Working mom side hustles right now — clearly discussed helping women entrepreneurs earn extra income
Here's the tea, being a mom is literally insane. But what's really wild? Attempting to get that bread while managing kids, laundry, and approximately 47 snack requests per day.
My hustle life began about several years ago when I had the epiphany that my Target runs were way too frequent. I was desperate for cash that was actually mine.
Virtual Assistant Hustle
Here's what happened, I started out was jumping into virtual assistance. And I'll be real? It was ideal. It let me work during naptime, and the only requirement was a computer and internet.
My first tasks were simple tasks like email sorting, doing social media scheduling, and entering data. Pretty straightforward. I started at about fifteen to twenty bucks hourly, which felt cheap but when you don't know what you're doing yet, you gotta begin at the bottom.
The funniest part? There I was on a video meeting looking all professional from the waist up—full professional mode—while rocking sweatpants. Main character energy.
Selling on Etsy
After getting my feet wet, I decided to try the whole Etsy thing. All my mom friends seemed to sell stuff on Etsy, so I was like "why not join the party?"
I started making digital planners and home decor prints. Here's why printables are amazing? Make it one time, and it can make money while you sleep. Actually, I've earned money at 3am while I was sleeping.
When I got my first order? I lost my mind. My partner was like the house was on fire. Negative—I was just, a clear breakdown doing a happy dance for my glorious $4.99. No shame in my game.
Content Creator Life
Then I discovered the whole influencer thing. This venture is definitely a slow burn, I'm not gonna sugarcoat it.
I created a parenting blog where I wrote about my parenting journey—the messy truth. None of that Pinterest-perfect life. Simply honest stories about surviving tantrums in Target.
Getting readers was a test of patience. The first few months, I was essentially creating content for crickets. But I persisted, and slowly but surely, things took off.
Now? I earn income through affiliate marketing, working with brands, and display ads. Just last month I generated over two grand from my blog alone. Insane, right?
SMM Side Hustle
Once I got decent at running my own socials, other businesses started reaching out if I could help them.
Here's the thing? A lot of local businesses struggle with social media. They recognize they have to be on it, but they're too busy.
This is my moment. I oversee social media for a handful of clients—a bakery, a boutique, and a fitness studio. I plan their content, plan their posting schedule, handle community management, and track analytics.
They pay me between $500-$1500/month per client, depending on the scope of work. What I love? I do this work from my phone while sitting in the carpool line.
Writing for Money
For the wordy folks, writing gigs is seriously profitable. I'm not talking writing the next Great American Novel—this is commercial writing.
Businesses everywhere always need writers. I've written articles about everything from subjects I knew nothing about before Googling. You don't need to be an expert, you just need to be able to learn quickly.
Generally earn $50-150 per article, depending on how complex it is. On good months I'll create fifteen articles and make one to two thousand extra.
What's hilarious: I was the person who hated writing papers. Currently I'm earning a living writing. Life's funny like that.
The Online Tutoring Thing
After lockdown started, online tutoring exploded. I used to be a teacher, so this was an obvious choice.
I joined various tutoring services. You choose when you work, which is essential when you have tiny humans who throw curveballs daily.
I mostly tutor elementary school stuff. Rates vary from fifteen to twenty-five hourly depending on the company.
The awkward part? Occasionally my own kids will burst into the room mid-session. I've had to teach fractions while my toddler screamed about the wrong color cup. The parents on the other end are incredibly understanding because they're parents too.
The Reselling Game
Okay, this hustle I stumbled into. I was decluttering my kids' closet and posted some items on copyright.
Stuff sold out immediately. I suddenly understood: there's a market for everything.
These days I visit anywhere with deals, hunting for name brands. I grab something for $3 and sell it for $30.
Is it a lot of work? Absolutely. You're constantly listing and shipping. But it's oddly satisfying about finding hidden treasures at Goodwill and making profit.
Bonus: the kids think it's neat when I find unique items. Last week I found a retro toy that my son freaked out about. Sold it for $45. Victory for mom.
