With the cost of living crisis continuing to bite, more and more people in the UK are turning to secondary income sources to help bolster their finances.
And because the demanding but fulfilling role of being a stay-at-home mum can also come with financial limitations, UK mums are finding ways of earning an extra income. And they’re also finding that it can be a great way to not only keep up with the bills, but build a nest egg for the future too.
The key to finding the right side hustle as a stay-at-home mum is finding one that fits in around your busy schedule and around your parenting.
Here are some flexible side hustles for UK stay-at-home mums that could be a real game-changer to your overall income, and how to make the most of them.
Side hustle ideas for stay-at-home mums:
- Freelance writing: If you have a knack for writing and storytelling, use it to create content for blogs, websites, and online publications.
- Virtual assistance: Help businesses with administrative tasks like scheduling meetings and managing emails from the comfort of your home.
- Online tutoring: Whether it’s a language, academic subject or special skill, you can teach students online in your own time,
- Selling handmade foods: Turn your crafting hobby into a business by selling on free platforms like Etsy.
- Becoming a UW Partner: Sign up as a registered Partner with Utility Warehouse (UW) and earn commissions by helping people save money on their utility bills.
How to get started without spending lots of money
You might have heard the phrase “You have to spend money to make money”. This is true in some cases, but starting a side hustle doesn’t have to break the bank.
- Make the most of existing skills: Use what you already know to your advantage and monetise your skills.
- Use free or low-cost platforms to sell: Many websites have no or low set-up costs, for example Etsy and Fiverr.
- Start small and scale up: You don’t have to jump into the deep end first: start with small projects and gradually build them up over time.
- Use free resources: Make the most of tutorials on YouTube and free courses on learning platforms like Coursera and Udemy to up your game.
- Network, network, network: It might seem daunting at first, but platforms like social media and local community groups are perfect for showcasing and shouting about your services.
How to balance a side hustle with family life
Managing both a family and a side hustle can be a bit of a juggling act – but can also be both manageable and rewarding as long as you put some boundaries in place:
- Schedule everything: When planning your time around your family and side hustle, make sure you carve out time for both sides of your life.
- Set achievable goals: Goals are crucial for progress, but it’s important to be realistic to avoid burnout.
- Get the whole family involved: This could be a fantastic teachable moment for older children, and the support of your loved ones is invaluable.
- Prioritise yourself: Don’t forget to schedule plenty of ‘me time’ too so you can relax and recharge.
- Use time management tools and apps: Project management tools like Trello or Asana can help you stay organised and on track, while Google Calendar can help you block out time for each task.
Becoming a multi-income individual
Where the status quo used to be having a single job, multi-income individuals (Miis) – individuals with more than one stream of income – are becoming more and more common in the UK.
According to Utility Warehouse’ Miis report, there are currently over 20 million Miis. This is a huge rise from five million in 2017.
Having multiple streams of income is crucial to many, not just to survive, but thrive in today’s economy. By diversifying your earning sources, you’re creating a safety net for yourself should one thing happen to one source.
Harnessing a side hustle can be hard work. But with the right planning, tools and dedication, it can be great fun too. By following these steps to set one up for yourself, you’ll be well-prepared to build your own business. And once you start settling into a routine and are able to scale your business up, it’s also a great opportunity to build a financially stable future for yourself and your family.