Having a side hustle is one of the most popular ways for Filipinos to augment their earnings and live in greater financial comfort. But for stay-at-home moms and dads, there’s this pervasive belief that having a sideline would interfere with an already jam-packed schedule that revolves around housekeeping and childcare.
Still, stay-at-home-parents don’t have to feel limited in their options to earn money. The internet offers an abundance of home based jobs, some of which are flexible enough to give you adequate time for your parental duties. You may not be able to leave the house, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on maximizing your earning potential. Here are some ideas that allow you to earn extra cash while working on your most important job: being a parent.
1. Become an Online Tutor
As a mom or dad, you have to get used to teaching your kids everything, from tying their shoes to solving basic algebra problems. If you have a knack for helping your kids with their homework, you may want to explore the idea of becoming an online tutor. Most online tutors either get paid by the hour or on a flexible time basis.
One of the most lucrative tutoring jobs for Filipinos is teaching English as a second language (ESL). If teaching the basics of English isn’t your forte, you can tutor students in math, accounting, science, or any other subject. As long as you have the expertise, you can monetize it by sharing your knowledge with others.
2. Apply for a Freelance Gig
If you have already established a career before starting a family, you may want to check out freelance gigs in your industry. These jobs are considered contract work, so you don’t have to fully commit eight hours or more to a single client. You also have the freedom to take on different clients, just as long as you can manage your work schedule properly.
You can choose project-based gigs that require your skills (for example, accountant or web developer) or become a consultant who provides expert advice to businesses without the demands and constraints of a full-time job.
3. Start Your Own Business
If you have a talent for crafts, cooking, or any skill that can create products, you may want to turn your hobby into something profitable by starting a business. You can start by marketing your products to families, friends, and your social circles. However, you can add to your word-of-mouth marketing tactics by setting up your own Facebook page or Instagram account for promoting your products and accepting orders. Products that are profitable yet relatively easy to create include pastries and baked goods, handcrafted jewellery, clothing, and home-cooked food.
Once your business gains a bit of traction, you can sign up for online courses to further your skills and boost the quality of your offerings. Moreover, you can enlist the help of family members and friends when the administrative, operational, accounting and marketing aspects of your business get too overwhelming.
4. Become a Seller on Buy-and-Sell Websites
If you have some items around the house that are still in good condition, you may want to sell them on a buy-and-sell website to make a profit. Platforms like Facebook Marketplace, as well as e-commerce sites, give you a high level of freedom to sell new, secondhand, and refurbished items to willing buyers. But before grabbing those old laptops and baby shoes to sell, remember to stay safe and do your due diligence when interacting with prospective buyers.
5. Become a Content Creator
If you have a flair for telling stories and giving valuable nuggets of advice, you may want to start your own blog or vlog. Having an online platform can give you an outlet for your thoughts and creativity while boosting your earning potential at the same time. That said, it takes time to achieve the income-generating aspect of blogs and vlogs. You can work towards the goal of getting ad revenue by working on your content and posting regularly.
If you’re good at writing about your interests, you can create blog posts related to your niche. You’re free to write about any passion you may have, but you can also focus on popular niches such as travel, finance, and lifestyle. Additionally, you can tailor your blog around your own experiences as a parent and give helpful tips to other moms and dads out there.
On the other hand, you can start your own YouTube or Tiktok channel if you’re comfortable facing the camera or have a knack for video editing. But just like blogging, it may take a bit of time for your channel to take off and start generating passive income. Vlogging also requires a bit of investment, especially since you need to have a good camera, microphone, lighting, and other studio equipment to produce quality content. Still, creating videos can be a fun and profitable hobby once you’ve found your niche and established your name.
Parenting at Home Doesn’t Have to Be Restrictive
Becoming a parent is a major life change that may require a few adjustments in your lifestyle. Fortunately, the world we live in today gives us more freedom to pursue our goals even though we already have our own little ones to take care of. Once you’ve found the right side hustles for your skills, you can feel extra empowered without feeling bogged down by too much work. In the end, the perfect side job should allow you to earn a stable income—and have fun while you’re at it.