Are you a single mom struggling with money? You’re not alone. Many single moms are in the same boat, trying to find ways to make ends meet. This article is here to help.
We’ve put together a list of 28 great side gigs based on the information provided by Side Hustles Database.
These side gigs range from quick and easy tasks that can bring in some extra cash to potential career opportunities. The best part? Most of them can be done from the comfort of your own home, so you won’t need expensive childcare.
Take a look and find the perfect side gig for your situation.
28 Best Side Hustles for Single Moms
- Earn Cash Back
Single moms can maximize savings while shopping by using cashback apps like Capital One Shopping and Ibotta. Capital One Shopping helps you find the best deals while shopping online, allowing you to earn rewards that can be converted into cash or gift cards.
Ibotta focuses on grocery shopping, offering cashback on everyday purchases. To boost your savings, consider using multiple cashback apps.
Additionally, Fetch is a user-friendly app that rewards you with points for simply taking photos of your receipts, which can be redeemed for free gift cards. These cashback and reward programs are ideal for single moms looking to save money on essential purchases.
- Take Surveys Online
Taking surveys online is a flexible and accessible way for single moms to earn extra money. Websites like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie offer a variety of surveys and tasks that you can complete from the comfort of your home. These tasks may include answering questions, watching videos, or participating in online activities.
While you won’t get rich overnight, you can accumulate rewards over time. These rewards often come in the form of cash or gift cards to popular stores like Amazon or Target. It’s a convenient way to make some additional income while managing your daily responsibilities.
- Sell Unwanted Stuff
Single moms often find themselves with a surplus of unused items around the house, from old electronics and toys to outgrown clothes and DVDs. Selling these items online can be a lucrative endeavor. Platforms like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Nextdoor provide convenient avenues for listing and selling your unwanted belongings.
Alternatively, you can use specialized services like Decluttr, which focuses on selling unwanted tech and media items. The added advantage of Decluttr is that they cover shipping costs and ensure that any personal data on electronics is securely wiped, giving you peace of mind.
This side hustle not only helps you declutter your home but also puts extra money in your pocket, making it a practical and efficient way to boost your finances.
- Play Games Online
Playing games online isn’t just a pastime; it can also be a lucrative side hustle for single moms. With apps like Rewarded Play, you can enjoy simple and enjoyable games like Solitaire or Mahjong during your downtime. The unique feature here is that you earn points for playing, which can later be exchanged for free gift cards.
This means you can turn your leisure time into a productive activity that brings in rewards. It’s a great way to unwind after the kids are in bed and supplement your income without much effort. Plus, it’s a fun and engaging way to pass the time while earning valuable perks.
- Rent Your Extra Storage Space
For single moms who lack spare rooms to rent out, Neighbor is a handy online platform known as the “Airbnb of Storage.” If you have unused garage space or an underutilized outdoor building, you can monetize it by renting it out.
This flexible side hustle allows you to accommodate various storage needs, such as cars or excess inventory. It’s an excellent way to capitalize on underutilized spaces and generate additional income without the need for a spare room.
- Rent Your Extra Room
Single moms with spare rooms in their homes can consider renting them out through platforms like Airbnb. This side hustle offers a unique opportunity to earn extra income while also meeting new people. Initially, it might seem invasive, but it can be quite rewarding.
Hosting travelers, especially those visiting for work or college students near a campus, can become a regular source of cash. By doing this just once a month, you can ease your rent payments or accelerate your mortgage payoff.
- Babysit
As a single mom, you’re already experienced in caring for your own children, making babysitting a natural side hustle. You can expand your childcare services by offering daycare to a few other parents.
To make it more manageable, consider teaming up with local moms to take turns watching each other’s children. Babysitting is not only a source of income but also a rewarding way to spend time with kids. It offers opportunities for teaching, playtime, and even some downtime during nap hours.
To find babysitting jobs, you can use platforms like Care.com or network within your community to connect with parents seeking reliable childcare support. This side hustle is flexible and well-suited for single moms with no specific qualifications required.
