash. Meet the minimum age and vehicle requirements, and start taking on deliveries.
Selling Handmade Products
Selling handmade products is a side hustle that allows parents to monetize their crafting skills. With online platforms such as Etsy and Amazon Handmade, it's easier than ever to sell handmade goods to a global audience. This is a great side hustle for moms who like to create things like crafts.
Pros: Creative outlet, work from home, and can turn a hobby into a profitable venture.
Cons: It can take time to build a customer base, and you need to have a unique and high-quality product.
Earning Potential: Handmade product sellers can earn between $100 to $10,000 per month, depending on the product, pricing, and marketing strategy.
How to Get Started: Create a profile on handmade product platforms such as Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or Shopify. Create a unique and high-quality product, optimize your product listings, and start promoting your store.
Babysitting
Babysitting is a classic side hustle that many people have done to make some extra money. Babysitting can be a great way for teens or college students to earn some extra cash, especially during the summer months when they’re not in school. If you want to try babysitting, it can help if you know someone who is already doing it. You can ask them for advice on how to get started and learn more about the business. If you don’t know anyone who is already doing it, search online for local babysitting jobs or ask your parents if they know any families in need of a sitter. Once you find some families that need someone to watch their kids, contact them and set up an interview with each family to see if they would be a good fit for.
Pros: You can earn some extra money babysitting is a great way to make some extra cash, especially during the summer months when students aren’t in school. If you want to try babysitting, it can help if you know someone who is already doing it. You can ask them for advice on how to get started and learn more about the business.
Cons: it's hard to find babysitting jobs. If you want to get started, your first step should be to ask around for recommendations. Talk with other parents in your community and see what they have heard about different sitters who might be available locally. Once you have some names and numbers, call each family and set up an interview with them so that they can meet your face-to-face.
Earning Potential: Babysitting is a great way to earn some extra cash. The average hourly rate for a babysitter is $10-$14 per hour, although this can vary depending on where you live. If you work a lot of hours each week, it’s possible to make $500 or more each month!
How to Get Started: There are a number of ways you can get started. First, make sure you have your own transportation and that it’s in good working order. This is important because many parents will only hire sitters who have their own means of getting around.
Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistant is a side hustle that involves providing administrative or technical support to businesses or entrepreneurs remotely. It's a job that requires good organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently.
Pros: Flexible schedule, work from anywhere, and can be a high-paying job for those with specialized skills.
Cons: You need to have specialized skills and experience, and you may need to work outside of regular business hours.
Earning Potential: Virtual assistants can earn between $15 to $50 per hour, depending on their experience and the type of services they provide.
How to Get Started: Create a profile on virtual assistant platforms such as Upwork, Fiverr, or Zirtual. Identify your niche and specialized skills, and start applying for virtual assistant jobs.
In Conclusion
In, side hustles are a great way for busy parents to make extra money without sacrificing their family time. Whether you're a stay-at-home parent, a working parent, or a single parent, there's a side hustle out there that can fit your schedule and skills.
From online tutoring to virtual assisting, dog walking to babysitting, selling handmade products to deliver driving, the possibilities are endless. Choose the side hustle that fits your lifestyle and interests, and start earning a little money today.
Sources:
Content Marketing Institute: https://contentmarketinginstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/2019-b2b-research-final.pdf
IBISWorld: https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/pet-care-services-industry/5613/
Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/seller-handbook/article/how-to-price-your-products/22862621485
Care.com: https://www.care.com/c/stories/5400/babysitter-rates-how-much-should-you-pay/