Are you on maternity leave and looking for ways to make money from home while taking care of your little one? This post is for you!
When I was a new mom, I was in the same boat, constantly looking for the best ways to make money from home so I didn’t have to work outside the home. More than that, I wanted to change our financial situation and do more than just making ends meet for our son.
Unfortunately, then, we were only earning more or less $20,000 a year, and I knew that saving money and living frugally could only do so much.
What made our situation even worst was my husband’s health issues. We knew he needed to quit working (which he did) and retire.
I scoured the internet for jobs I could do from home and tried almost virtually anything I could find–from transcribing audio files and data entry, to writing for blogs and creating social media graphics for websites. Fortunately, I was able to turn one of my online side hustles, blogging, into a full-time income source!
Indeed, these days, there are plenty of ways you can make money on maternity leave. And the best part is that you can do it all from the comfort of your own home, which is perfect for busy moms like yourself.
And, by the way, with sheer luck, my husband was also able to retire (with compensation from his service in the Air Force) a year later. Then, we moved from Puerto Rico to the Philippines to retire (another story!)
Why do you need to make extra money on maternity leave?
Table of Contents
To make the most of your maternity leave, you need to plan for the financial reality that comes with it. Here are several reasons why you should consider making money on maternity leave.
Supplementing lost income
When on maternity leave, receiving only a portion of your paycheck can make it difficult to provide everything your baby needs. You might feel pressured to return to work sooner than you’d like.
By supplementing your lost income during maternity leave, you can free yourself from financial pressure and focus on caring for your newborn.
Maintaining financial independence
As a new mom, you need to maintain financial independence to avoid relying solely on your partner for financial support.
By having your own source of income, you can have the freedom to make decisions about your finances and provide for yourself and your baby in the long term.
Saving for the future
You may think that because you’re no longer receiving a regular paycheck, there’s no extra money to put away for savings.
Saving money early on means you’ll have more freedom down the road to do the things you love and take care of your little one’s needs.
If you’re looking to make extra money on your maternity leave, there are a few things you should consider.
Skills and interests
Do you have a knack for writing, crafting, or managing social media accounts?
Take some time to think about what you enjoy doing and what you excel at. This will help you figure out what type of work you might be interested in pursuing during your maternity leave.
Time
Taking care of your newborn is a full-time job, so you may not have the ability to work long hours during your maternity leave.
It’s important to be realistic about how much time you can dedicate to making money while also caring for your baby. Look for flexible opportunities that allow you to work on your own schedule at your own pace.
Physical and emotional well-being
Taking on additional responsibilities during maternity leave may add unnecessary stress to your mental and physical health.
Choose opportunities that are not overly stressful and are physically and emotionally sustainable for you as a new mom.
30 Creative and Practical Ways to Make Money on Maternity Leave
1. Start a blog
When you create a blog, you can connect with others who have similar interests as you and share your ideas with a global audience.
I’ve always been passionate about sharing my thoughts and experiences with others, so starting a blog seemed like the perfect fit for me. I started writing about my financial journey as a new mom, sharing tips and advice that I had learned along the way.
At first, I didn’t think much of it. However, as my blog started to attract a larger audience, I started to see the potential for earning money from it. I began incorporating affiliate links and applied to an advertising partner, and before long, I was making a decent income from my blog.
There are plenty of creative ways to make money from blogging. Aside from sponsorships and affiliate marketing, you can also sell advertising space on your blog, either through direct partnerships with companies or through ad networks such as Google Adsense.
If you have a flair for design or any other creative skill that others might find valuable, you could also offer freelance services through your blog. So, get creative, experiment with different ideas, and see what works best for you and your audience.
What I particularly like about blogging is that it doesn’t require expertise and a hefty investment to get started. With just a domain, a hosting plan, and a bit of creativity, you can have your blog up and running in no time.
Have you ever thought about starting your own blog? Over the years, I have learned a lot about what it takes to start and maintain a successful blog. So, I’ve created a comprehensive blogging guide to help you start your blogging journey.
2. Start a YouTube channel
How exactly can you make money on YouTube?
One of the most common ways is through advertising revenue. When you upload a video to your channel, YouTube will display ads before, during, or after your video. Every time someone watches these ads, you earn a portion of the ad revenue.