- Rent Your Car
Single moms with a vehicle they don’t use every day can explore Turo as a side hustle option. This platform allows you to rent out your car when it’s not in use, making it a practical choice for larger vehicles like trucks, vans, or SUVs.
Turo provides transparency about renters and offers insurance coverage to protect your property. It’s a low-effort way to cover expenses like gas, car payments, and maintenance.
You simply need to ensure your vehicle is clean, safe, and presentable before handing over the keys, making it a convenient and passive income source for single moms.
- Shop for Groceries
If you have a reliable vehicle and some spare time, consider becoming an Instacart shopper. This side hustle involves helping local community members with their grocery shopping needs. Customers place orders, and you shop for their groceries, delivering them to their doorstep.
You can even chat with customers while you collect their items, making it a more engaging and personal experience. Not only does this hustle put extra money in your pocket, but it can also help cover your own grocery expenses, making it a practical and efficient way to boost your income.
- Care for Pets
If you have a soft spot for animals, consider pet care as a side hustle. Whether it’s dogs, cats, horses, snakes, or rabbits, if it has a heartbeat, you can care for it and make money in the process. This versatile gig includes activities like dog walking, pet sitting, playing with cats, or tending to livestock such as chickens, pigs, cows, horses, or goats.
Websites like Rover can help you get started by connecting you with pet owners looking for help. The beauty of this hustle is its flexibility; you can often work it into your schedule to accommodate your family’s needs.
If you have the space, you might even offer pet daycare services where owners drop off their furry friends for the day, providing extra income and a chance for your kids to enjoy animal companions.
- Translate
If you are proficient in a popular language such as Chinese, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, or Portuguese, you can explore opportunities in translation services. Websites like Translate.com connect you with companies willing to pay for translation work.
Translating text and audio can be both enjoyable and straightforward if you are fluent in the language. Additionally, it’s an excellent way to maintain and sharpen your language skills, especially if you primarily speak English in your daily life.
This side hustle offers flexibility as you can often work remotely, making it accessible for single moms looking to leverage their language expertise into additional income.
- Clean Houses
While house cleaning may not be the most glamorous job, it’s a practical and valuable service that can help make ends meet. You can offer your cleaning services to clients, either by bringing your own cleaning supplies or using the products and materials they prefer.
Establishing a reputation for thorough and consistent cleaning can lead to a steady income stream. For those who excel in this field, starting your own cleaning business is a viable option.
While it may not be the most glamorous work, it’s a reliable way to earn income and provide a valuable service to clients who appreciate a clean and organized living space.
- Provide Customer Service
Single moms can now provide customer service right from their living rooms, thanks to the increasing trend of companies outsourcing these roles to remote workers. These jobs are in high demand, particularly during holidays when customer inquiries spike.
While they often involve following scripts or best practices, they can be a good fit for those with strong interpersonal skills and a knack for problem-solving.
Keep in mind that customer service roles vary, with some requiring more analytical skills, especially in highly regulated fields like finance or healthcare.
Nevertheless, it’s a side hustle that offers year-round opportunities to earn extra income and can be tailored to your schedule.
- Transcribe Audio
Transcribing audio is a fantastic side hustle for single moms. You don’t need to be multilingual; all you need is the ability to convert audio and video files into written documents. This can involve transcribing podcasts, client interviews, marketing videos, or even phone calls.
Many companies rely on transcription services, which can be expensive and sometimes inaccurate. If you have a good ear and the patience to listen to recordings for extended periods, this gig can be quite rewarding.
- Plan Events
Event planning can be a rewarding side hustle for single moms. Many busy professionals lack the time and expertise to organize large-scale events like weddings, and they often hire private consultants for assistance.
If you have experience in event planning, you can offer your services to friends, family members, or community members. Event planning requires a keen eye for design, strong negotiation skills, and excellent organizational abilities.
The best part is that you can do this from the comfort of your own kitchen table, making it a flexible option for moms juggling family responsibilities.
Event planning not only allows you to showcase your creativity but also provides an opportunity to earn extra income while working from home.
