Busy parent part-time jobs for today : made simple to moms make extra income

Here's the tea, mom life is a whole vibe. But plot twist? Attempting to earn extra income while dealing with kids, laundry, and approximately 47 snack requests per day.

I started my side hustle journey about three years ago when I discovered that my impulse buys were way too frequent. It was time to get funds I didn't have to justify spending.

The Virtual Assistant Life

Here's what happened, my first gig was doing VA work. And real talk? It was chef's kiss. It let me work during naptime, and literally all it took was my laptop and decent wifi.

My first tasks were simple tasks like organizing inboxes, posting on social media, and basic admin work. Nothing fancy. My rate was about fifteen to twenty bucks hourly, which felt cheap but when you're just starting, you gotta start somewhere.

The funniest part? I would be on a video meeting looking completely put together from the chest up—full professional mode—while wearing my rattiest leggings. Living my best life.

The Etsy Shop Adventure

About twelve months in, I ventured into the handmade marketplace scene. All my mom friends seemed to have an Etsy shop, so I was like "why not me?"

I created crafting PDF planners and home decor prints. The beauty of printables? One and done creation, and it can keep selling indefinitely. For real, I've earned money at midnight when I'm unconscious.

The first time someone bought something? I actually yelled. My husband thought something was wrong. Nope—I was just, celebrating my first five bucks. No shame in my game.

Blogging and Creating

Next I discovered creating content online. This one is playing the long game, real talk.

I launched a blog about motherhood where I posted about what motherhood actually looks like—all of it, no filter. No Instagram-perfect nonsense. Just honest stories about the time my kid decorated the walls with Nutella.

Building traffic was slow. For months, I was basically creating content for crickets. But I stayed consistent, and slowly but surely, things gained momentum.

These days? I make money through affiliate links, sponsored posts, and display ads. Recently I generated over two grand from my blog alone. Wild, right?

The Social Media Management Game

When I became good with social media for my own stuff, other businesses started inquiring if I could do the same for them.

Here's the thing? A lot of local businesses suck at social media. They know they need to be there, but they're too busy.

That's where I come in. I currently run social media for three local businesses—various small businesses. I develop content, schedule posts, handle community management, and check their stats.

They pay me between five hundred to fifteen hundred monthly per account, depending on how much work is involved. Best part? I can do most of it from my phone while sitting in the carpool line.

The Freelance Writing Hustle

If writing is your thing, freelancing is incredibly lucrative. This isn't writing the next Great American Novel—I'm talking about business content.

Companies always need writers. My assignments have included everything from subjects I knew nothing about before Googling. Being an expert isn't required, you just need to be able to learn quickly.

Usually charge $0.10-0.50 per word, depending on what's involved. On good months I'll create 10-15 articles and make a couple thousand dollars.

What's hilarious: Back in school I thought writing was torture. These days I'm making money from copyright. Life's funny like that.

Tutoring Online

When COVID hit, everyone needed online help. With my teaching background, so this was right up my alley.

I joined VIPKid and Tutor.com. You choose when you work, which is non-negotiable when you have tiny humans who throw curveballs daily.

My sessions are usually elementary reading and math. Income ranges from $15-$25/hour depending on the company.

Here's what's weird? Occasionally my own kids will burst into the room mid-session. I've literally had to be professional while chaos erupted behind me. My clients are incredibly understanding because they get it.

Flipping Items for Profit

So, this hustle I stumbled into. While organizing my kids' stuff and put some things on copyright.

Items moved so fast. I had an epiphany: people will buy anything.

Currently I hit up thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance sections, hunting for name brands. I grab something for three bucks and flip it for thirty.

It's definitely work? Not gonna lie. I'm photographing items, writing descriptions, shipping packages. But I find it rewarding about finding hidden treasures at the thrift store and earning from it.

Plus: my kids are impressed when I find unique items. Last week I scored a vintage toy that my son freaked out about. Made $45 on it. Mom for the win.

The Honest Reality

Truth bomb incoming: side hustles take work. They're called hustles for a reason.

