How to make money on maternity leave: best ways


Bringing a new child home can be a challenging and stressful time, particularly if you don’t have the financial resources of a millionaire. Maternity leave pay varies depending on where you live and work, and in some cases, you may not be paid at all. This can be especially difficult since your expenses are likely to increase with a new family member.

How to make money on maternity leave

How to make money on maternity leave

Fortunately, there are numerous ways to make extra money during maternity leave. Although it may not replace your regular job, it can be a great way to keep yourself occupied while earning additional income.

10 legitimate ways to make extra money for mums on maternity leave

Freelance Writing

If you have a talent for writing, freelance writing can be a lucrative way to make money on maternity leave. There is a high demand for writers who can create engaging content for various industries. You can write articles, blog posts, white papers, or website copy for clients. Freelance writing allows you to work on your own schedule and from the comfort of your own home.

Platforms like Upwork make it easy to find freelance writing gigs. All you need to do is create a profile and start bidding on jobs. You can set your own rates and choose the projects that interest you. However, keep in mind that the competition can be fierce, and you may need to build up your portfolio before you can land higher-paying gigs.

Another way to find freelance writing clients is to reach out to businesses or individuals who may need content written for their website or blog. You can start by researching companies or blogs that align with your interests or expertise. You can then reach out to them via email or social media and pitch your services. Be sure to include samples of your work and your rates.

One advantage of freelance writing is that it can be a flexible way to earn money on your own schedule. As a new mother, you can work during your baby’s nap times or when you have a spare moment. You can also choose to take on as much or as little work as you can handle.

Freelance writing is a viable option for making money on maternity leave. With the right skills and determination, you can build a successful career as a freelance writer while still being able to take care of your newborn.

Affiliate Marketing

If you are looking for a way to make money on maternity leave, affiliate marketing can be a great option. Affiliate marketing involves promoting a product or service on your blog or social media channels with a special link that contains a unique tracking code. When someone clicks on that link and makes a purchase, you earn a commission from the company.

To get started with affiliate marketing, you will need to find products or services that align with your niche and audience. You can join affiliate networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale, or CJ Affiliate to find products to promote. You can also reach out to individual companies and ask if they have an affiliate program.

Once you have found the products you want to promote, you can start creating content around them. This can be blog posts, social media posts, or even YouTube videos. Be sure to disclose your affiliate relationship with your audience so they know that you will earn a commission if they make a purchase through your link.

To maximize your earnings, it’s important to focus on products that have a high commission rate and that are relevant to your audience. You can also experiment with different types of content and promotions to see what works best.

Affiliate marketing can be a great way to earn passive income while on maternity leave. It allows you to promote products that you believe in and that your audience will find valuable, while also earning a commission for your efforts.

Virtual Assisting

Virtual Assisting is an excellent way to make money on maternity leave. It is a type of work that involves providing administrative assistance to businesses or entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home. Virtual assistants help with various tasks like scheduling appointments, answering emails, managing social media accounts, conducting research, and even managing projects. They essentially act as an administrative assistant, only remotely.

To become a virtual assistant, you need to have strong organizational and communication skills. You also need to be proficient in using online communication and organizational tools. As a virtual assistant, you can work with multiple clients at once and set your own schedule, making it a flexible and convenient way to earn money while on maternity leave.

Platforms like Upwork or Fiverr are great places to start building your virtual assisting business. You can also look for opportunities on job boards or reach out to businesses or entrepreneurs directly. The demand for virtual assistants is growing, so it’s a good time to start exploring this option as a potential source of income. With dedication and hard work, you can build a successful virtual assisting business and earn a steady income while enjoying the flexibility to spend time with your new baby.

Transcribing

Transcribing is a fantastic way to make money on maternity leave, especially if you are a fast typist. Transcribing involves listening to audio recordings and typing out what you hear into a document. It’s a flexible and straightforward way to earn money from home.

There are several transcription platforms available online, such as TranscribeMe and Rev, where you can find transcription jobs. These platforms allow you to choose the projects you want to work on and set your own schedule.

One of the advantages of transcribing is that you can work from anywhere, as long as you have a computer and an internet connection. This means you can work from home while taking care of your newborn. Additionally, you don’t need any special skills or experience to start transcribing, just fast and accurate typing skills.

To be successful in the transcription business, it’s essential to have a good work ethic and to be organized. It’s also important to have a reliable computer and a comfortable workspace. With practice and persistence, transcribing can be a lucrative way to make money on maternity leave.

Selling Crafts

Selling crafts is an excellent way to earn money on maternity leave if you enjoy creating unique handmade products. With the rise of e-commerce platforms like Etsy, it has become easier than ever to start your own online shop and reach a global customer base.

Before starting your business, it’s essential to research the market and determine which crafts are in demand. This can be done by looking at best-selling items on Etsy, attending craft fairs, or following social media accounts of other crafters. Once you have a good understanding of the market, you can start creating your products.

To sell your crafts online, you will need to create high-quality product photos and descriptions that showcase your products’ unique features. You can also offer customization options to attract more customers. Social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook are great for marketing your crafts and reaching potential customers.

It’s important to price your crafts correctly to ensure that your time and effort are worth the cost. This includes the cost of materials, packaging, and shipping. You can also consider offering bundle deals or discounts for larger orders to encourage customers to buy more.

Creating an Online Course

Creating an online course can be a profitable way to earn money during maternity leave, especially if you have valuable skills or knowledge that you can share with others. Online learning platforms like Udemy or Teachable allow you to create and sell your courses to a global audience.

To get started, think about your area of expertise and identify what topics you could teach. This could be anything from cooking, photography, graphic design, marketing, or programming. Once you’ve identified your topic, start researching what similar courses are available and how you can differentiate your course.

