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What are the Best Online Part-Time Jobs for Stay-at-Home Parents?
If you have decided to be a stay-at-home mom or dad and get an online part-time job even after the pandemic ended, you’re not alone. A study from magnifymoney.com showed that the number of stay-at-home parents increased by 60% during the pandemic since 2019. Now, we’re all ‘back to normal’, but the number of stay-at-home parents that are working from home is still the same.
This has to do with the rise of online work opportunities. Despite the ongoing debate between people who are for or against working from home, more people than ever want to work remotely and create more flexibility to take care of their families.
So what are the best online part-time jobs if you’re a stay-at-home parent?
In 2023, the best online part-time jobs for stay-at-home parents are freelancing with the skills you already possess, online customer service jobs, being a virtual assistant (VA), teaching and tutoring online, blogging and content creation, and doing online surveys and market research.
Are you also looking for a way to have a part-time online job so that you can stay at home with your kids while still making an income? Then read on to see if any of thes online part-time jobs is the right choice for you.
First, let’s highlight some of the advantages of taking on an online part-time job before we dive into the list of best part-time online job options for you as a stay-at-home parent.
As you have probably noticed, the job market has seen a significant shift toward remote work opportunities in recent years. Part-time jobs for parents that want to stay home with their kids or have more flexibility to take care of their families. These jobs have become incredibly popular and the advancements in technology have made working from home a lot easier.
As a parent, this trend allows you to earn an income without sacrificing your ability to take care of your children. It also provides stay-at-home parents with the opportunity to find fulfilling work without having to sacrifice time with their kids.
Advantages
So the advantages that you can consider in getting a part-time online job are:
More flexibility to tend to the needs of your kids, instead of being stuck in a workplace for 8 hours at a time.
You save time by not having to commute to your workplace
You will maintain your professional skills and can stay connected to the professional world. This can be particularly beneficial if you are planning to re-enter the workforce full-time once your children are older.
You save money on daycare
You can contribute to the household income. Many families rely on a single income, and having the ability to contribute financially can alleviate financial pressure and improve your overall quality of life.
You can schedule your working hours in a way that works best for your family’s needs
Working from home reduces stress, improves your work-life balance, and increases your energy levels as you would be able to switch between work and family responsibilities.
As you can see, there are quite a number of upsides to consider!
What are some popular online part-time job options?
Honestly, there are dozens and dozens of online part-time job options available for stay-at-home parents, so we’ll focus on some of the most popular choices that you may want to consider:
1. Freelancing
As a freelancer, you can easily get started by utilizing the skills that you already have. Whether you have skills in graphic design, copywriting, programming, or marketing, there are freelance opportunities available in almost every industry. Freelancing allows you to work on projects that interest you, and you can set your own rates and hours. Check out some platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, and Freelancer, that connect freelancers with clients looking for their specific skills. This flexibility makes freelancing an ideal choice if you want to work on your own terms as much as possible.
PRO:
It’s relatively easy to get started, you are in complete control of your workload, and you can set your own rates.
CON:
Competition can be tough, depending on which skill set you are offering. If you are in a more competitive field, you will have to invest time in marketing to make your services known to potential clients.
PAY:
Varies widely. You can set your own fees depending on your experience and skill level. It’s not always easy to determine your price point, but here’s a tip: go to Fiverr, Upwork, or Freelancer and see what others charge that you can compare yourself with. It’s a good place to start, and you can always adjust your fees later!
2. Remote Customer Service Jobs
Even though more and more bots are doing customer service work, people still want to speak to a real-life person. This means that many companies are still hiring customer service representatives and most of these positions are remote. With this type of job, you’d be answering customer inquiries, resolving issues, and providing support via phone, chat, or email.
As a customer service representative, you would often have the benefit of choosing your own schedule, so that you can accommodate your family’s needs. Companies like Amazon, Apple, or Hilton are known to hire remote customer service representatives, so be sure to check out their websites for openings.
PRO:
Often flexible hours are possible, no experience is necessary. In most cases, and if you enjoy contact with people, this can be a great job.
CON:
Customer service on the phone can be somewhat challenging when you’re dealing with complaints or rude customers. But if you have a thick skin and don’t take things personally, it shouldn’t be an issue. Also, you will need a working environment without distractions or noise to have phone conversations. However, there are plenty of customer service opportunities that require only chat or email support.