So, just how much can you earn from a YouTube channel? It all depends on several factors such as the number of views your videos receive and the type of ads that are displayed on your videos.
According to Influencer Marketing Hub, YouTubers can earn an average of $3-$5 per 1,000 views after YouTube takes its cut. It’s also worth noting that CPM can vary per country. Countries with better economies such as the US pay higher CPMs.
However, before you can start raking in the cash, you need to become a YouTube partner, which allows you to enable ads on your videos.
But where do you start? First things first, you need to decide what type of content you want to create for your channel. This could be anything from DIY projects, makeup tutorials, cooking videos, or even vlogs about your life as a new mom. Make sure to choose a niche that you are interested in and knowledgeable about.
If you want to learn more about YouTube and how to make money from it, check out How Much Do YouTubers Make and How to Start Your Own Money-Making YouTube Channel
3. Work as a Freelance Writer
One of the perks of online writing is that you can work from anywhere, at any time. This is particularly helpful during maternity leave when your time may be limited.
You can also set your rates, negotiate contracts, and work on projects that interest you. With the ability to take on multiple projects simultaneously, you can increase your earning potential and secure a reliable source of income.
I also once worked as a freelance writer, and it was my lifesaver when I took some time off my full-time job. I had always loved writing, so I decided to give it a try. Not only did freelance writing provide me with a much-needed income stream, but it also gave me a sense of fulfillment.
I first tried Freelancer.com and made over $50,000 writing for clients on the site, but eventually Freelancer became too competitive and full of low-paying jobs.
If you are looking for well-paying freelance and scam-free jobs, I recommend FlexJobs. Unlike other platforms, FlexJobs vets all the companies listing job ads on the site, ensuring that each of them is real and legit.
4. Take online surveys
Not only is taking online surveys easy and convenient, but it can also be a fun and engaging way to earn a little extra cash.
For each survey you complete, you earn a small amount of money or reward points that can be redeemed for gift cards or other prizes. Just remember to keep your expectations in check as taking online surveys alone may not earn you big bucks. You may still need to supplement your earnings with other side hustles.
However, if you’re looking for a way to earn some extra money to cover those small expenses that always seem to pop up unexpectedly, taking online surveys can be a good option.
The best way to start your search for online survey opportunities is by signing up for survey websites. I can recommend the following as I’ve personally used them:
When taking online surveys, make sure to provide honest and thoughtful responses. By providing detailed responses, you can increase your chances of receiving more survey opportunities in the future.
5. Sell digital products
Selling digital products is a great way to make money on maternity leave.
One of the benefits of selling digital products is the ability to create something once and continue to sell it over and over again. This means that even though you may not have the time to constantly be working on new products while caring for your baby, you can still earn money from the products you’ve created. Unlike physical products, there is no need to worry about inventory, shipping, or storage.
One example of a digital product that is easy to sell is an eBook. With the rise of e-readers and their growing popularity on online marketplaces like Amazon Kindle, selling eBooks has never been easier and more convenient. Whether it’s a how-to guide, a cookbook, or a novel, there’s a market for all kinds of eBooks.
What if you’re not a writer? No worries! You can sell printables as well! Think of planners, checklists, invitations, digital arts and more! These are products you can easily create for free using Canva. The beauty of selling printables is you only create your products once and you can repeatedly sell them.
Interested? My friends, Julie and Cody from Gold City Ventures, are hosting a free workshop “Manifest Passive Income Selling Printables.”
6. Become a proofreader
A proofreader is someone who carefully reads through a written text to correct any errors in spelling, grammar, punctuation, and syntax.
As a proofreader, you’re essentially the final pair of eyes before a written material is published or sent out to the public. Highlighting your background in the English language or writing-related fields can help establish your credibility as a qualified proofreader.
However, while having a background in writing or an English-related degree can give you a leg up, that does not mean that you can’t excel in this field without any prior experience. In fact, with a little dedication and hard work, anyone can become a successful proofreader.
Also, proofreading pays well. According to ZipRecruiter, proofreaders make up to $43.99 an hour, which is great if you’re just working from home.
So, you want to become a proofreader but don’t have any experience? There’s a really popular course, Proofread Anywhere, that can help you kickstart your career in proofreading.