Certain days when I'm exhausted, questioning my life choices. I wake up early getting stuff done while it's quiet, then handling mom duties, then back to work after 8pm hits.

But you know what? I earned this money. I'm not asking anyone to get the good coffee. I'm supporting the family budget. My kids are learning that you can be both.

Advice for New Mom Hustlers

If you're considering a side hustle, here are my tips:

Start small. Don't try to launch everything simultaneously. Pick one thing and master it before expanding.

Use the time you have. If you only have evenings, that's fine. Even one focused hour is better than nothing.

Stop comparing to what you see online. Those people with massive success? She's been grinding forever and has support. Run your own race.

Invest in yourself, but wisely. You don't need expensive courses. Be careful about spending $5,000 on a coaching program until you've validated your idea.

Work in batches. This is crucial. Block off specific days for specific tasks. Monday might be content creation day. Use Wednesday for admin and emails.

Dealing with Mom Guilt

I have to be real with you—guilt is part of this. Certain moments when I'm focused on work while my kids need me, and I feel terrible.

However I think about that I'm teaching them what dedication looks like. I'm demonstrating to my children that you can be both.

Plus? Having my own income has improved my mental health. I'm more content, which makes me a better parent.

The Numbers

So what do I actually make? Generally, between all my hustles, I earn three to five thousand monthly. Some months are lower, it fluctuates.

Is this millionaire money? No. But it's paid for family trips and unexpected expenses that would've caused financial strain. It's creating opportunities and experience that could turn into something bigger.

Wrapping This Up

At the end of the day, doing this mom hustle thing takes work. It's not a perfect balance. Most days I'm flying by the seat of my pants, fueled by espresso and stubbornness, and hoping for the best.

But I don't regret it. Each dollar I earn is a testament to my hustle. It's evidence that I'm a multifaceted person.

If you're on the fence about starting a side hustle? Take the leap. Start messy. Your future self will appreciate it.

And remember: You're not just making it through—you're growing something incredible. Even if there's likely snack crumbs on your keyboard.

For real. This mom hustle life is incredible, chaos and all.

From Survival Mode to Content Creator: My Journey as a Single Mom

Here's the truth—single motherhood wasn't on my vision board. I never expected to be becoming a content creator. But here I am, three years into this wild journey, making a living by sharing my life online while parenting alone. And real talk? It's been life-changing in every way of my life.

How It Started: When Everything Imploded

It was 2022 when my marriage ended. I remember sitting in my mostly empty place (I kept the kids' stuff, he took everything else), unable to sleep at 2am while my kids were passed out. I had less than a thousand dollars in my account, two kids to support, and a job that barely covered rent. The stress was unbearable, y'all.

I'd been scrolling TikTok to distract myself from the anxiety—because that's how we cope? when we're drowning, right?—when I saw this woman sharing how she paid off $30,000 in debt through being a creator. I remember thinking, "No way that's legit."

But being broke makes you bold. Or stupid. Usually both.

I installed the TikTok app the next morning. My first video? Me, no makeup, messy bun, sharing how I'd just spent my last $12 on a cheap food for my kids' lunch boxes. I shared it and felt sick. Why would anyone care about this disaster?

Spoiler alert, tons of people.

That video got nearly 50,000 views. Forty-seven thousand people watched me nearly cry over processed meat. The comments section was this incredible community—women in similar situations, people living the same reality, all saying "me too." That was my aha moment. People didn't want perfect. They wanted raw.

Building My Platform: The Unfiltered Mom Content

Here's what they don't say about content creation: your niche matters. And my niche? It chose me. I became the mom who tells the truth.

I started creating content about the stuff everyone keeps private. Like how I wore the same leggings all week because laundry felt impossible. Or the time I served cereal as a meal three nights in a row and called it "creative meal planning." Or that moment when my daughter asked why daddy doesn't live here anymore, and I had to talk about complex things to a kid who believes in magic.

My content wasn't pretty. My lighting was non-existent. I filmed on a phone with a broken screen. But it was real, and evidently, that's what worked.

