12 job ideas for stay-at-home moms

NOT only are they at home spending quality time with their children and taking care of the home, but many stay-at-home moms are earning money while doing it. Some moms (and dads, too) are even choosing to take their jobs home with them and operate virtually. It sure beats sitting for hours in traffic, and spending thousands of dollars on childcare and transportation each week.

“Today, we have the technology to work seamlessly alone or as part of a team irrespective of location,” said Dr Sandra Palmer, CEO and senior partner at Above or Beyond.

“In this new gig economy no one needs to go it alone. Anyone with the skills for a particular job can take advantage of the online global marketplace for freelance services to get started on a wider scale. There are several high paying jobs in IT, HR, research, PR and marketing that can be done from home. Moms should definitely consider this option.”

That said, here are 12 lucrative career ideas for stay-at-home moms.

1. Writer

People like to read, just as you are now reading this. Whether they want to read thrilling novels, news articles, blogs, cooking recipes or ads on the back of buses, someone is making money by writing these items. If you have a knack for writing, you can make a career out of it. There are websites such as Upwork, freelancewriting.com and indeed.com that bring freelance writers and clients together. You have a steady stream of projects from employers to choose from, you set your price, and you work on your own time. It’s also a great idea to start a blog to which you can refer clients for examples of your work. You can even monetise your blog and make extra cash through ads.

2. Customer care representative

The Business Processes Outsourcing industry is booming in Jamaica. While the most common jobs require you to be physically present on the phone, there are also many opportunities for virtual agents. As long as you have a computer and stable Internet connection, you can provide customer support via online chat or e-mail. Some companies even allow agents to have on-phone duties while working remotely, as long as you have a quiet environment.

3. Teacher/tutor

Similar to freelance writing, there are websites that recruit educators and provide them with opportunities online. This is a great fit if you have teaching experience or a second language. You can even start your own class, either online or in your home, with PEP, CSEC or CAPE students in your area, as long as you have some quiet, uninterrupted time.

4. Social media manager

If you have been a stay-at-home mom for a while, it is very likely that you have garnered some social media experience. Why not become a social media manager? You can teach yourself to use social media management software, and apply to become a permanent social media manager for an established entity. You can even be a freelancing contractor, and manage multiple accounts for small businesses that don’t have the resources or demand for a full-time social media manager.

5. Virtual assistant

Many of the tasks that administrative assistants perform in an office don’t require them to be physically present. For that reason, a lot of businesses are hiring virtual assistants and are offering their administrative assistants the option of working from home. These tasks include making and taking phone calls and e-mails, doing online research, organising schedules, writing and editing speeches, releases and announcements, data entry and bookkeeping. Bear in mind, though, that you will still need to be online throughout the company’s operating hours, so you must be able to set aside a large portion of your day.

6. Online vendor

Have you ever needed an item but could not find it in a store? Online stores are becoming increasingly popular, which creates a demand for things to be sold online. Being an online vendor, you would become the bridge between large warehouses and individual customers, and make a profit by buying items in bulk and selling small quantities with a markup. This field can be especially rewarding if you have access to a vehicle and can provide delivery services for your goods.

7. Farmer

A farm is a great business opportunity if you have a lot of yard space. It doesn’t require your attention all day everyday, and watching your crops or animals thrive under your hand will feel great. While even a small backyard garden is worthwhile, as it will save some money that you would have otherwise spent in the market, you can make big bucks from your farm too. Chicken rearing and egg farming are good start-ups, especially if you can provide a local grocer with your produce.

8. Designer

Even if you don’t know how to use a sewing machine, you can volunteer to help the neighbourhood dressmaker with buttons and trimmings in exchange for learning the basics of sewing. Besides, there is a YouTube tutorial for everything these days, so you can sharpen your skills online and design your dreams. You can zoom in on an accessory, such as handbags, ties or hats, or you can make a wide range of items. You may even want to venture into interior design.

9. Child care provider

So maybe you chose to stay home because you like spending time with your children. You can share the love with a neighbour’s child, too, and earn some money while doing it. An aftercare programme is good if you don’t necessarily want to spend the entire day attending to children. Ensure though that you register with the Early Childhood Commission if you plan to take in more than three regular children who spend more than six hours per day in your home.

10. Cuisinier

Do you love to cook? Why not open your kitchen doors to customers? You can operate a small restaurant from the comfort of your home and prepare food for delivery to business places nearby. Natural juices, smoothies, fruit salads, sandwiches and pastry items are also great products to offer your customers, who will welcome the change from rice and peas with chicken and soda for lunch. Ensure that you obtain your food handlers’ permit before you begin.

11. Beautician

Beautiful hairstyles, artfully done nails and well “beat” faces never go out of style. If you can provide one of these services exceptionally well, then you might have a business on your hands. You can provide services by appointment, and since you don’t have a salon, why not offer clients the option of having you come to them? This just might be the type of convenience and privacy that they needed to begin with. Be sure to market your skills online to attract new clients!

12. Fitness trainer

Take your neighbours with you on your morning run, and then pump them up with some cardio in your garage, and boom, you have a fitness class. You can become a trained fitness instructor and operate a gym from the comfort of your home at the times most convenient to you. You might choose to go into more meditative areas such as yoga, pilates, or tai chi. Regardless of the type of workout, you will be helping to make a healthier community and earning dollars for doing it.

A note of caution, though: “It is very important that you do your research and not be duped by scams or get-rich-quick online schemes,” Dr Palmer warned.