Proofread Anywhere is designed specifically for aspiring proofreaders like yourself who want to break into the world of proofreading but don’t have any idea where to start. From grammar rules and punctuation guidelines to tips on building your own proofreading business, this course covers all the essential topics you need to know to excel in this field.
If you want to gain more insights into the course and learn more about proofreading, check out this free proofreading workshop.
7. Create an online course
With the growing popularity of online learning, the demand for online courses has never been higher. By offering a course that is relevant and valuable to your target audience, you can attract students or learners who are willing to pay for your expertise.
Unlike traditional settings where you are limited to a set number of students, an online course can be accessed by people from all corners of the globe. This means that the potential earnings from an online course are practically limitless.
The beauty of creating an online course is that it can be a passive source of income. Once you’ve created the course and set it up online, you can continue to earn money from it without having to actively work on it.
What’s more, you can get started with zero cost using platforms like Teachable. You can upload your videos or written course on this platform and start earning before you pay. Check out Teachable’s free plan here.
8. Social media management
Managing social media accounts for businesses and individuals can be a profitable venture. With the need for businesses to have a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, there’s a growing demand for skilled social managers.
Before I became a blogger, I was also a social media manager for some businesses. It was a great did that allowed me to earn some side income from home.
If you have expertise in these platforms and a solid understanding of how to engage with audiences, you can offer your services to companies looking to increase their visibility online.
Social media management allows you to work on your chosen schedule, whether it be during your baby’s nap times or early in the morning. This offers flexibility for new moms like you who need to prioritize their baby’s needs while still earning an income.
The good news is that it doesn’t take a lot of experience to become a social media manager. If you want to learn more about social media management, SkillShare has a lot of classes you can take for free. SkillShare is my go-to site to learn money-making skills.
You can sign up for their free one-month trial so you can start learning. You can cancel anytime.
9. Offer transcription services
Transcription involves converting audio or video files into written text. As a transcriptionist, your main job is to listen carefully to audio recordings provided to you and accurately transcribe the spoken words into a written format.
One of the great things about transcription is that you can choose the hours when you work, allowing you to fit some extra income around your baby’s schedule. Whether you’re a night owl or an early riser, you can transcribe audio files whenever it is most convenient for you, especially if you’re adjusting to a completely new routine.
It also requires minimal start-up costs. All you need is a computer, an internet connection, and headphones, and you’re ready to get started.
If you want to learn more about how to build your own transcription business, check out this free transcription workshop by Janey Slaughnessy at Transcribe Anywhere.
10. Become a Virtual bookkeeper
Bookkeeping involves maintaining financial records for businesses, such as recording income and expenses, preparing financial reports, and reconciling bank statements. Many businesses are now outsourcing their bookkeeping needs to virtual bookkeepers who can work remotely.
When it comes to earning potential, bookkeeping can be quite lucrative. Depending on your experience and the number of clients you take on, you can make a substantial income from this opportunity. Many virtual bookkeepers offer flat-rate packages, or they charge by hour, so you can tailor your services to fit your financial needs and goals.
According to Ben Robinson, founder of Bookkeepers.com, bookkeepers can earn $60 per hour from home.
If you are interested in bookkeeping, check out this popular bookkeeping classes for free. In this three-part class, you’ll learn:
- How to earn even more money with bookkeeping
- Steps on how to start bookkeeping, mistakes to avoid and how to get high-paying clients.
11. Sell Canva templates
With the increasing demand for high-quality graphics, there has never been a better time to start a business selling customizable templates.
When you sell Canva templates, you’re offering customers a cost-effective way to create beautiful designs for their websites and social media. Selling Canva templates can provide a steady stream of passive income. By creating a portfolio of templates, you can continue to make money even when you’re no longer actively working.
To create and sell Canva templates, you need first to identify your niche or target audience that you want to cater to. Once you’ve decided on your target audience, you can start brainstorming ideas for templates. These could include anything from Pinterest graphics to logo templates, or even entire branding kits.
So if you’re ready to take the first step towards turning your passion for design into a profitable business, here’s how you can make it happen: How to Make Money Selling Canva Templates
12. Be an online tutor
Being an online tutor allows you to continue using your knowledge in a way that benefits others. You can help students learn as well as grow academically while also earning a steady income for yourself.
