Busy parent part-time jobs right now : broken down that helps busy moms build additional revenue
I'm gonna be honest with you, being a mom is literally insane. But you know what's even crazier? Trying to get that bread while handling children who have boundless energy while I'm running on fumes.
This whole thing started for me about three years ago when I discovered that my random shopping trips were reaching dangerous levels. I needed some independent income.
The Virtual Assistant Life
Here's what happened, I kicked things off was jumping into virtual assistance. And real talk? It was perfect. I was able to get stuff done when the house was finally peaceful, and the only requirement was my laptop and decent wifi.
My first tasks were simple tasks like organizing inboxes, scheduling social media posts, and basic admin work. Not rocket science. I started at about $15-20 per hour, which felt cheap but when you're just starting, you gotta start somewhere.
Here's what was wild? There I was on a client call looking completely put together from the chest up—business casual vibes—while rocking pajama bottoms. Living my best life.
The Etsy Shop Adventure
About twelve months in, I ventured into the selling on Etsy. Literally everyone seemed to have an Etsy shop, so I figured "why not get in on this?"
I began making downloadable organizers and wall art. Here's why printables are amazing? Make it one time, and it can make money while you sleep. Literally, I've made sales at times when I didn't even know.
My first sale? I literally this page screamed. My husband thought something was wrong. Negative—just me, celebrating my five dollar sale. Don't judge me.
Content Creator Life
Eventually I started blogging and content creation. This one is playing the long game, let me tell you.
I began a blog about motherhood where I shared real mom life—the messy truth. Not the highlight reel. Simply real talk about surviving tantrums in Target.
Getting readers was like watching paint dry. Initially, I was essentially talking to myself. But I kept at it, and eventually, things took off.
Now? I earn income through affiliate marketing, working with brands, and advertisements on my site. Just last month I made over $2,000 from my blog income. Insane, right?
SMM Side Hustle
Once I got decent at managing my blog's social media, other businesses started inquiring if I could manage their accounts.
And honestly? A lot of local businesses suck at social media. They know they need a presence, but they don't have time.
Enter: me. I now manage social media for a handful of clients—different types of businesses. I plan their content, plan their posting schedule, engage with followers, and check their stats.
I bill between five hundred to fifteen hundred monthly per client, depending on the scope of work. Here's what's great? I handle this from my iPhone.
Freelance Writing Life
For those who can string sentences together, freelance writing is seriously profitable. This isn't becoming Shakespeare—I mean commercial writing.
Businesses everywhere need content constantly. I've created content about everything from dental hygiene to copyright. You don't need to be an expert, you just need to know how to find information.
Generally make $50-150 per article, depending on length and complexity. On good months I'll write ten to fifteen pieces and make $1-2K.
The funny thing is: I'm the same person who thought writing was torture. These days I'm earning a living writing. The irony.
Tutoring Online
During the pandemic, online tutoring exploded. With my teaching background, so this was an obvious choice.
I joined several tutoring platforms. It's super flexible, which is essential when you have tiny humans who throw curveballs daily.
I focus on basic subjects. Rates vary from $15-25 per hour depending on which site you use.
Here's what's weird? Every now and then my kids will burst into the room mid-session. There was a time I teach fractions while my toddler screamed about the wrong color cup. Other parents are very sympathetic because they understand mom life.
Flipping Items for Profit
So, this hustle wasn't planned. While organizing my kids' room and tried selling some outfits on Facebook Marketplace.
Things sold so fast. Lightbulb moment: there's a market for everything.
These days I frequent estate sales and thrift shops, hunting for quality items. I purchase something for $3 and sell it for $30.
Is it a lot of work? Absolutely. There's photographing, listing, and shipping. But there's something satisfying about discovering a diamond in the rough at the thrift store and making profit.
Additionally: the kids think it's neat when I discover weird treasures. Last week I grabbed a retro toy that my son lost his mind over. Sold it for $45. Mom for the win.
