Stay-home parents used to be limited when it comes to making money. Now, there are a plethora of options for making money online, whether it’s working as a freelancer or starting an at-home ecommerce business. Regardless of your unique strengths, there are many ways to make ends meet that won’t require you to commute for work.
Freelance work
For many career fields, freelancing is the best option if you want ultimate flexibility and the ability to set your own hours. However, it will take some time to adjust to this type of lifestyle, so give yourself a little time to get settled into your new routine. To get started as a freelancer, check out online job boards and determine which field you wish to work in, whether it’s writing, proofreading, web development, or IT work. You can set your own rates, hours, and develop relationships with clients that could turn into ongoing work.
Starting a business
It might make the most sense to start your own business. If you have enough time to go through the set-up steps, a side-business could be a great money-maker for you. However, you have a few options you can explore, so make sure you find that’s a good fit for your lifestyle.
Starting an ecommerce business is a great option for stay-home parents who want to sell products online. The ecommerce industry is stronger now than ever because of COVID-19, which means there’s plenty of room for growth in the market. If you choose to go this route, be sure to research ecommerce models and various platforms to determine what’s best for you.
Dropshipping can be a great option for people who want to sell online but don’t want to deal with inventory. If you’re unfamiliar with the term, Entrepreneur explains dropshipping is an order fulfillment method that doesn’t require you to keep items stocked at home. Dropshipping refers to the middleman: when a store sells a product, they pass the sales order to a third-party supplier, who then ships the order to the customer. It requires some legwork to set up, but once it’s running smoothly it can help you consistently earn money.
If you’re starting a new business that requires finding new clients, such as a small marketing firm, you’ll want to be sure you perfect your pitch. As you put together a presentation for a client, remember the three Cs: concise, creative, and compelling. Your message will come across more succinctly with this in mind, and you won’t waste time in securing your first contract.
Tools for the job
While online work doesn’t require too many tools, there are a few items you won’t want to work without. After all, if you want to be successful, then you’ll need to have everything you need ready to roll at a moment’s notice.
First, make sure you have a powerful laptop or PC that can help you work quickly and efficiently. Older, clunkier technology will slow you down, so invest in a product that will allow you to run multiple programs at one time without lag time. Updating your technology will help increase your productivity, keep your information more secure, and save you money in the long run.
Another important tool for at-home businesses is a printer. A decent home printer will allow you to print out anything you may need, whether it’s a contract for a new client, colorful fliers for marketing purposes, or important documents such as your business license.
One piece of technology you should invest in is a robust smartphone. If you already have one, you don’t necessarily need to upgrade just because you started a new business. However, at the bare minimum, your smartphone should have the ability to run apps smoothly and allow you to access emails easily. The ability to use communication apps like Skype, Zoom, and Hangouts is also a plus, especially if you travel a lot for your business.
Stay-home parents have more options than ever before to earn money at home. From becoming a freelancer to starting a side business, you can make money without having to deal with a commute, which is incredibly important for parents who are the primary caregivers for their children. If you choose to set up your own business, be sure to invest in new tools, such as a new printer to help you do business seamlessly and efficiently.