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Have you been considering working from home? How would you like to find a way to generate additional income from the comfort of your very own home; without purchasing products or doing those home parties? I was beginning to think it was not even possible unless I wanted to do some form of telemarketing or sales. Now I am pleased to say; there are actually quite a bit of legitimate career opportunities from home. And the opportunities are growing more than ever as employers are learning and reaping the benefits of hiring remote workers.
You have probably seen plenty of work at home and telecommuting job ads; yet wondered if they were too good to be true. Unfortunately; there are a lot of scams on the internet preying on vulnerable moms hoping to find a way to supplement their family's income.
Chances are you have also received one of those cringe-worthy cold messages on social from an old acquaintance that reads something like, "Hey hun," "Join my team," or the infamous "Become a boss babe!" Some may label these as companies known as multi-level marketing companies or pyramid schemes. Beware of these predatory business models in which prey on women, single moms, military spouses, and those already in either debt or dealing with addiction. Especially shopping addiction...
Recently I stumbled upon the docuseries LulaRich and the podcast 'Life After MLM with Robera Blevins; a former top-seller with the controversial multi-level marketing company, LulaRoe. Upon doing more research; I noticed Discover + came out with a binge-worthy series titled, 'The Rise and Fall of LulaRoe.' I was a customer of many multi-level marketing companies and loved supporting friends who were a part of them. I found out many are based out of Utah, some have plenty of ongoing lawsuits...and many sue their former sales consultants if they speak out about their personal experiences.
I spent hours upon hours studying videos from content creators such as CC Suarez and Not The Good Girl. Intriguing was an understatement. In these docuseries and podcasts; you will hear countless stories and information regarding people who have lost everything from money to marriages while involved in multi-level marketing. Some refer to MLM as "Moms losing money." Everyone has a different experience when trying direct sales or network marketing; my advice is to just do your due diligence.
In no way am I saying do not try an opportunity that seems worthwhile to you. It could just be easier and cheaper than you think to invest in your own real business versus paying for gas to and from home parties, order forms, hostess rewards, trade show booths, and, inventories. Instead, you could have your very own online boutique; even if you have to start small or try drop-shipping until you learn the ins and outs.
These days; you can learn so much just by finding videos on Youtube or Skillshare. If you are into beauty; think about starting a mobile spray-tanning business. Some states such as Oklahoma currently do not require any cosmetology licensing to run this service. You can find an accountant for tax advice and check out irs.gov for ideas on licensing and permits information you may need for business ideas.
For legal advice; consult with an attorney and do not be afraid to ask questions. It is best to find someone who specializes in small-business ownership, and you may have a friend that can give you a referral. If business or finance is your thing; think about obtaining an insurance or real estate license. You may also think about starting your own business-consulting business, notary service, or doing taxes for others.
Companies such as Career Tech offers portable courses in which you can train at your own pace. If you are a military spouse; you may qualify for a certain military spouse scholarship called the Military Career Advancement Account.
A red flag to watch out for are companies that do not mention their company name in their advertising. They do this for several reasons; one being they do not want you to google the company and find bad reviews, law suits...or have you join one of their fellow consultants.
Another red flag are companies that require those hefty start-up costs or product starter kits. Sure; all real businesses will have investments but why not just invest in your own real business? I used to be the girl who shopped, supported and sold for multi-level marketing companies. …You name it; I have supported and tried it. It was a huge part of my lifestyle and family's life. If I was not on a team training call, I was doing vendor shows on the weekends.
Starter kits, catalogs, demo products, business cards, postage, shipping supplies, inventories, replicated website fees...the costs begin to add up so fast. At any time a multi-level marketing company can go out of business, cancel your contract or change their policies. This alone proves again; consultants are not business owners since anyone with a social security number can sign up as a downline team member.
Ready to find a flexible work-from-home job position or a home based business that you can do in your spare time? You may even prefer something that gets you out of the house several hours a week; the adult-interaction is so helpful for many current stay at home parents. You may want to go ahead and create a resume for your job search if starting a business is not for you right now....or ever. There is nothing wrong with that! Lately, I have noticed companies such as Dell, Fiverr, Remote Year, and VistaPrint often offer remote careers to apply for.
Some pretty common ways some busy moms can earn extra money would be Uber, Lyft, Pet-Sitting, Substitute teaching or re-selling fashion and home goods.