One of the greatest perks of being an online tutor is the flexibility it offers. You have the freedom to choose when and where you work. You can simply roll out of bed and log on to your computer to start your day of teaching.
To be a successful online tutor, you must be knowledgeable in your subject matter and able to convey that knowledge to your students. Stay up-to-date on the latest teaching methods to ensure you’re providing the most relevant instruction possible.
13. Sell handmade crafts on Etsy
If you have a creative side, consider crafting and selling handmade crafts on Etsy to make some extra money.
With its user-friendly interface and vast network of potential buyers, Etsy offers a unique opportunity to sell your handmade items and earn a living doing what you love.
You can start by creating a compelling shop description that describes what you make and what sets your handcrafted items apart from the competition. Use descriptive language and high-quality photos to showcase your handiwork.
14. Rent out a room on Airbnb
Renting out a room on Airbnb offers flexibility. You can choose when to accept bookings and take breaks when needed to focus on caring for your newborn.
When creating your Airbnb listing, make sure to highlight any unique features of your space and give detailed descriptions and photos. Consider setting competitive rates to attract bookings while still ensuring that you’re able to cover all hosting expenses.
15. Take on virtual assistant tasks
As a virtual assistant, you can take on various tasks for different clients. These can range from basic administrative work such as scheduling appointments to more specialized tasks like graphic design and social media management.
The great thing about virtual assistant work is that you can choose the types of tasks that best suit your skills and interests. Whatever your skills may be, there’s likely a client out there who could greatly benefit from your help.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average rate for virtual assistants is $26.25 per hour but can go higher with experience.
Want to learn how to get started as a virtual assistant? Get this free checklist to learn over 275 virtual assistant services you can offer and where to find clients to serve!
16. Online coaching
Online coaching is a great way to share your expertise with others and help them reach their goals. Whether you have experience in career coaching, fitness, nutrition, or any other area, there are people out there looking for guidance and support.
One advantage of online coaching is that you can take advantage of technology to communicate with your clients and track progress. You can also create workshops to generate a passive income.
17. Flea market flipping
Flea market flipping involves buying items at a flea market or thrift store and then reselling them for a profit. This can be a fun and lucrative side hustle if you have a good eye for valuable items and enjoy the thrill of the hunt.
When it comes time to sell your items, there are plenty of platforms you can take advantage of, such as online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay or local buy-and-sell groups on social media.
Take high-quality photos and write detailed descriptions of your items to help attract buyers and fetch a higher price.
To get started, get this free list of 47 household items to resell to make an extra income this week.
18. Write book reviews
If you’ve always loved reading and have a knack for expressing your thoughts and opinions in writing, writing book reviews can be a perfect side gig for you. Not only can writing book reviews help you make extra money, but it can also be an enjoyable way to pass the time while you’re on maternity leave.
You can start by signing up with an online book review platform that can connect you with authors and publishers looking for honest feedback on their work. Here are a few websites where you can get paid to read and review books:
19. Subscription boxes
Subscription boxes offer consumers a convenient way to receive a curated selection of products delivered right to their door. These boxes can contain anything from beauty and skincare products to food items to clothing and accessories. The appeal of subscription boxes lies in the element of surprise and the convenience of trying new products.
Many companies offer the opportunity to become a brand ambassador or affiliate for their subscription box service. This allows you to earn a commission for each new customer you refer.
20. Professional organizing
Are you skilled at decluttering and organizing small spaces, or do you excel at creating functional storage solutions for large families? If you do, you have the potential to earn extra income by becoming a professional organizer.
As a professional organizer, you’d be responsible for helping individuals or businesses tackle their clutter and create systems that work for them. This could involve everything from decluttering a closet to creating a filing system that’s easy to maintain or reorganizing an office space.
21. Record audiobooks
Recording audiobooks can be a rewarding venture for those with a clear, articulate voice, and a passion for storytelling. If you have a passion for reading and the necessary qualities, this could be a great opportunity for you to earn some extra income.
Setting up a home recording studio is relatively easy and inexpensive. All you need is a quiet room, recording software, and a good-quality microphone.
Julie Eickhoff from the Online School for Voice Over has a free short course which covers virtually every question you are thinking right now.
- What is voice over?
- How does working as a voice artist work?
- What background do I need to be successful?
- What skills would I need to learn?
