As a busy mom trying to balance family, work, and everything in between, finding time for yourself can be challenging. But what if you could earn a little extra income doing something you enjoy during the pockets of time you do have available? Side hustles are a great way for moms to bring in extra cash on their own schedules. Here are 10 profitable side hustle ideas for busy moms:

1. Become a Virtual Assistant

With just a computer and internet connection, you can make money as a virtual assistant providing administrative, social media or other support to businesses. Virtual assisting is the perfect gig for moms because you can work flexible hours, often from home while kids are sleeping or at school. To get started:

• Create a profile on sites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Virtual Vocations emphasizing your skills
• Look for and apply to virtual assistant jobs that fit your schedule
• Provide services like calendar management, email management, data entry etc.
• Set your own hourly rate based on experience, usually $15-$50/hour

2. Sell Handmade Crafts

If you enjoy arts, crafts or making things by hand, consider selling your creations online or at local markets for profit. To start earning:

• Choose a handmade product you enjoy making like jewelry, candles, clothing etc
• Set up an Etsy shop with product photos and descriptions
• Look for and apply to local craft fairs and flea markets
• Price items based on materials and time, usually $5-$50 per piece
• Refresh shop with new products weekly to keep customers interested

3. Become a Social Media Manager

Almost every business today needs help managing their social media presence. You can offer to be a social media manager to create and schedule content, engage followers and run ads for businesses in your area. To get this side hustle going:

• Identify local businesses in need of social media help
• Offer your services by emphasizing expertise with platforms
• Provide posting, content creation, messaging, ad management
• Charge $30-$50 per hour based on extent of services
• Work 5-10 flexible hours per week, whenever you have availability

4. Teach Classes or Lessons Online

Share your knowledge and skills by teaching an online class! Sites like Outschool, Udemy and VipKid connect experts with students looking to learn. You could teach anything from academic subjects to hobbies like arts, music, cooking, yoga, languages and more. To make money teaching online:

• Decide what to teach based on your expertise
• Set up a teacher profile on sites like Outschool, Udemy etc
• Set your own hourly rates or per-class price, usually $15-$50
• Teach classes and lessons via video chat on your own schedule
• Earn money directly from students who book your classes

5. Provide Child or Pet Care

Other parents and pet owners in your community are always seeking reliable child and pet care. You can earn money by:

• Creating profiles on Care.com, Rover, or local Facebook groups
• Getting matched with families needing child care, dog walking etc.
• Setting your own hourly rates, usually $15-$25
• Working part-time, flexible hours that accommodate your schedule
• Make extra money caring for kids, pets when you have availability

6. Become a Tutor

Tutoring is the perfect side hustle for moms who used to be or are currently teachers. Offer virtual or in-person tutoring in academic subjects you know well. To start tutoring for profit:

• Decide which school subjects you will tutor based on expertise
• Reach students by posting flyers, contacting schools, sites like Wyzant
• Set your own hourly rate, usually $20-$50 based on experience
• Tutor students after school, evenings or weekends when available
• Earn extra income helping students improve grades

7. Rent Out Extra Space

Apps like Airbnb, Vrbo and Roomorama make it easy to rent out extra living space to earn extra cash. To start earning:

• List unused living spaces like spare rooms on renting platforms
• Set competitive nightly rates for your area, usually $30-$150
• Rent out spare rooms when you have availability
• Earn passive income from travelers looking for cheaper lodging

8. Resell Clothing Online

You can resell unwanted clothing items from your own closet or thrift stores through apps like Poshmark, Mercari or eBay. To start earning:

• Photograph and list clothes items with detailed descriptions
• Package and ship sold items to buyers
• Earn 60% or more of each item’s listing price
• Sell 5-10 items per week during pockets of spare time

9. Review Products for Cash Back

A simple way to make extra money from home? Review the products you use for cash back! To start earning:

• Browse product testing sites like Influence Central
• Choose products that interest you and apply to test
• Review products you get for free through site
• Earn up to $30 cash back per review

10. Participate in Market Research Surveys

Companies will pay people $50 to $150 for sharing your opinion through market research activities. To start making money:

• Sign up on survey sites like Survey Junkie, Respondent
• Complete surveys, focus groups, interviews in your spare time
• Give your opinion on products, services, ads, ideas
• Earn up to $50-$150 per hour long activity

The Takeaway

The next time you find yourself with a few free hours, turn it into profit! As you can see, there are endless, flexible side hustle opportunities for busy moms to earn extra income on your own terms. Try out a few that fit your lifestyle and skills. Before you know it, you’ll be banking “mailbox money” to help cover expenses, savings goals, splurges and more!