When creating your course, make sure it’s well-structured and easy to follow. Include high-quality video and audio content, as well as supporting materials like quizzes, worksheets, and downloadable resources. You can also add interactive features like discussion forums and Q&A sessions to engage with your students.

Once you’ve created your course, you can market it through social media, email marketing, and paid advertising to reach your target audience. You can also offer promotions and discounts to encourage people to enroll in your course.

It’s important to note that creating an online course requires time and effort, especially in the beginning when you’re creating content and building your audience. However, once you’ve established your course, it can become a passive source of income that you can continue to earn from even after your maternity leave is over.

Participating in Surveys and Focus Groups

Participating in Surveys and Focus Groups can be an easy and fun way to earn some extra cash while taking care of your baby. Many companies and brands conduct surveys and focus groups to gather feedback on their products and services, and they pay people for their opinions. By sharing your thoughts, you can help these companies improve their offerings while earning some money.

Sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks offer opportunities to take surveys and earn rewards or cash. These sites allow you to sign up for free and then match you with surveys based on your demographics and interests. You can complete surveys whenever you have some free time, whether it’s during your baby’s nap or when you have some downtime in the evening.

Focus groups are another way to earn money while sharing your opinions. These groups are usually conducted in person, but some companies now offer online focus groups as well. In a focus group, you’ll be asked to discuss your thoughts and opinions on a particular product or service with a group of other participants. You can earn more money through focus groups than surveys, and they often pay between $50 and $150 per session.

Overall, participating in surveys and focus groups can be a great way to earn some extra cash while on maternity leave. However, it’s important to be cautious of scams and only sign up for reputable survey and focus group sites. Additionally, it’s important to remember that surveys and focus groups won’t make you rich, but they can provide a little bit of extra income to help with expenses.

Managing Social Media

Participating in Surveys and Focus Groups can be an easy and fun way to earn some extra cash while taking care of your baby. Many companies and brands conduct surveys and focus groups to gather feedback on their products and services, and they pay people for their opinions. By sharing your thoughts, you can help these companies improve their offerings while earning some money.

Sites like Survey Junkie and Swagbucks offer opportunities to take surveys and earn rewards or cash. These sites allow you to sign up for free and then match you with surveys based on your demographics and interests. You can complete surveys whenever you have some free time, whether it’s during your baby’s nap or when you have some downtime in the evening.

Focus groups are another way to earn money while sharing your opinions. These groups are usually conducted in person, but some companies now offer online focus groups as well. In a focus group, you’ll be asked to discuss your thoughts and opinions on a particular product or service with a group of other participants. You can earn more money through focus groups than surveys, they often pay between $50 and $150 per session.

Overall, participating in surveys and focus groups can be a great way to earn some extra cash while on maternity leave. However, it’s important to be cautious of scams and only sign up for reputable survey and focus group sites. Additionally, it’s important to remember that surveys and focus groups won’t make you rich, but they can provide a little bit of extra income to help with expenses.

Pet Sitting and Dog Walking

Pet sitting and dog walking are two services that are always in demand, and if you love animals, this can be a great way to make some extra cash while on maternity leave. Many pet owners are in need of someone to take care of their furry friends while they are at work or away from home, and you can offer these services in your local area.

To get started with pet sitting and dog walking, you can reach out to neighbors, friends, and family members who have pets and offer your services. You can also post flyers or ads on social media to let people in your community know about your services. Platforms like Rover and Wag also offer opportunities to connect with pet owners who are looking for pet sitters or dog walkers in their area.

As a pet sitter or dog walker, you may be responsible for tasks such as feeding, walking, and playing with the animals in your care. It’s important to have some experience with animals and to be comfortable handling different types of pets. You may also need to be available to make visits or walks during specific times of the day or week, depending on the needs of your clients.

The rates for pet sitting and dog walking services can vary depending on your location and the services you offer. It’s important to research the going rates in your area to ensure that you are charging a fair price for your services. As you gain experience and build a good reputation, you may be able to charge higher rates and attract more clients.

Overall, pet sitting and dog walking can be a fun and rewarding way to earn extra cash on your own schedule while on maternity leave. It’s important to have a love for animals and to be reliable and trustworthy in order to succeed in this business.

Renting Out Your Car

Renting out your car can be a great way to make money while you’re on maternity leave, especially if you’re not using your car frequently. Platforms like Turo allow you to rent out your car to people in your area, and you can earn money based on the rental period and the make and model of your car.

To start renting out your car, you’ll need to create a profile on the platform and list your car with details like the make and model, year, and mileage. You’ll also need to set your rental price, availability, and any additional rules or requirements for renters.

It’s important to carefully consider the risks and requirements of renting out your car. Some things to keep in mind include the wear and tear on your car, insurance coverage, and potential liability issues.

You’ll need to make sure you have the appropriate insurance coverage for renting out your car, and you’ll also need to make sure you follow any local laws or regulations related to car rentals. Additionally, you may want to consider setting limits on who can rent your car and how far they can drive it.

Overall, renting out your car can be a great way to make extra money on maternity leave, but it’s important to carefully weigh the risks and requirements before getting started.

Conclusion

As a new parent, it’s important to find a side hustle that can be done remotely, with limited travel, or at home, since you’ll be caring for your new family member. It’s also important to choose a side hustle that’s flexible and doesn’t require you to do something at a specific time. With these considerations in mind, the side hustles listed above are worth exploring. Who knows, your side hustle may even turn into a full-time job.

In 2012, I graduated from the university with a degree in Computer Science. In the same year, I started working as an Internet marketer in a private company, where I still work today. At the same time, I am developing my Internet resources, programming at an amateur level, looking for and testing various ways to make money on the Internet, which I share on this Internet resource.

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