Beyond the 9-to-5: The Best Side Hustles for Single Moms to Make Extra Money
Juggling it all is what you do. You’re the chef, the chauffeur, the homework helper, and the bedtime story reader—all while often being the sole financial provider for your family. The thought of adding one more thing to your plate can feel overwhelming.
But what if that “one more thing” could actually reduce your financial stress? A side hustle isn’t about working yourself to the bone; it’s about finding flexible, smart ways to leverage your skills and precious spare moments to create a more secure future for you and your kids.
The key is finding gigs that work for you—on your schedule, from your home, and around your family’s needs. This list focuses on realistic, low-barrier-to-entry side hustles perfect for the superhero that is a single mom.
What Makes a Great Side Hustle for a Single Mom?
Before we dive in, the ideal side hustle should check most of these boxes:
- Flexible Hours: You can work during naptime, after bedtime, or on weekends.
- Low Startup Cost: You shouldn’t have to spend a lot to start earning.
- Work-from-Home (or Nearby): Minimizes commute and childcare costs.
- Leverages Existing Skills: You already have so many talents—let’s monetize them.
The Best Side Hustle Ideas for Single Moms
1. The “After Bedtime” Hustles: Remote & Flexible Work
These are perfect for squeezing in work during quiet evening hours or while the kids are at school.
- Virtual Assistant (VA): Businesses and entrepreneurs need help with tasks like email management, scheduling, social media, and data entry. If you’re organized and good with people, this is a fantastic option. Sites like Upwork and Fiverr are great places to start.
- Freelance Writing or Proofreading: If you have a knack for words, you can find work writing blog posts, website copy, or proofreading documents. You can find gigs on platforms like Contena (for writers) or Proofread Anywhere.
- Online Tutoring or Teaching: Are you a math whiz or a spelling bee champion? Help students online! Companies like VIPKid (for teaching English) or Chegg Tutors allow you to set your own hours and work from home.
- Data Entry: While simple, it’s a reliable way to earn money while watching TV after the kids are asleep. Look for legitimate opportunities on Remote.co or FlexJobs.
2. The “Weekend Warrior” Hustles: In-Person Gigs
These are great for making a larger chunk of money in a shorter time, perhaps when the kids are with their other parent or a grandparent.
- Local Bartending or Serving: Shifts on Friday and Saturday nights at a local restaurant can be incredibly lucrative in tips. It also gets you out of the house for some adult interaction.
- House Sitting or Pet Sitting: Apps like Rover or TrustedHousesitters connect you with people who need their pets cared for or their homes looked after while they’re away. It’s often kid-friendly too!
- Weekend Market Vendor: Are you a crafty mom? Sell your handmade jewelry, knitted scarves, or custom tumblers at local craft fairs or farmers’ markets. This also teaches your kids about entrepreneurship.
3. The “With the Kids” Hustles: Turn Your Mom Duties into Dollars
These brilliant hustles allow you to earn money without needing to find extra childcare.
- Childcare / “Mom’s Helper” Services: You’re already watching your kids—why not watch one or two more? You can offer after-school care for classmates or provide a “mom’s day out” service for a few hours a week. Just ensure you understand local regulations.
- Resale & Flipping: Turn your knack for finding deals into profit. Use your thrift store trips to hunt for brand-name clothing, vintage items, or toys that you can clean up and resell for a profit on Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, or eBay. This can be a fun treasure hunt to do with older kids.
- Meal Prepping for Others: If you’re already making dinner for your family, could you make a little extra? Offer to prepare a few freezer meals for busy neighbors or new parents in your community. This taps directly into a skill you already use every day.
4. The “Leverage Your Skills” Hustles: Monetize Your Talents
Think about what you’re already good at. What do friends always ask you for help with?
- Social Media Manager: If you’re naturally gifted at creating engaging content and understanding Instagram or TikTok, small local businesses often need help managing their social media presence.
- Organizer: Are you the queen of a tidy playroom? Offer your services as a home or playroom organizer to help other families declutter their spaces.
- Baker or Caterer: If your chocolate chip cookies are legendary, take orders for birthdays, bake sales, or local events. Start small with your network first.
How to Get Started (Without Getting Overwhelmed)
- Audit Your Time: Look at your weekly calendar. Where are the consistent 30-minute or 2-hour blocks? Be realistic.
- Inventory Your Skills: What are you good at? What do you enjoy? Match your skills to the hustles above.
- Start with ONE Thing: Don’t try to do everything at once. Pick one idea that excites you and fits your schedule. Dip your toe in.
- Tap Into Your Network: Tell friends and family what you’re doing. Your first clients or customers will almost certainly come from people who already know and trust you.
- Be Kind to Yourself: Some weeks you’ll crush it. Other weeks, the side hustle will have to take a back seat to a sick child. That’s okay. This is about flexibility, not perfection.
You Are More Capable Than You Know
Remember, every big journey begins with a single step. Your life as a single mom has already given you superpowers in time management, patience, and resilience—the exact skills needed to run a successful side hustle.
You are not just building extra income; you are building confidence, security, and a powerful example for your children. You’ve got this