In just two months, I hit 10K. Three months later, 50,000. By month six, I'd crossed 100,000. Each milestone felt impossible. Actual humans who wanted to hear what I had to say. Plain old me—a struggling single mom who had to Google "what is a content creator" six months earlier.

The Actual Schedule: Juggling Everything

Here's the reality of my typical day, because creating content solo is totally different from those pretty "day in the life" videos you see.

5:30am: My alarm goes off. I do absolutely not want to wake up, but this is my sacred content creation time. I make coffee that will get cold, and I begin creating. Sometimes it's a morning routine sharing about single mom finances. Sometimes it's me meal prepping while discussing custody stuff. The lighting is whatever I can get.

7:00am: Kids emerge. Content creation pauses. Now I'm in parent mode—pouring cereal, finding the missing shoe (where do they go), prepping food, breaking up sibling fights. The chaos is next level.

8:30am: Drop off time. I'm that mom making videos while driving when stopped. Not my proudest moment, but the grind never stops.

9:00am-2:00pm: This is my hustle time. House is quiet. I'm editing videos, responding to comments, planning content, pitching brands, looking at stats. People think content creation is just making TikToks. Nope. It's a full business.

I usually batch content on specific days. That means creating 10-15 pieces in one session. I'll change clothes so it looks varied. Advice: Keep wardrobe options close for easy transitions. My neighbors probably think I'm unhinged, recording myself alone in the backyard.

3:00pm: Picking them up. Back to parenting. But here's where it gets tricky—often my best content ideas come from these after-school moments. Recently, my daughter had a complete meltdown in Target because I said no to a toy she didn't need. I made content in the Target parking lot after about managing big emotions as a single mom. It got 2.3M views.

Evening: Dinner, homework, bath time, bedtime routines. I'm generally wiped out to create content, but I'll schedule uploads, reply to messages, or strategize. Often, after bedtime, I'll work late because a client needs content.

The truth? Balance is a myth. It's just managed chaos with moments of success.

Let's Talk Income: How I Really Earn Money

Look, let's discuss money because this is what everyone wants to know. Can you really earn income as a creator? 100%. Is it effortless? Absolutely not.

My first month, I made zilch. Month two? Also nothing. Third month, I got my first collaboration—$150 to promote a meal delivery. I actually cried. That one-fifty bought groceries for two weeks.

Currently, three years later, here's how I earn income:

Collaborations: This is my main revenue. I work with brands that make sense—things that help, helpful services, kid essentials. I ask for anywhere from five hundred to several thousand per deal, depending on the scope. Just last month, I did 4 sponsored posts and made $8K.

Platform Payments: TikTok's creator fund pays not much—$200-$400 per month for huge view counts. YouTube ad revenue is actually decent. I make about $1.5K monthly from YouTube, but that required years.

Affiliate Links: I post links to stuff I really use—everything from my go-to coffee machine to the beds my kids use. If someone purchases through my link, I get a commission. This brings in about eight hundred to twelve hundred.

Online Products: I created a single mom budget planner and a meal planning ebook. They sell for fifteen dollars, and I sell maybe 50-100 per month. That's another thousand to fifteen hundred.

One-on-One Coaching: Aspiring influencers pay me to teach them the ropes. I offer private coaching for two hundred per hour. I do about several a month.

My total income: Generally, I'm making between ten and fifteen grand per month now. Certain months are better, some are tougher. It's up and down, which is stressful when you're solo. But it's three times what I made at my previous job, and I'm available for my kids.

The Dark Side Nobody Posts About

This sounds easy until you're crying in your car because a post got no views, or managing vicious comments from strangers who think they know your life.

The trolls are vicious. I've been called a bad mom, told I'm exploiting my kids, told I'm fake about being a solo parent. A commenter wrote, "Maybe that's why he left." That one destroyed me.

The algorithm shifts. One week you're getting insane views. Next month, you're struggling for views. Your income is unstable. You're always creating, never resting, nervous about slowing down, you'll fall behind.