The Truth About Side Hustles
Let me keep it real: this stuff requires effort. They're called hustles for a reason.
Some days when I'm running on empty, wondering why I'm doing this. I wake up early getting stuff done while it's quiet, then doing all the mom stuff, then back to work after everyone's in bed.
But you know what? This income is mine. I don't have to ask permission to treat myself. I'm adding to our household income. I'm teaching my children that you can have it all—sort of.
What I Wish I Knew
If you're thinking about a side gig, here are my tips:
Start small. Don't try to start five businesses. Start with one venture and master it before taking on more.
Work with your schedule. Whatever time you have, that's okay. Two hours of focused work is a great beginning.
Comparison is the thief of joy to Instagram moms. The successful ones you see? She probably started years ago and doesn't do it alone. Stay in your lane.
Don't be afraid to invest, but strategically. There are tons of free resources. Don't waste thousands on courses until you've validated your idea.
Batch tasks together. This changed everything. Dedicate specific days for specific tasks. Monday might be writing day. Use Wednesday for administrative work.
Dealing with Mom Guilt
Real talk—guilt is part of this. Sometimes when I'm on my laptop and they want to play, and I feel guilty.
However I think about that I'm modeling for them what dedication looks like. I'm proving to them that moms can have businesses.
Additionally? Having my own income has improved my mental health. I'm happier, which makes me a better parent.
Let's Talk Money
My actual income? Most months, between all my hustles, I pull in $3K-5K. Some months are better, some are tougher.
Is it life-changing money? Nope. But this money covers so many things we needed that would've caused financial strain. It's building my skills and experience that could grow into more.
Wrapping This Up
Here's the bottom line, hustling as a mom isn't easy. It's not a magic formula. Often I'm improvising everything, powered by caffeine, and hoping for the best.
But I don't regret it. Every single penny made is evidence of my capability. It's proof that I'm a multifaceted person.
If you're thinking about starting a side hustle? Take the leap. Start messy. Your tomorrow self will be so glad you did.
And remember: You're more than making it through—you're growing something incredible. Even though there's probably old cheerios on your keyboard.
For real. It's where it's at, complete with all the chaos.
My Content Creator Journey: My Journey as a Single Mom
I'm gonna be honest—being a single parent wasn't the dream. I never expected to be building a creator business. But fast forward to now, years into this crazy ride, making a living by posting videos while doing this mom thing solo. And real talk? It's been the most terrifying, empowering, and unexpected blessing of my life.
The Beginning: When Everything Fell Apart
It was a few years ago when my divorce happened. I can still picture sitting in my new apartment (he took the couch, I got the kids' art projects), staring at my phone at 2am while my kids were asleep. I had eight hundred forty-seven dollars in my bank account, little people counting on me, and a income that didn't cut it. The fear was overwhelming, y'all.
I'd been scrolling TikTok to avoid my thoughts—because that's the move? in crisis mode, right?—when I found this single mom discussing how she became debt-free through making videos. I remember thinking, "That can't be real."
But when you're desperate, you try anything. Maybe both. Probably both.
I got the TikTok app the next morning. My first video? Me, no makeup, messy bun, explaining how I'd just blown my final $12 on a frozen nuggets and juice boxes for my kids' lunches. I uploaded it and wanted to delete it. Who wants to watch this disaster?
Spoiler alert, tons of people.
That video got forty-seven thousand views. Forty-seven thousand people watched me nearly cry over $12 worth of food. The comments section became this validation fest—women in similar situations, other people struggling, all saying "this is my life." That was my epiphany. People didn't want the highlight reel. They wanted real.
Discovering My Voice: The Honest Single Parent Platform
Here's what nobody tells you about content creation: your niche matters. And my niche? It chose me. I became the unfiltered single mom.
I started sharing the stuff people hide. Like how I didn't change pants for days because executive dysfunction is real. Or the time I fed my kids cereal for dinner several days straight and called it "survival mode." Or that moment when my daughter asked about the divorce, and I had to have big conversations to a kid who thinks the tooth fairy is real.