- Rideshare Drive
Driving for a rideshare service like Uber or Lyft is a flexible and convenient side hustle for single moms. You can choose your own working hours, making it possible to earn money while the kids are at school or during errand runs. You’ll earn a commission for each passenger you pick up, and tips can further boost your income.
This gig helps cover car-related expenses such as gas, repairs, and payments while allowing you to be your own boss and work when it suits you. It’s an excellent way to turn your vehicle into a source of income while maintaining control over your schedule.
- Become a Freelance Graphic Designer
If you possess graphic design skills, freelancing as a graphic designer is a lucrative option. Platforms like FlexJobs can help you find flexible freelance work, even if it’s not exclusively focused on graphic design.
You might discover other exciting opportunities while browsing. This side hustle allows you to turn your creative talents into earnings, making it an ideal fit for single moms seeking financial stability.
- Become a Virtual Assistant
Becoming a virtual assistant is a fantastic side hustle for single moms. With excellent communication skills, you can thrive in this role.
As a virtual assistant, your tasks can range from scheduling meetings and answering calls to sending emails and coordinating interviews. The beauty of this gig is that you can do it from home, offering the flexibility you need to balance work and family life.
Plus, if you excel, you can enjoy a steady income stream. Moreover, the connections you make as a virtual assistant can advance your career or lead to more opportunities. It’s not just about earning money; it’s a chance to learn valuable skills that can open doors to higher-paying jobs.
- Become a Social Media Manager
If you’re adept at grabbing attention with your social media posts and know how to build an online presence, consider freelancing as a social media manager.
These skills are in high demand, and you can work with local businesses looking to boost their social media presence or collaborate with global companies on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork.
This side hustle combines your social media savvy with earning potential, offering a flexible way for single moms to increase their income while managing their responsibilities effectively.
- Become a Freelance Writer
Freelance writing is a side hustle that requires top-notch writing skills and dedication. While it may seem straightforward, it can be challenging.
You may find yourself working late nights or weekends, but the potential for extra income is significant. Keep in mind that the industry is highly competitive, with companies hiring talent from around the world.
However, if you persist and deliver quality work, you can secure a steady stream of writing gigs, allowing you to support your family while honing your writing skills.
- Teach English
Teaching English online is a versatile and rewarding side hustle for single moms. With the demand for English language learning on the rise, you can earn income from the comfort of your home. Many platforms, such as VIPKid, offer opportunities to teach English to a diverse range of students, from professionals to children.
To get started, you may need a TESOL/TEFL certificate, a computer, and an internet connection. Some platforms might also require a college degree. Patience and effective communication skills are essential for this role.
As an online English teacher, you’ll have the flexibility to set your hours, allowing you to balance work and family life. It’s not only financially rewarding but also provides the opportunity to connect with people worldwide.
- Provide IT Support
If you’re computer-savvy, offering IT support can be a lucrative side hustle for single moms. This gig requires a fast computer, a phone, and the patience to guide people through technical problems. Start by advertising your services on local bulletin boards or job boards.
You can also tap into the online market by promoting your skills on social media and job websites. Helping individuals troubleshoot tech issues, set up software, or resolve connectivity problems can generate a steady stream of income. Plus, the flexibility of this gig allows you to work around your schedule, making it ideal for single moms juggling childcare responsibilities.
- Wholesale Real Estate
Wholesaling real estate is an intriguing side hustle that doesn’t demand a real estate license, making it accessible to single moms seeking extra income. In this role, you act as an intermediary between property sellers and potential buyers. Your tasks include locating motivated sellers, negotiating deals, and facilitating the transaction.
Your earnings come from a share of the commission once the deal closes. If you have strong networking and negotiation skills, this hustle can be quite profitable. You can work from home, set your hours, and adapt your workload to your family commitments.
Wholesaling real estate provides an opportunity to capitalize on the real estate market without the extensive training and certification required for traditional real estate sales.