PAY:
These are only averages, but they give you an idea of what to expect. Of course, you can always negotiate a higher compensation if you think your experience and knowledge justifies it.
US$ 45k-55k per annum (Glassdoor.com)
US$ 14-37 per hour (Indeed.com, Ziprecruiter.com)
3. Virtual Assistant (VA) Roles
There is a growing demand for virtual assistants. This type of work is especially popular for stay-at-home parents as a part-time job. As a virtual assistant, you provide administrative support to clients remotely. This could include tasks such as social media management, data entry, managing emails, scheduling appointments, and organizing documents. Virtual assistant roles offer flexibility and the opportunity to work with clients from various industries. Small business owners hire VAs more often as they become available, and you can make a great income if you build a good reputation. Platforms like Time Etc, Upwork, and Zirtual connect virtual assistants with clients.
PRO:
You can start working as a freelance VA immediately, or apply with one of the many VA agencies so that you have more job security and benefits. There’s a lot of demand for VAs, so this is a great time to start.
CON:
It can be challenging to manage your time with so many different tasks, and some clients can be extremely demanding. Some VAs have also mentioned that the mundane tasks required can become tedious, leaving you feeling underutilized.
PAY:
According to Glassdoor.com, the average salary for a virtual assistant in the US is around $27. Ziprecruiter.com puts this number at US$ 34. However, depending on whether you work for an agency, as a freelancer, and what type of work you can do, hourly fees have been recorded anywhere from US$ 7 an hour, all the way up to US$ 100 an hour.
4. Online Tutoring and Teaching Jobs
If you have expertise in a particular subject, online tutoring or teaching jobs can be a great option. Many online platforms connect tutors and teachers with students from around the world. Whether you have a background in math, English, science, or music, there is a demand for online tutors and teachers in various subjects. Companies like VIPKid, Tutor.com, and Teachaway.com offer opportunities for stay-at-home parents to share their knowledge and help students succeed. If you enjoy working with children and helping them study, this can be a rewarding part-time side hustle.
PRO:
There are tons of job openings out there, so finding a position is relatively easy. As with most of these job options, you can set your own schedule.
CON:
Many legit tutoring and teaching companies require some type of certification to teach, especially English as a foreign language. This means investing in getting this certification if you’re serious about pursuing this type of online career. A common downside is also that the pay isn’t that great, especially if you want to teach English, as many native English speakers (especially students) apply for these jobs.
PAY:
According to Indeed.com, the hourly rate for online tutors in the US is between US$ 18 and US$ 33. Zipline.com puts it at US$ 16-20 an hour. The International TEFL Academy states that for teaching English as a foreign language online, you should expect anywhere between US$ 10-40 an hour. It mainly depends on whether you have any qualifications for tutoring or teaching to bring to the table and where in the world the language academy or school is located.
5. Content Writing and Blogging Opportunities
If you have a passion for writing, blogging can be a rewarding online part-time job. Many businesses and websites are in constant need of fresh and engaging content. As a content writer or blogger, you would create articles, blog posts, social media posts, and other written materials for clients. Skills that you need are good grammar and writing skills, research skills, and some SEO knowledge is helpful (Search Engine Optimization). Also, with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in content creation, it’s helpful when you know how to use AI writing assistants such as ChatGPT or Writesonic. Check out platforms like ProBlogger, Freelancer, and WriterAccess that connect writers with clients that are looking for writing expertise.
PRO:
There is a great demand for good content writers, so if you can polish up your writing skills and build a portfolio, you stand a good chance of getting writing gigs that fit into your schedule. Another upside is that you have the option of starting your own blog on a topic that you’re passionate about and monetizing it over time.
CON:
On the downside, blogging and content writing are intense, meaning that they require a lot of research and you need to be able to concentrate for long periods of time. To be a professional content writer or blogger, it’s important to have a quiet working space – and of course that can be a challenge when you have kids at home.
PAY:
Making money as a blogger takes time, often up to 2 years, before your blog could be making you an income. It takes effort, skill, and patience to be successful. Having said that, once you are up and running and you can see your website visitors increasing, it can be a great way to make a passive income over the long term.