My content was rough. My lighting was awful. I filmed on a busted phone. But it was real, and evidently, that's what connected.
Within two months, I hit 10,000 followers. Month three, fifty thousand. By six months, I'd crossed six figures. Each milestone blew my mind. These were real people who wanted to follow me. Little old me—a broke single mom who had to learn everything from scratch recently.
The Actual Schedule: Content Creation Meets Real Life
Here's the reality of my typical day, because this life is the opposite of those pretty "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm blares. I do NOT want to get up, but this is my work time. I make coffee that I'll reheat three times, and I begin creating. Sometimes it's a get-ready-with-me talking about budgeting. Sometimes it's me cooking while venting about co-parenting struggles. The lighting is natural and terrible.
7:00am: Kids get up. Content creation goes on hold. Now I'm in mommy mode—making breakfast, the shoe hunt (why is it always one shoe), packing lunches, mediating arguments. The chaos is intense.
8:30am: Getting them to school. I'm that mom making videos while driving at stop signs. I know, I know, but the grind never stops.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my work block. House is quiet. I'm editing videos, replying to DMs, planning content, reaching out to brands, analyzing metrics. Folks imagine content creation is simple. Wrong. It's a whole business.
I usually film in batches on Monday and Wednesday. That means making a dozen videos in a few hours. I'll change shirts between videos so it seems like separate days. Life hack: Keep multiple tops nearby for quick changes. My neighbors definitely think I'm crazy, talking to my camera in the driveway.
3:00pm: Getting the kids. Parent time. But plot twist—many times my top performing content come from this time. Last week, my daughter had a complete meltdown in Target because I wouldn't buy a $40 toy. I created a video in the Target parking lot later about handling public tantrums as a single mom. It got millions of views.
Evening: All the evening things. I'm generally wiped out to film, but I'll schedule uploads, reply to messages, or prep for tomorrow. Many nights, after they're down, I'll work late because a partnership is due.
The truth? Balance is a myth. It's just controlled chaos with moments of success.
Let's Talk Income: How I Support My Family
Okay, let's discuss money because this is what people ask about. Can you make a living as a content creator? Yes. Is it easy? Absolutely not.
My first month, I made zero dollars. Second month? Also nothing. Month three, I got my first paid partnership—$150 to share a food subscription. I actually cried. That $150 paid for groceries.
Fast forward, three years later, here's how I earn income:
Collaborations: This is my main revenue. I work with brands that align with my audience—practical items, mom products, kid essentials. I charge anywhere from $500 to $5,000 per partnership, depending on what they need. This past month, I did 4 sponsored posts and made eight grand.
TikTok Fund: The TikTok fund pays not much—maybe $200-400 per month for huge view counts. AdSense is way better. I make about $1.5K monthly from YouTube, but that required years.
Link Sharing: I share links to things I own—anything from my go-to coffee machine to the bunk beds in their room. If someone clicks and buys, I get a kickback. This brings in about $800-$1200/month.
Digital Products: I created a money management guide and a cooking guide. Each costs $15, and I sell maybe 50-100 per month. That's another thousand to fifteen hundred.
One-on-One Coaching: Aspiring influencers pay me to guide them. I offer 1:1 sessions for two hundred per hour. I do about several per month.
Overall monthly earnings: On average, I'm making between ten and fifteen grand per month these days. Some months are higher, some are tougher. It's up and down, which is nerve-wracking when there's no backup. But it's 3x what I made at my corporate job, and I'm present.
The Hard Parts Nobody Talks About
From the outside it's great until you're having a breakdown because a video didn't perform, or handling cruel messages from internet trolls.
The haters are brutal. I've been mom-shamed, told I'm exploiting my kids, accused of lying about being a divorced parent. A commenter wrote, "Maybe that's why he left." That one destroyed me.
The algorithm is unpredictable. One month you're getting insane views. Next month, you're lucky to break 1,000. Your income goes up and down. You're constantly creating, always "on", worried that if you take a break, you'll fall behind.
