The Beginner's Guide to Start Your Side Hustle as A Busy Mom
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After having my now, 2 year old daughter, Czaria, I dreaded the day I had to return back to my daily 9 to 5 job. Did I hate my job “no” but I hate that I had no choice in returning to work. I’d rather be at home cuddling and nursing my newborn baby girl. I must say I had the pleasure of being off work for 3 months, when most new moms were forced to return back to work after 6 weeks….6 WEEEEEKKSS! Whew!!! That’s another blog for another day. Well, in the last couple of weeks before heading back, anxiety started to set in, questioning my purpose and ultimate goals as a wife and mom. Although at the time, I had my then 8 year old “step” daughter at the time. Yet, because she came into my life at 4, pretty much self-sufficient, the same concerns weren’t hitting me as tough, we were already in a routine. Czaria needed me and I want/ed to be there to meet all of her wants and needs. Hindsight, I know it’s impossible, but I wanted to make it possible. STILL…
This new experience, brought me to want to ask “Why Not Me?”. This question allowed me to dig deep and research other moms, millionaires, even billionaires, etc. and one thing that many had in common…multiple streams of income. I’ve always worked and at the most braided friends and family hair for a couple hundred dollars here and there, but I knew there was more, more for me and it is attainable.
If you are a family woman, no matter the dynamic, this is for you! You can do it, you can set up your freedom goals. Freedom from debt, tied to a 9 to 5, wasted time, etc. whatever your freedom goal is, it’s time to take that next step.
“How do I find time to start a side hustle?”
There is always time…as the internet says, “We have the same 24 hours as Beyonce”. Well although that is true, the main difference between us and Beyonce is…money! Money can buy extra hands that allow her to use her 24 hours more effectively. Momma’s I’m here for you, I’m far from Beyonce, yet recognize I/we need to utilize the resources around us to meet our daily needs. As I type it’s 3:18am and my family is asleep, allowing me the time to work towards my freedom goals. Although, I’m sacrificing sleep, it’s temporary. If not this, you will be sacrificing something else and that is time with yourself, family and friends. It’s your choice.
A Side Hustle is more than a second job.
One thing that is unique about the side hustle, is that, it typically isn’t just a second job. Side hustles are more-so passion driven work, to reach your goals. Whether you are paying off debt, buying a car, paying for your daughter’s ballet for the semester, etc. These extra blessings can be used for a multitude of expenditures on your to do list. Therefore, it’s encouraged to choose a side hustle that’s more of interest to you. Monetize the one or two skills you do well, such as, take photos or teach private swim lessons to adults (little known fact, I can’t swim and could benefit from personal swim lessons). But even if you have a little wild and/or crazy skill, such as, knowing how to knit boots for your favorite furry dog pal, go for it! The Daily News, noted a few interesting gigs on unique Fiverr listings, “8 Unique Things People Will Do for Money on Fiverr” so don’t get caught up in the idea that it may be “too crazy”.
How to get started with your Side Hustle?
This part may be overwhelming but in actuality it’s only mental. To make this a little more simple for you, I created a resource guide TOP SIDE HUSTLES OF 2020 to help make the process more attainable. There are over 150+ ideas and reputable companies that help create income for their consumers. We have surpassed the Uber and DoorDash routes, but at the same time still available to us to utilize. As moms we don’t always have the availability to “hustle” during standard hours. Our days are often full of caring for others that we place ourselves on the last. I find time to do what I want after hours. Even though my 2 year old keeps gettin out of bed complaining about something. I coin these times my “hustle hour”. With the hope that, it (life) won’t always be like this.
So the best way to start is to start now, with something. Many over think this part of the process because we want it to be right, or perfect. That’s not the case right now. The goal is to get started, even if it’s something simple as reselling items you are no longer using around your home. Back in the day we call it a garage sale. Now many things are now online and my eBook TOP SIDE HUSTLES OF 2020 provides a listing of websites, apps, etc. that will make the process a lot easier.
What do I need to get started?
Honestly, you have what you need. Most of what you can accomplish can be accomplished on your smartphone. Whether you have an iPhone or Android, companies are hip to the fact that mobile capabilities are very important. Next necessity is a laptop or desktop computer, often for bigger projects like writing or designing. I have always been an Apple girl, had my 2011 MacBook Pro for over 8 years. Gave it to my niece and currently use a Lenovo ThinkPad in which gets the job done. As a tip, if you venture off into trying some of the more specific and unique activities. Be sure to read the requirements to ensure you have the tools needed to complete the task at hand.
Tips for Success as a Busy Mom
Tip #1 Choose Something Fun - we are already doing ALOT and choosing a money maker should not by another job, but something quick, easy and enjoyable.
Tip #2 Find Support - This can be your spouse, a friend, joining a Facebook group or even a local meet up group to keep you encouraged to meet your goals. Even if your goal is making money for self care, your support person should be there to ensure you get that massage or mani/pedi!
Tip #3 Don’t Over Think It - Pick a simple goal to accomplish and a quick money maker that can make that happen for you. For example, the goal can be to side hustle your grocery bill every other month or side hustle this year’s Christmas cash.
How can you be successful?
Success is relative, depends on your purpose or goals with the profits made from your side hustle. Utilizing the tips will be a start. Therefore tangibly writing out your goals, will allow you to see the progression. For example, using the Christmas cash as a goal. It’s now March and if you are planning to save $800, that’s roughly $90/month. Seems more attainable right? Again, success if relative, so don’t stress if every goal isn’t immediately met, remember this is meant to stress-free.
Common Questions About Starting a Side Hustle.
QUESTION 1 - HOW DO I START A SIDE HUSTLE WITH NO MONEY?
No worries, there are many opportunities to start making money with no money.
The eBook lists over 150+ resources you can start today. The key to making money now with no money is using what you currently have in your possession. As for myself, braiding comes naturally to me, as of late I would post the braided styles I do on my daughter. Then other busy moms who may not have the skills or time pay me to braid a style that will last a week or two. Therefore, consider a current skill/talent that you can sell.
QUESTION 2 - WHAT ARE THE MOST PROFITABLE SIDE HUSTLES?
This question is relative. But typically, the most profitable are physical products. But more and more you are starting to see entrepreneurs like CiCi @_thesixfigurechick_ shares with her following that she had made over $250,000 from digital products, in 2020 alone. Again, the question is relative to the hustler. Assess your goals and skills/resources in order to develop a plan for highest profitabilty
QUESTION 3 - SHOULD YOU START A SIDE HUSTLE?
Yes, why not. There is stat circulating that most millionaires and billionaires have multiple streams of income, 7 on average. Jim Wang, of BestWalletHacks, wrote an article on the topic and it’s worth a read.
“7 Income Streams of Millionaires: An Open Discussion of Passive Income”
In America, according to Debt.org, “American household debt hit a record $13.21 trillion in 2018. If you had to write that check it would read $13,210,000,000,000” Understand that our traditional salaries aren’t enough to sustain a household alone.
THE LAST THING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STARTING YOUR SIDE HUSTLE AS A BUSY MOM
Remember, this is bigger than just the side hustle itself, but a tool to reach your goals for you and your family. I’m excited that in this day in age, there are more opportunities to make money then in years past. With the continual growth of the internet and our dependence on its’ resources (good and bad) take advantage of the good. In light of that statement, be sure to cover yourself and read all necessary documentation so you don’t end up in an undesirable situation.
My sincere hope is that you received something from my post and that you find the encouragement to go for it. For the sake of you and your family. Find your support system, enjoy the process.