Real Talk Time
Real talk moment: this stuff requires effort. The word 'hustle' is there for a reason.
Some days when I'm exhausted, wondering why I'm doing this. I'm grinding at dawn getting stuff done while it's quiet, then handling mom duties, then back to work after 8pm hits.
But you know what? This income is mine. No permission needed to buy the fancy coffee. I'm adding to our household income. My kids are learning that you can be both.
What I Wish I Knew
For those contemplating a side gig, this is what I've learned:
Start with one thing. You can't start five businesses. Choose one hustle and master it before expanding.
Honor your limits. Whatever time you have, that's perfectly acceptable. Two hours of focused work is a great beginning.
Comparison is the thief of joy to Instagram moms. The successful ones you see? They put in years of work and has resources you don't see. Run your own race.
Learn and grow, but smartly. There are tons of free resources. Avoid dropping massive amounts on training until you've proven the concept.
Do similar tasks together. This saved my sanity. Set aside time blocks for different things. Use Monday for content creation day. Wednesday might be handling business stuff.
Let's Talk Mom Guilt
I'm not gonna lie—I struggle with guilt. There are days when I'm hustling and my child is calling for me, and I struggle with it.
However I think about that I'm demonstrating to them that hard work matters. I'm teaching my kids that motherhood doesn't mean giving up your identity.
Additionally? Financial independence has been good for me. I'm more satisfied, which makes me a better parent.
Let's Talk Money
So what do I actually make? On average, between all my hustles, I bring in $3K-5K. It varies, others are slower.
Will this make you wealthy? Not exactly. But it's paid for stuff that matters to us that would've caused financial strain. It's also building my skills and knowledge that could turn into something bigger.
In Conclusion
Here's the bottom line, hustling as a mom takes work. You won't find a one-size-fits-all approach. Many days I'm flying by the seat of my pants, fueled by espresso and stubbornness, and crossing my fingers.
But I'm proud of this journey. Every dollar I earn is evidence of my capability. It shows that I'm not just someone's mother.
If you're thinking about beginning your hustle journey? Start now. Don't wait for perfect. You in six months will be grateful.
Keep in mind: You aren't only making it through—you're growing something incredible. Despite the fact that there's probably old cheerios on your keyboard.
Not even kidding. This mom hustle life is the life, despite the chaos.
From Survival Mode to Content Creator: My Journey as a Single Mom
I'm gonna be honest—being a single parent was never the plan. I also didn't plan on becoming a content creator. But here I am, three years into this wild journey, making a living by sharing my life online while doing this mom thing solo. And real talk? It's been life-changing in every way of my life.
The Starting Point: When Everything Came Crashing Down
It was three years ago when my life exploded. I will never forget sitting in my bare apartment (he took what he wanted, I kept what mattered), wide awake at 2am while my kids were finally quiet. I had less than a thousand dollars in my checking account, two kids to support, and a income that didn't cut it. The fear was overwhelming, y'all.
I'd been scrolling TikTok to numb the pain—because that's self-care at 2am, right? when our lives are falling apart, right?—when I came across this single mom sharing how she paid off $30,000 in debt through posting online. I remember thinking, "That's either a scam or she's incredibly lucky."
But desperation makes you brave. Or crazy. Sometimes both.
I got the TikTok creator app the next morning. My first video? No filter, no makeup, pure chaos, explaining how I'd just blown my final $12 on a cheap food for my kids' school lunches. I uploaded it and wanted to delete it. Who gives a damn about someone's train wreck of a life?
Apparently, tons of people.
That video got forty-seven thousand views. Nearly fifty thousand people watched me breakdown over frozen nuggets. The comments section was this validation fest—other single moms, people living the same reality, all saying "this is my life." That was my lightbulb moment. People didn't want filtered content. They wanted authentic.
Building My Platform: The Hot Mess Single Mom Brand
Here's what nobody tells you about content creation: niche is crucial. And my niche? It happened organically. I became the real one.
