As a single mom, you often juggle multiple responsibilities, making it challenging to find additional income sources to support yourself and your family. However, with the right approach and a little creativity, it’s possible to start a profitable side business that can supplement your income and provide financial stability.
There are many legitimate side hustles for single moms that improve finances while still leaving time to care for your kids.
Whether you’re passionate about a particular skill or looking for a flexible way to earn extra money, this post provides a list of creative business opportunities that you can rely on to pay bills and support your lifestyle.
Let’s dive in!
What Is a Side Hustle?
A side hustle is a secondary job or business venture pursued in addition to your primary job. It can be a way to earn extra income, explore a passion, or gain new skills. Side hustles vary in size, scope, and time commitment, making them adaptable to your needs.
Why Start a Side Hustle as a Single Mom?
1. Financial Security
Side hustles can create a financial cushion, helping you cover unexpected expenses or save for long-term goals, such as your children’s education or buying a home.
2. Flexibility and Control
Unlike traditional jobs, side hustles often allow you to set your own hours, giving you more control over your schedule.
3. Personal and Professional Growth
Side hustles provide opportunities to develop new skills, network, and gain confidence, setting a positive example for your children.
4. A Sense of Purpose
Running a successful side hustle can give you a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment as you achieve your goals and build a better future for your family.
16 Profitable Side Hustles for Single Moms
1. Serving or Bartending
If you have someone to help watch your kids during evenings or weekends, serving or bartending can be a flexible and lucrative option. Upscale restaurants and bars often provide significant earning potential through tips, especially during busy hours or special events. The job typically doesn’t require prior experience, and many establishments offer on-the-job training. Plus, this role allows you to interact with new people, which can be a refreshing change if you’re used to being at home. For single moms who work day jobs, bartending in the evenings can provide an additional income stream.
2. Becoming a Personal Stylist
If you love fashion and have an eye for style, becoming a personal stylist is an excellent side hustle. Many companies, like Stitch Fix and Amazon, hire virtual stylists to assist clients with finding clothes that fit their preferences and lifestyles. This role is often remote and flexible, making it ideal for moms juggling family responsibilities. If you have prior experience in fashion retail or personal shopping, you might command higher pay. Alternatively, you could start your own styling business on social media, offering personalized advice and shopping services to clients.
3. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking
For animal lovers, pet sitting and dog walking offer a chance to earn money while spending time with furry friends. Platforms like Rover, PetBacker, and Wag make it easy to connect with pet owners looking for reliable caregivers. This side hustle is flexible; you can choose the hours that work best for you, and many clients are willing to pay premium rates for overnight pet care. For single moms with limited time, quick dog-walking jobs are an excellent way to fit work into a busy schedule while getting some exercise.
4. Online Tutoring
Online tutoring is one of the most profitable side hustles, with rates ranging from $20 to $100 per hour. Subjects like math, science, and test prep are particularly in demand. Websites like Tutor.com, VIPKid, and Skooli allow you to work with students remotely, giving you the flexibility to schedule sessions around your children’s needs. If you have specialized knowledge or a teaching background, you can market yourself to earn higher rates. Tutoring is also a rewarding job, as you’ll help students achieve their academic goals while earning extra income.
5. Freelance Writing
If you have a talent for writing, freelance writing can be a flexible and high-paying side hustle. Businesses, blogs, and publications constantly need content, such as articles, website copy, and product descriptions. You can start by creating a portfolio of your work and signing up on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProBlogger. As you gain experience, you can increase your rates and work directly with clients. Freelance writing can be done anytime and anywhere, making it ideal for single moms who need to work around their kids’ schedules.
6. Rideshare Driving
Driving for Uber or Lyft allows you to earn money on your terms. You can work during peak hours, like weekends or evenings, to maximize your earnings. Many single moms find rideshare driving appealing because it doesn’t require specific qualifications—just a reliable car and a clean driving record. If you prefer not to transport passengers, consider delivering food or packages through services like Uber Eats or Amazon Flex. These options offer the same flexibility without the need for direct interaction with riders.
