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One of the hardest things for many women is the want to work from home, but the inability to do so. With the rat race day and age, we live in, working from home seems impossible for many. But is working from home actually possible?
Many women work for MLM companies, “selling” to their friends and family and living the “good life” on Instagram. But in reality, these women are pouring more money and time in than they are getting out.
It’s these women that I highly respect, and for these women and any woman whose heart is at home, that I write this post for.
It seems in this day and age that the only women who can stay home are the ones whose husbands make a lot, and the lucky few who can score a job in the online hustle.
I myself have attempted to navigate the hustle of the online work-from-home world and have made some leaps and bounds in some regards, and have failed in others.
Today, I’m here to tell you a few ways you can make money from home without selling your soul (sorry MLMS), and without having to sell yourself online.
1. Blogging
Blogging is definitely not a get-rich-quick-scheme. I have been blogging for 5 years and still have paid way more into it than I’ve made. Much of that is by choice though, as I have chosen to focus on my content and my audience and my readers. While I may choose to monetize in the future, that has been my experience so far.
If you are looking to make money from blogging I suggest taking the Elite Blog Academy from Ruth Soukup at Living Well Spending Less.
I have personally taken this class, and while it’s definitely intense and cost heavy, (although I do believe there are payment plans), it’s definitely worth it.
2. Online Trade Job
Another option is doing an online “trade job”. This is a term I somewhat made up to describe things like Bookkeeping, Graphic Design, etc. I personally was able to get a “Pathway course” for Bookkeeping and will become a licensed bookkeeper by the end of the year.
If you’re interested in Bookkeeping but don’t have a “Pathway” available at your local community college, I would recommend checking out Ben Robinson’s Bookkeeper Business Launch.
While there are currently no payment plans, according to their customer service rep, the class is open enrollment which means you can save up little by little each month to do something like this.
3. Photographer
Being a photographer is definitely an art form, but if you enjoy filling your Instagram with cute photos of your kids, this may be for you.
Photographers can make a good amount of money from doing family portrait sessions or weddings. All it takes is a good camera, a good lens, and a good eye.
You can easily get a good camera (older version) for cheap; like the Canon 5d Mark II. And with a good quality lens like this one, you can take amazing portraits with little effort.
Here’s a picture I took of my mom yesterday at the river. I’ve had my camera all of a week so far and am still getting a handle on how to use it.
4. Editor
If you have an interest in reading, writing or went to college with a major in English, this may be the job for you. While I do not have any personal experience in the matter, I know being an editor can be a simple and straightforward job that doesn’t have a lot of moving parts like some other jobs listed here.
For more resources on becoming an online editor, I would suggest checking out this post from Live Like You Are Rich.
I will add, while this is a quick list of work from home jobs, Anita from Live Like You Are Rich has a number of in-depth posts on different work from home jobs, and I would definitely recommend checking her blog out!
5. Proofreader
While this is another job I have not done myself, it’s another great way other mamas are able to work from home and provide for their family. I would suggest checking out this post from One Fine Wallet.
6. Home Daycare Provider
This is definitely one of the more cost-intensive jobs on this list. While it can cost a lot to start up, if this is where your heart is at, this is a job that will last a lifetime as there will always be need for childcare.
While I have not had my own home daycare before, I have worked in a home daycare and in a public daycare/preschool. I can say by far that sending your children to an at home daycare (if you have to send them at all) is a far better choice than a public daycare.
Running an at home daycare can be stressful and financially straining in the beginning. If this is really something you’re interested in, check with the regulations of starting a home daycare of your state and talk to your husband and the Lord about this decision. I would like to note that in most states you will need at least a bachelor’s degree to pursue this option.
7. Stay-at-Home Nanny
If you would love the idea of having other children in the home, but really don’t want the cost of the daycare, consider becoming a nanny to one or two families who will bring their children to your home.
Depending on your community size and closeness, this may be children and families from your church, other home school families who are unable to home school their children right now, or just families looking for reliable care for their children.
If you’re interested in this option, check out Care.com where they have the ability for you to list your services, connect with families and much more.
8. Have a Farmer’s Market Stand
This is another one of those financially intense jobs at first, but it is definitely fun.
When I was first married and not working after my cancer surgery I took to the local farmer and craft markets selling bread. While it was hard at first with the cost of the ingredients, the mess-ups, the wrappings and so forth, it was definitely fun.
I did not do it for a long time but did enjoy getting to see regular customers and having money come in to help my husband at the time with the bills.
Now, I have a friend who has been doing this for years and makes a living off of farmer’s markets and craft fairs selling her goats milk soaps, fudge and more from her goat farm. She is able to home school her children and be there for her family when needed.
Interested in knowing more? Check out this post on 15 Things You Can Sell at Your Local Farmer’s Market by Treasure Trove Reviews.
9. Crafter
This is another one that has some start up cost but can make you some good money depending on your products and your marketing skills.
Some of the gals who I love have Etsy shops and they are able to help contribute to their families with their craftyness!
- Christina and Helena by our very own Christina Fleming!
Christina and her grandmother make head coverings, cloth items for ladies and so much more! I have a pack of reusable sandwich bags from her that I love!
- Par la Grace is a cute little sign shop on Etsy by another friend of mine! She makes adorable home decor and seems to have a fun time doing it.
- Gallery Eleven Designs is a t-shirt shop from my favorite music artist’s wife. After losing her youngest child to a tragic accident a few months ago, she has continued to bring in an income by making shirts that are encouraging and uplifting.
- Clementine Pattern Co is a creative shop on Etsy that sells embroidery patterns with a Christian flare to them.
- Dinosaur Stew has a special place in my heart as this is the designer that designed The Homemaker’s Cottage website. Selling online designs not only saves you money in shipping and inventory but is another creative way to let your talents shine!
10. Church Secretary
This is a bit of a hit or miss. Depending on your church size and need, there may be a possibility for you to work either a few hours in the church, or a few hours from home per week for the church. Whether it’s making phone calls, managing their mailing list, etc. Consider reaching out to your pastor to see if they need any help like this.
11. Music Teacher
If you have a love for music, than this is an easy choice for you. With little start up cost (mainly advertising), teaching music to students is an easy way to bring in some extra cash.
12. Virtual Assistant
Last but not least, is becoming a virtual assistant. I did this for a few years while I was married and enjoyed it. I ended up leaving my virtual assistant position because I really didn’t like having to spend so much time marketing myself in a “hustle” community as an introvert.
If you’re interested in becoming a virtual assistant, I would highly recommend The Virtual Savvy’s course the VA Bootcamp. I have taken this myself and absolutely loved it!
I understand that every woman has a different situation and some of these may fit your financial situation or your personality, or maybe not. Every woman needs to determine for herself what would work and what wouldn’t. I think it’s very important to remember not to put yourself in a job that would make you miserable, no matter how much money you make, it’s never worth it.
Always seek wisdom from your husband, church elders and the Lord when making these matters. The Lord tells us to be wise with our financial decisions (Proverbs 13:11 | Luke 12:15).
What other work from home jobs can you think of? Leave a comment below, or join the conversation on Facebook.
Hello! I'm Amanda Elizabeth, creator of The Homemaker's Cottage. As a homemaker I have constantly felt the pull between old fashioned homemaking and the fast paced world we live in today. So I created The Homemaker's Cottage: a stress-free space between the old in the new, where there is no judgement and we can learn that homemaking can be relevant, easy and even enjoyable.
Join me on this journey to serve God, your family, and begin homemaking from where you are.
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