I started filming the stuff nobody talks about. Like how I didn't change pants for days because executive dysfunction is real. Or when I let them eat Lucky Charms for dinner several days straight and called it "cereal week." Or that moment when my child asked why daddy doesn't live here anymore, and I had to have big conversations to a kid who believes in magic.
My content wasn't polished. My lighting was trash. I filmed on a phone with a broken screen. But it was unfiltered, and evidently, that's what connected.
In just two months, I hit 10K. 90 days in, fifty thousand. By six months, I'd crossed a hundred thousand. Each milestone felt surreal. Actual humans who wanted to listen to me. Plain old me—a barely surviving single mom who had to learn everything from scratch six months earlier.
A Day in the Life: Managing It All
Here's what it actually looks like of my typical day, because being a single mom creator is not at all like those aesthetic "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 will get cold, and I start filming. Sometimes it's a getting ready video sharing about financial reality. Sometimes it's me cooking while talking about dealing with my ex. The lighting is whatever I can get.
7:00am: Kids wake up. Content creation stops. Now I'm in mommy mode—making breakfast, the shoe hunt (it's always one shoe), packing lunches, mediating arguments. The chaos is next level.
8:30am: Drop off time. I'm that mom in the carpool line filming TikToks in the car. Don't judge me, but I gotta post.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my hustle time. Kids are at school. I'm editing content, being social, ideating, pitching brands, analyzing metrics. People think content creation is just making TikToks. Nope. It's a entire operation.
I usually batch content on Mondays and Wednesdays. That means making a dozen videos in one sitting. I'll change clothes so it looks varied. Pro tip: Keep different outfits accessible for quick changes. My neighbors probably think I'm unhinged, recording myself alone in the parking lot.
3:00pm: School pickup. Parent time. But here's the thing—many times my best content ideas come from this time. Recently, my daughter had a full tantrum in Target because I refused to get a expensive toy. I filmed a video in the vehicle afterward about managing big emotions as a single parent. It got millions of views.
Evening: All the evening things. I'm typically drained to make videos, but I'll schedule content, answer messages, or outline content. Certain nights, after bedtime, I'll stay up editing because a partnership is due.
The truth? Balance is a myth. It's just managed chaos with random wins.
Let's Talk Income: How I Generate Income
Alright, let's discuss money because this is what people ask about. Can you actually make money as a content creator? For sure. Is it straightforward? Absolutely not.
My first month, I made zilch. Month two? Zero. Third month, I got my first collaboration—$150 to promote a meal kit service. I actually cried. That $150 covered food.
Now, three years later, here's how I earn income:
Collaborations: This is my biggest income source. I work with brands that make sense—budget-friendly products, helpful services, children's products. I ask for anywhere from five hundred to five thousand dollars per campaign, depending on what they need. Just last month, I did four brand deals and made $8,000.
Ad Money: The TikTok fund pays pennies—maybe $200-400 per month for millions of views. YouTube revenue is actually decent. I make about $1.5K monthly from YouTube, but that took two years to build up.
Link Sharing: I post links to stuff I really use—ranging from my beloved coffee maker to the bunk beds in their room. If someone purchases through my link, I get a percentage. This brings in about $800-1,200 monthly.
Online Products: I created a money management guide and a meal prep guide. They're $15 each, and I sell 50-100 per month. That's another $1,000-1,500.
Consulting Services: Other aspiring creators pay me to mentor them. I offer 1:1 sessions for two hundred dollars. I do about five to ten a month.
My total income: Typically, I'm making $10-15K per month now. It varies, some are less. It's up and down, which is scary when you're solo. But it's triple what I made at my 9-5, and I'm available for my kids.
The Struggles Nobody Mentions
Content creation sounds glamorous until you're sobbing alone because a post got no views, or handling vicious comments from random people.
The haters are brutal. I've been told I'm a terrible parent, told I'm a bad influence, called a liar about being a solo parent. I'll never forget, "Maybe that's why he left." That one stuck with me.