7. Consulting
If you have expertise in a specific field, such as marketing, finance, event planning, or fitness, you can offer consulting services to individuals or small businesses. Consultants often charge premium rates, with hourly fees ranging from $50 to $200 or more, depending on the industry. This side hustle can be as simple as sharing advice during phone calls or more involved, like creating detailed business plans. Platforms like Clarity.fm or LinkedIn are excellent places to market your services.
8. Delivering Food and Groceries
Food and grocery delivery through platforms like DoorDash, Instacart, and Uber Eats is a flexible option for single moms who need to set their own schedules. You can choose to work during your free hours, such as when the kids are at school or asleep. Delivery jobs often pay more during peak times, like evenings and weekends, and you can earn tips on top of your base pay. If you enjoy driving and prefer minimal interaction with others, this side hustle is worth considering.
9. Designing YouTube Thumbnails
YouTube creators rely on visually appealing thumbnails to attract viewers, and many are willing to pay for custom designs. Even if you’re not a professional graphic designer, tools like Canva make it easy to create eye-catching thumbnails. You can find clients through freelance platforms or by reaching out directly to creators on YouTube or social media. With enough practice, you could expand your services to include other graphic design projects, such as social media graphics or business flyers.
10. Starting a Blog
Blogging is a great way to build a long-term income stream. While it takes time to grow an audience and start earning money, the potential for passive income is significant. You can monetize your blog through affiliate marketing, ads, sponsored posts, or selling your own products. Choose a niche you’re passionate about, such as parenting, DIY projects, or personal finance. Platforms like WordPress or Wix make it easy to set up a blog. With consistency and quality content, blogging can become a sustainable side hustle.
11. Selling Products Online
Turn your creativity into cash by selling products online. Handmade crafts, vintage items, or digital goods can be sold on platforms like Etsy, Amazon, or eBay. You can also explore drop-shipping, where you sell products without holding inventory. Start small by using materials you already have at home and reinvest your earnings to grow your business. Selling online is a flexible option that allows you to work whenever you have free time.
12. Offering Virtual Assistant Services
Virtual assistants (VAs) help businesses with tasks like email management, data entry, social media scheduling, and customer service. This role requires strong organizational skills and basic computer knowledge. You can find VA jobs on websites like Indeed, Upwork, or Fiverr. Some VAs specialize in niches, such as real estate or e-commerce, which can command higher rates. This is a perfect option for single moms, as it can be done entirely from home and allows for flexible scheduling.
13. Creating an Online Course
If you’re knowledgeable about a specific topic, create an online course to share your expertise. Platforms like Udemy, Skillshare, and Teachable make it easy to reach a global audience. Courses can cover a wide range of topics, such as parenting tips, budgeting, or starting a side hustle. Once your course is live, it can provide passive income, requiring only occasional updates to keep the content relevant.
14. Offering Childcare
Childcare is a natural fit for many single moms, as you already have experience caring for children. Offer babysitting services in your community or register on platforms like Care.com or Sittercity to find clients. If you have space in your home, consider starting an in-home daycare, which can provide a steady income. By helping other parents with childcare, you can turn your caregiving skills into a profitable side hustle.
15. Working in Customer Service
Many companies, including Apple and Amazon, offer remote customer service roles. These jobs typically involve assisting customers via phone, chat, or email. While the work can be challenging at times, the pay is often competitive, with some companies offering $20–$30 per hour. This side hustle is perfect for single moms who prefer working from home and have strong communication skills.
16. Social Media Management for Small Businesses
If you’re skilled with social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok, consider offering social media management services. Small businesses often need help creating content, scheduling posts, and engaging with their audience. You can charge a monthly retainer for managing a business’s accounts, with rates ranging from $500 to $1,500 per client. Use tools like Canva and Hootsuite to streamline your workflow and provide professional results.
Quick Summary: Profitable Side Hustles for Single Moms
As a single mom, you have endless opportunities to achieve financial success through side hustles. It’s not an overnight process, but with persistence and dedication, you can create a profitable venture that aligns with your passions and schedule.
Explore these ideas, find the one that resonates most with you, and take the first step toward financial independence today!
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