The mom guilt is worse to the extreme. Every video I post, I wonder: Am I oversharing? Are my kids safe? Will they hate me for this when they're teenagers? I have non-negotiables—protected identities, no sharing their private stuff, protecting their dignity. But the line is blurry sometimes.

The exhaustion is real. Certain periods when I don't want to film anything. When I'm exhausted, talked out, and at my limit. But life doesn't stop. So I push through.

The Unexpected Blessings

But the truth is—despite everything, this journey has brought me things I never imagined.

Economic stability for once in my life. I'm not loaded, but I became debt-free. I have an savings. We took a real vacation last summer—Disney World, which was a dream two years ago. I don't dread checking my balance anymore.

Control that's priceless. When my kid was ill last month, I didn't have to stress about missing work or stress about losing pay. I handled business at urgent care. When there's a class party, I'm present. I'm in their lives in ways I wasn't able to be with a traditional 9-5.

Support that saved me. The creator friends I've found, especially solo parents, have become true friends. We talk, collaborate, have each other's backs. My followers have become this beautiful community. They cheer for me, encourage me through rough patches, and make me feel seen.

My own identity. For the first time since having kids, I have something for me. I'm not just someone's ex-wife or just a mom. I'm a CEO. A content creator. Someone who created this.

Tips for Single Moms Wanting to Start

If you're a solo parent curious about this, here's what I'd tell you:

Just start. Your first videos will be terrible. Mine did. It's fine. You get better, not by waiting until everything is perfect.

Be yourself. People can spot fake. Share your actual life—the mess. That's what connects.

Prioritize their privacy. Create rules. Have standards. Their privacy is non-negotiable. I don't use their names, protect their faces, and respect their dignity.

Don't rely on one thing. Don't put all eggs in one basket or a single source. The algorithm is unreliable. Multiple income streams = stability.

Batch your content. When you have free time, film multiple videos. Future you will thank yourself when you're too exhausted to create.

Connect with followers. Respond to comments. Respond to DMs. Connect authentically. Your community is crucial.

Track your time and ROI. Time is money. If something takes four hours and gets 200 views while a different post takes very little time and goes viral, pivot.

Take care of yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup. Rest. Protect your peace. Your mental health matters more than going viral.

Give it time. This requires patience. It took me ages to make decent money. Year one, I made fifteen thousand. Year 2, eighty grand. Year three, I'm on track for six figures. It's a marathon.

Don't forget your why. On tough days—and trust me, there will be—think about your why. For me, it's financial freedom, being present, and demonstrating that I'm stronger than I knew.

Being Real With You

Here's the deal, I'm telling the truth. Content creation as a single mom is difficult. So damn hard. You're running a whole business while being the lone caretaker of demanding little people.

Many days I second-guess this. Days when the nasty comments affect me. Days when I'm drained and wondering if I should go back to corporate with a 401k.

But and then my the article mentioned daughter tells me she's happy I'm here. Or I see my bank account actually has money in it. Or I receive a comment from a follower saying my content gave her courage. And I understand the impact.

The Future

A few years back, I was lost and broke what to do. Today, I'm a full-time content creator making triple what I earned in my 9-5, and I'm home when my kids get off the school bus.

My goals going forward? Hit 500K by end of year. Start a podcast for other single moms. Write a book eventually. Continue building this business that changed my life.

This journey gave me a way out when I had nothing. It gave me a way to take care of my children, be present in their lives, and create something meaningful. It's not what I planned, but it's where I belong.

To all the single moms on the fence: You can. It will be hard. You'll struggle. But you're managing the hardest job in the world—parenting solo. You're tougher than you realize.

Jump in messy. Be consistent. Keep your boundaries. And always remember, you're beyond survival mode—you're changing your life.

Gotta go now, I need to go record a video about another last-minute project and surprise!. Because that's the reality—making content from chaos, one post at a time.

Seriously. This journey? It's everything. Even though I'm sure there's crumbs everywhere. Dream life, mess included.