- Sell Your Crafts and Designs
For single moms with artistic talents, selling your crafts and designs online is a fantastic way to turn your creativity into income. Rather than dealing with the complexities of manufacturing physical products, platforms like Amazon Merch and Etsy simplify the process. You can easily upload your artwork or designs, and when someone makes a purchase, you earn money.
This approach eliminates the need to maintain inventory, making it a hassle-free way to monetize your artistry. You can set your prices and work at your own pace, accommodating your family’s needs.
Selling your creations online not only provides financial independence but also allows you to share your passion with a global audience, all while maintaining the flexibility required for single parenting.
- Model Fashion or Makeup Accessories
Consider becoming a local fashion model. You don’t need prior experience; resources like Udemy and YouTube offer tutorials. You can also contact local modeling agencies to explore opportunities. Modeling can be a flexible and well-paying gig, fitting into your schedule while allowing you to build a portfolio and connections in the industry.
- Run a Neighborhood Garden
Running a neighborhood garden is an excellent side hustle for single moms with available land. You can transform a plot of your property into a community garden. Start by planting seeds and growing vegetables, which you can sell to your neighbors or ask for donations. The initial setup cost is low, and maintenance is manageable.
Beyond financial benefits, gardening can be a relaxing activity to unwind with your kids, providing quality bonding time. Plus, spending time outdoors means more exposure to Vitamin D, contributing to your family’s health.
- Try Peer-to-Peer Lending
If you have some financial cushion, peer-to-peer lending on platforms like Lending Club can be an option. You provide small loans to borrowers, often with insight into their profiles and the flexibility to set your interest rate.
While there’s inherent risk, this side hustle can diversify your income streams and potentially earn you interest income. It’s a way to leverage your savings to help others while earning returns on your investment.
- Start Micro-Investing
As a single mom, you can boost your income by investing your earnings. Start with micro-investing, which involves small, regular contributions. As you accumulate funds, open a brokerage account for short-term investments and a retirement account for long-term, tax-advantaged growth.
Wise investments can potentially multiply your savings over time, offering financial security. Investing is time-efficient, making it ideal for busy moms.
Acorns, for example, simplifies the process by rounding up your purchases and investing your spare change, making it easy to get started.
FAQs About Side Hustles for Single Moms
- Can I have a side hustle alongside my full-time job as a single mom?
Yes, it is legally permissible to pursue a side hustle while working a full-time job. However, it’s crucial to be aware of your employer’s policies. Some companies may have restrictions or conflicts of interest clauses that prohibit side hustles. When considering side hustles for women, make sure to check your employment contract to ensure compliance with company rules
To avoid any complications, review your workplace’s rules and regulations before embarking on a new side venture, ensuring you’re in compliance and avoiding potential job-related issues. Balancing a side hustle with single motherhood and a full-time job can be challenging but rewarding with careful planning and consideration.
- Can blogging be a profitable option for single moms?
Blogging can indeed be profitable, but it requires dedication and patience. It may take time before your blog generates substantial income.
To speed up the process, explore avenues like affiliate marketing and Google AdSense, where you can earn money through clicks and purchases made by your audience.
- Is it common for single moms to work from home?
Yes, it’s increasingly common for single moms to work from home. With the rise of remote work opportunities, you can find flexible options that allow you to earn money online while enjoying the comforts of home.
This can be a game-changer, eliminating the need for daily commutes and providing more quality time with your family.
- Is Craigslist a safe platform for finding side gigs as a single mom?
While Craigslist offers legitimate opportunities, it’s essential to be cautious. The platform can also be a breeding ground for scams.
As a single mom, your safety is paramount. When seeking work on Craigslist, exercise extra vigilance, and always prioritize public meetings when dealing with potential clients or employers.
Conclusion
For single moms who stay at home, there are many work-from-home opportunities that allow you to keep an eye on your kids. If you have someone to help with childcare, you can also consider jobs outside the home that match your interests.
Keep in mind that the best side hustle for single moms is one you enjoy, can easily fit into your busy schedule, and pays well.
So, stay open-minded and watch for unexpected opportunities that could improve your finances faster than you might expect. Your next profitable side gig could be just around the corner.
For more information, check out this side hustle database.