When searching for job opportunities; keywords to search for are remote and telecommuting. Luckily more and more employers are learning the benefits of hiring at home employees. Working from home is so beneficial for my family because I can earn supplemental income~
- Do you enjoy working with children? If so; applying for a position as a baby-sitter, coach, or nanny may be a great fit for you. Have a passion for teaching? Apply to become an English teacher or tutor. You can also apply to get paid for creating lesson plans and content for students with companies such as Outschool. If you are currently homeschooling; you may be already doing such tasks. Tinkergarten is a unique teaching opportunity in which you can help children learn with nature-based play. Sometimes they even offer remote opportunities.
- Enjoy organizing or cleaning? Housekeepers are in high-demand and you can generally set your own rate and hours.
- If you consider yourself quite creative; you may have considered starting a mom blog or vlog about a niche you enjoy. Some common ones are cooking, travel and parenting. Many mom's create digital and printable documents to sell on popular sites such as Etsy.
- Recently I learned about Shoott which is a woman-owned business for photographers. You can check out their Today show segment; here. Another option for gaining photography clients is applying as a photographer with Flytographer.
- Some companies such as Live OP's, Alorica, UHAUL, and 1800 Flowers often hires remote customer service representatives whether seasonal, part, or full-time.
- Are you pretty computer savvy? Why not start your own virtual assistance or book keeping business from home? You can begin this business with minimal expenses and can work from your smart phone if you choose. The great thing about this line of work is that you can pick and choose services you choose to offer. Copywriting not your thing? Perhaps Pinterest management could be your specialty. Honeybook is great for contracts, templates and invoices.
- Do you love fitness and all things wellness-related? Many moms made extra money teaching fitness classes such as mommy and me classes, Pilates and yoga. If you want to take it a step further; personal training or developing your own fitness brand just may be something you will excel at. The industry does seem saturated but then again...there is a Wal-Mart and McDonald's everywhere and they still get business. I think they key is just not doing any business solely for money. It is best to stick to something you are passionate about; therefore helping preventing you from that all-too-common "burn-out" feeling. With any industry; you will have to work typically harder as an entrepreneur and building your own brand people can know and trust.
- Have friends and family ever came to you in hopes you can help plan the details for a baby shower, wedding or event? Have you been told you are fantastic when it comes to planning parties? I know I enjoy doing these types of things and it is always more fun than overwhelming for me to plan my child's birthdays and think ways to make holidays more memorable. Why not start your own event and/or wedding planning services? If dealing with brides would not be for you; you can stick to children's parties or corporate events solely.
- Do you have an amazing story that could help others? Self-publish your own book or look into motivational speaking. A lot of people hire life coaches to even help them with their new business ventures or deal with milestones in their lives. To grow your business; you can join local networking groups and your local Chamber of Commerce.
- Interested in grocery shopping or personal shopping for others? Would food-delivery be something you would be able to do in your free time? Some of these gigs are flexible and often times; you can bring your children along. Try Instacart, Shipt, or DoorDash.
- If you are already on social media, blogging, creating content, or have a large following...check out Buy Me A Coffee.
- Some people are making thousands of dollars per month live streaming and selling content. No; it is not like that anymore. You do not have to do things like nudity. You can do whatever you want to do! Fitness, cooking, art,...you name it! You must be over age 18. Learn more here.
- Did you know you can make extra money if you have space to let pets use the area for a rest or potty area. Learn more here.
Hopefully this guide gave you some ideas on ways you can begin earning extra income from home. Working from home for me has so many advantages such as more time freedom for myself and I like being able to make my own company rules, policies and schedule. There are plenty of inexpensive businesses you can begin; you just need to believe in yourself. Starting a business is not for everyone; I love just being a stay at home mom these days and doing hobbies that make some money.
While browsing the internet recently I even ran across a company in which you can get paid for doing laundry for others. Apparently, there are quite a few neat ways to make extra money.
Personally; I chose blogging as a way to make money and still be a stay at home mom. I was so not interested in working outside the home any more since I would end up paying child care costs, visiting coffee shops more often, spending more money on gas each week...I think I will stick to working in my pajamas.
I really applaud all parents; no matter where or how they choose to work. So what if you just want to be a stay at home mom and soak up all the giggles, tantrums and everything in between. There is nothing wrong with without at home...or outside of the home. As long as you are doing something you enjoy or truly happy and doing what is best for your family! Until next time!