Congratulations on making the decision to become a stay-at-home mom! This is a truly rewarding choice for your family. So, now you're looking to fill your extra time during naps or make extra money. There are no magic "stuff envelopes" or "product assembly" jobs (well, if there are, I've never seen them). But don't despair, there are great career options that you can do from the comfort of your own home.
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Telecommute as a Customer Service Representative
Many companies are now looking for customer service representatives to work from home (or telecommute) to provide service to their customers over the phone or online. In order to become a CSR, you will have to undergo training and obtain all of the technical equipment required to work. Click here for a detailed list of things you will need to get started and companies who offer telecommuting.
Freelance Writing
There are many, many companies and individuals who are looking for writers, bloggers, copywriters, transcribers to create content online. Many employers will assign a task and a dollar amount that they will pay you complete each task. If you are able to write quickly, you can make great money. Check out these companies for writing projects that pay:
Blogging
Do you have a passion? An interest? A hobby? Blog about it and make cash! Blogging is a very simple way to make money on the internet via affiliates and advertising. Affiliates are companies who will pay you to sell their products, like Amazon, Sign up with an affiliate network like Commission Junction to become an affiliate. You can also monetize from your blog by using Google Adsense - advertisem*nts that you place on your site, which is automatically updated by Google. Or try selling your own products like eBooks, music, or handmade items. There are so many ways to make money with blogging...you just have to jump in!
Become a Virtual Assistant
With the economy crunch, many employers are now looking to virtual assistants to fill positions within their company. A virtual assistant is someone who is off site (like your home) who can help with a number of tasks like email handling, word processing, accounting, customer service, and other general administrative tasks. Where do you find these jobs? There are many freelance job sites online to help pair employers and employees. You create a profile, list your experience, search for freelance jobs, then place bids on projects. You decide how much you're willing to work for and how long it will take to complete the task. Here are some great freelance job websites:
- oDesk
- Elance
- Guru
- Behance Network (for graphic and web design)
Read more about becoming a freelancer on oDesk here.
Party Consultants
Like to party? Love to shop? Why not make money while you do both? There are a number of different party consultant companies all around the world. Long ago are the days of just selling Avon and Mary Kay. There is a wide range of products to choose from, depending on your skills and interests. Here are a few great examples:
- Scentsy - Flameless Scent Warmers Independent Consultants
- The Body Shop at Home - Sales & Party Consultant (UK only)
- - At-Home Jewellery Consultant (US & Canada only)
- The Pampered Chef - Food & Wares Consultant
- Under Cover Wear - Lingerie Sales & Parties (Australia & New Zealand)
- Barefoot Books - Children's books consultant
You can either choose to sell at hosted parties or develop your customer base by networking with people you know. Being a mom opens a huge network of women who are willing to host theme parties, great for selling your exciting new products!
Sell Handmade Items
If you're handy with a sewing machine, knitting needles or glue gun, then why not take a stab at selling your creations online? Most people are familiar with Etsy, but there is a whole range of other handmade marketplaces for you to sell your crafty goods. Take a look at this list for details on handmade marketplaces online. If your products are popular enough, you may never need another day job again! Learn how to open your own Etsy Shop here.
Teach a Language
Wherever you are in the world, there is someone always looking to learn your language. If you are fluent in English, why not teach it to someone who is looking to improve their language skills? This could be ESL children, a business person, or even students online. Do you also speak another language? Great! Post on community forums, Craigslist, or Kijiji to advertise your language classes. This is a great option as it will allow you to meet new and exciting people, which is sometimes hard when being a stay-at-home mom.
If you would like to help teach online and make money, check out Stutors. You can answer questions on a variety of subjects and get paid for each answer that is accepted.
Child Minding & Babysitting
While you're at home looking after your little one, why not offer to help another family with child minding? This is a great way to earn extra cash from home, as well as being a rewarding career choice. Laws and policies are in place for official child minding, so make sure to read up on what is required in your jurisdiction. For example, you can read about child minding in the UK here.
Just like any job, stay-at-home jobs need persistence and dedication for you to see the results. Take it seriously and you'll see the money roll in!