If you decide to work as a copywriter or content creator, the average pay is US$ 37 in the US, according to Ziprecruiter.com. Glassdoor.com states that a junior copywriter can expect to start at around US$ 30k annually, and a senior copywriter can make up to around US$ 110k a year.
6. Online Survey and Market Research Jobs
Online survey and market research jobs offer a relatively simple way to earn extra income from home. A big part of modern marketing is to collect feedback and opinions from customers in order to improve products and services. Companies are always looking for customers or potential customers like you to provide that feedback, and they are willing to pay for your insights.
By participating in online surveys or market research studies, you can earn money and contribute to the development of products and services. You can check out platforms like Swagbucks, Survey Junkie, and UserTesting and see the available opportunities to participate in surveys and market research studies.
PRO:
Taking surveys can be a quick, low-energy activity to make a few bucks. You can do the surveys whenever you have time, and this online job for stay-at-home parents provides the flexibility you need to also take care of your family’s needs.
CON:
On the other hand, the pay is fairly low compared to the time investment needed, so you may not find it very rewarding.
PAY:
The pay is roughly between $0.40 and $2 per hour, according to Nerdwallet.com – which is pretty low considering that the minimum wage in the US is $7.25.
7 Tips for Finding and Succeeding in Online Part-Time Jobs for Stay-at-Home Parent
Finding and succeeding in online part-time jobs requires a little bit of a strategic approach. I’ve collected some helpful tips so that you can be successful right from the start:
1. Start by identifying your skills and interests
What are you passionate about? What are your strengths? This will help you narrow down the options and find a job that aligns with your abilities and interests.
2. Research job opportunities
Once you have identified your skills and interests, research job opportunities in those areas. Look for reputable platforms and companies, such as are mentioned in this article, that offer online the type of part-time job that you’re interested in. A good tip is to look for reviews and testimonials from other stay-at-home parents who have worked in those roles to get a better understanding of what to expect and see if it fits your needs and wishes.
3. Create a professional online presence
What does this mean? You want to be sure you look professional when people look you up online. Especially your LinkedIn profile should be filled in completely, with a good photo of you (tip: don’t use your wedding photo or a pic with your kids). Make sure the profile showcases your experience and best skills for the type of role you want to be hired for. You can also consider creating a personal website or portfolio to showcase your work and talents.
4. Develop a routine
Working from home requires discipline and structure – and you already know that that can be a challenge when kids are around. However, it’s important that you create a routine that allows you to balance your work time and family time effectively. For example, use naptimes for high-concentration tasks or meetings, or make sure your children have tasks or chores of their own while you’re working.
5. Network and build connections
These days you need to know the right people to increase your chances in the competitive job market. This doesn’t mean that you have to approach complete strangers and ‘sell’ yourself. What you can do is make yourself more visible online and build relationships with interesting people. For example, you can join online communities, forums, or social media groups related to your field of interest. Engage with other professionals, share your insights, and build connections that can lead to job opportunities.
6. Stay organized and focused
As a stay-at-home parent, you will need to be(come) a master of focus and organization. Chances are, you already have these skills. Working from home can come with many distractions, so it’s important to develop strategies to stay organized and focused on your work. Set goals, create to-do lists, and use productivity tools to manage your time as best as you can.
7. Keep your skills updated
The online job market is constantly evolving. Even recently, with the rise of AI, a lot has changed, and companies require different skill sets. Stay relevant and competitive by continuously updating your skills. You can take online courses on Udemy, Coursera, or Skillshop (formerly Google Garage), attend webinars, and participate in workshops to expand your knowledge and improve your abilities. Added bonus is that you also meet new people during these activities.
Conclusion
Finding the right balance between parenting and work can be challenging, but online part-time jobs offer a solution for you as a stay-at-home parent. With the flexibility to work from home and choose your own hours, the jobs that are discussed in this article allow you to earn income while still being present for your children. Whether it’s freelancing, customer service, virtual assisting, tutoring, writing, or participating in surveys, there are numerous online part-time roles that you can explore to find the right fit for you.
Once you have found your online part-time job, it’s important to get organized and focused to be successful. Working from home, especially with children present, can be a challenge so it takes some extra effort to get everything done. However, the rewards are clear: you can set your own schedule, create a household income, develop your professional skills, and still be available for your kids at home when they need you.