The platform changes. Sometimes you're getting millions of views. The following week, you're getting nothing. Your income fluctuates. You're always creating, never resting, afraid to pause, you'll lose relevance.
The mom guilt is intense to the extreme. Each post, I wonder: Am I sharing too much? Are my kids safe? Will they resent this when they're adults? I have clear boundaries—limited face shots, nothing too personal, no embarrassing content. But the line is fuzzy.
The burnout is real. There are weeks when I have nothing. When I'm done, over it, and totally spent. But rent doesn't care. So I push through.
The Beautiful Parts
But here's what's real—even with the struggles, this journey has given me things I never imagined.
Economic stability for once in my life. I'm not loaded, but I became debt-free. I have an cushion. We took a family trip last summer—Disney, which I never thought possible a couple years back. I don't stress about my account anymore.
Schedule freedom that's priceless. When my boy was sick last month, I didn't have to use PTO or stress about losing pay. I worked from the doctor's office. When there's a school event, I attend. I'm present in my kids' lives in ways I couldn't manage with a regular job.
Community that saved me. The creator friends I've met, especially solo parents, have become true friends. We support each other, share strategies, have each other's backs. My followers have become this amazing support system. They support me, support me, and show me I'm not alone.
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 business owner. A creator. A person who hustled.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
If you're a solo parent considering content creation, here's what I'd tell you:
Don't wait. Your first videos will suck. Mine did. That's okay. You learn by doing, not by procrastinating.
Be authentic, not perfect. People can tell when you're fake. Share your honest life—the mess. That's what works.
Protect your kids. Set boundaries early. Be intentional. Their privacy is non-negotiable. I keep names private, rarely show their faces, and never discuss anything that could embarrass them.
Build multiple income streams. Diversify or one way to earn. The algorithm is unpredictable. Multiple streams = safety.
Create in batches. When you have available time, make a bunch. Next week you will thank yourself when you're too exhausted to create.
Engage with your audience. Engage. Respond to DMs. Be real with them. Your community is crucial.
Track your time and ROI. Time is money. If something takes four hours and flops while a different post takes very little time and gets 200,000 views, shift focus.
Self-care matters. Self-care isn't selfish. Rest. Guard your energy. Your sanity matters more than going viral.
This takes time. This requires patience. It took me eight months to make any real money. The first year, I made barely $15,000. Year two, $80K. Now, I'm on track for six figures. It's a process.
Remember why you started. On difficult days—and they happen—think about your why. For me, it's financial freedom, time with my children, and proving to myself that I'm more than I believed.
Being Real With You
Real talk, I'm keeping it 100. Being a single mom creator is tough. Like, really freaking hard. You're managing a business while being the only parent of children who require constant attention.
Certain days I doubt myself. Days when the hate comments hurt. Days when I'm drained and wondering if I should quit this with consistent income.
But and then my daughter says she loves that I'm home. Or I check my balance and see money. Or I read a message from a follower saying my content changed her life. And I remember my purpose.
Where I'm Going From Here
Three years ago, I was scared and struggling how to survive. Currently, I'm a full-time creator making triple what I earned in traditional work, and I'm present for everything.
My goals moving forward? Hit 500K by year-end. Create a podcast for solo parents. Possibly write a book. Keep growing this business that makes everything possible.
Content creation gave me a path forward when I was drowning. It gave me a way to provide for my family, be available, and build something I'm genuinely proud of. It's not the path I expected, but it's meant to be.
To all the single moms thinking about starting: You absolutely can. It will be hard. You'll doubt yourself. But you're managing the hardest job—doing this alone. You're more capable than you know.
Start imperfect. Stay consistent. Prioritize yourself. And know this, you're not just surviving—you're building something incredible.
Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go create content about homework I forgot about and surprise!. Because that's this life—content from the mess, one video at a time.
Seriously. Being a single mom creator? It's worth it. Even when I'm sure there's old snacks stuck to my laptop right now. Dream life, one messy video at a time.