The guilt is crushing exponentially. Everything I share, I wonder: Am I sharing too much? Is this okay? Will they regret this when they're older? I have clear boundaries—protected identities, no sharing their private stuff, protecting their dignity. But the line is blurry sometimes.
The I get burnt out. Some weeks when I am empty. When I'm touched out, socially drained, and at my limit. But life doesn't stop. So I create anyway.
The Beautiful Parts
But here's the thing—through it all, this journey has blessed me with things I never anticipated.
Financial stability for the first damn time. I'm not a millionaire, but I paid off $18,000 in debt. I have an safety net. We took a vacation last summer—Disney, which felt impossible a couple years back. I don't stress about my account anymore.
Control that's priceless. When my kid was ill last month, I didn't have to ask permission or lose income. I worked from the pediatrician's waiting room. When there's a field trip, I attend. I'm available in ways I couldn't be with a regular job.
Community that saved me. The creator friends I've befriended, especially other moms, have become real friends. We vent, help each other, have each other's backs. My followers have become this incredible cheerleading squad. They support me, send love, and remind me I'm not alone.
Identity beyond "mom". For the first time since having kids, I have something for me. I'm not just someone's ex-wife or only a parent. I'm a business owner. A content creator. Someone who built something from nothing.
My Best Tips
If you're a solo parent wanting to start, here's what I'd tell you:
Begin now. Your first videos will be terrible. Mine did. That's okay. You improve over time, not by procrastinating.
Keep it real. People can tell when you're fake. Share your true life—the mess. That's what connects.
Prioritize their privacy. Establish boundaries. Know your limits. Their privacy is sacred. I keep names private, minimize face content, and protect their stories.
Build multiple income streams. Don't rely on just one platform or a single source. The algorithm is unstable. Multiple income streams = stability.
Batch your content. When you have available time, record several. Future you will be grateful when you're unable to film.
Connect with followers. Reply to comments. Reply to messages. Be real with them. Your community is crucial.
Track metrics. Time is money. If something is time-intensive and flops while another video takes minutes and blows up, shift focus.
Take care of yourself. You matter too. Take breaks. Guard your energy. Your mental health matters more than anything.
Give it time. This requires patience. It took me eight months to make decent money. The first year, I made maybe $15,000 total. Year 2, eighty grand. Year 3, I'm projected for $100K+. It's a long game.
Don't forget your why. On hard days—and trust me, there will be—recall your purpose. For me, it's independence, time with my children, and showing myself that I'm more than I believed.
Being Real With You
Listen, I'm being honest. This journey is challenging. Really hard. You're basically running a business while being the sole caretaker of tiny humans who need you constantly.
There are days I question everything. Days when the hate comments get to me. Days when I'm completely spent and asking myself if I should just get a "normal" job with benefits and a steady paycheck.
But then my daughter says she appreciates this. Or I see my bank account actually has money in it. Or I receive a comment from a follower saying my content inspired her. And I know it's worth it.
The Future
Years ago, I was terrified and clueless how I'd survive as a single mom. Today, I'm a full-time content creator making more money than I ever did in traditional work, and I'm present for everything.
My goals now? Hit 500,000 followers by December. Create a podcast for other single moms. Consider writing a book. Expand this business that changed my life.
Being a creator gave me a lifeline when I needed it most. It gave me a way to provide for my family, be present in their lives, and build something real. It's not what I planned, but it's perfect.
To every single mom out there thinking about starting: You absolutely can. It will be hard. You'll want to quit some days. But you're already doing the toughest gig—parenting solo. You're tougher than you realize.
Start messy. Keep showing up. Prioritize yourself. And always remember, you're beyond survival mode—you're changing your life.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go record a video about homework I forgot about and surprise!. Because that's how it goes—content from the mess, one video at a time.
No cap. This journey? It's worth it. Even though there's definitely crumbs everywhere. Dream life, one messy video at a time.