- How do I get work?
- How much money can I make?
- Is insurance available?
- What other expenses should I plan for?
- Do I need my own recording space and equipment?
- What’s a typical day like?
- And many, many more questions!
22. Start a podcast
A podcast is a digital audio or video file that is published online and can be streamed or downloaded by listeners. Podcasts cover a wide range of topics, from comedy and entertainment to business and self-improvement. Podcasting has become very popular recently, with millions of people listening to podcasts regularly.
There are several ways you can make money through podcasting:
- Sponsorships– You can offer sponsored content, product placements, or shoutouts in exchange for payment.
- Advertising– Offer advertising space in your podcast to companies or businesses that want to reach your audience. You can charge based on the number of downloads or listens your podcast receives.
- Merchandise sales– Create and sell merchandise related to your podcast such as mugs, t-shirts, and accessories.
- Crowdfunding– Use crowdfunding platforms such as Patreon or Kickstarter to receive donations from your listeners. Offer exclusive perks in exchange for their support.
With the right niche and a bit of effort, you can build a steady income stream through podcasting.
To learn more about podcasting, I highly recommend checking out SkillShare. SkillShare is my go-to place for learning money-making skills. It has a lot of classes about podcasting you can take for FREE using their one-month free trial.
How to Make a Podcast: Plan, Record, and Launch with Success
Podcast Marketing: How to Grow Your Audience with a Marketing Plan, Social Media & Metadata Tips
23. Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a popular way to make money online. It is a business model where you sell products to customers without ever having to hold any inventory. Instead, you partner with a supplier who handles the storage, packaging, and shipping of the products.
When a customer places an order on your website, you will then purchase the product from your supplier and provide them with the customer’s shipping information. You make a profit by charging a markup on the wholesale price that the supplier charges you.
As long as you have an internet connection, you can manage your drop-shipping business anywhere. This flexibility allows you to work from home or even manage multiple businesses at the same time.
24. Sell video effects and animation
If you have skills in creating video effects and animation, there’s a great opportunity for you to make money by selling your creations.
Start by creating high-quality and eye-catching video effects and animations using software like Adobe After Effects or Blender. Establish an online presence by setting up social media accounts to showcase your work. Market your work on platforms like Fiverr or Envato Market where users can purchase your creations for their projects.
25. Domain flipping
Domain Flipping is the process of buying domain names at a low price and then selling them at a higher price for a profit. It’s like flipping real estate, where you purchase a property at a low price and then sell it for a higher price.
To make money from domain flipping, you first need to find a domain name that has a high potential for resale value. This could be a short, catchy name that’s easy to remember or a domain that contains keywords that are commonly searched for. You can either register it yourself for as little as $10 or purchase it from someone who already owns it. Popular premium domain names can be very expensive, costing hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
There are many different marketplace websites where you can list your domain name for sale. Some popular options are Sedo, Flippa, and Afternic. Once you start receiving offers on your domain name, be prepared to negotiate with potential buyers.
26. Write Email newsletters
Email newsletters are relatively private, which makes them an ideal passive income opportunity for introverted moms who prefer to work quietly and independently. Writing email newsletters can be done for free and it’s simple to start with platforms like Substack and MailChimp.
To make money through writing Email newsletters, you need to create engaging and informative content that appeals to your readers. Make sure to include eye-catching subject lines and a clear call to action. Include a mix of educational content, tips, and promotions to keep your subscribers interested in what you have to say.
One way to monetize newsletters is through affiliate links, where a commission is earned for each sale made through the link. Another way is through sponsorships. You can also make money from your newsletter by offering exclusive content that can be accessed by readers who pay for a subscription.
27. Manage a paid online community
Managing a paid online community involves creating a space where people pay to be part of it.
You can make money through this by charging a membership fee or offering exclusive content for paying members. By providing valuable information and engaging with your community members, you can build a loyal following that will be willing to pay for your expertise. Platforms such as Mighty Networks and Circle offer a user-friendly and accessible way to manage paid membership communities.
With a consistent schedule of posts and interactions, you can grow your community and create a steady income stream while enjoying time at home with your new baby.
28. Print-On-Demand (POD)
Print-on-demand is a type of business where you can create and sell custom products, like mugs, t-shirts, and phone cases, without having to keep any inventory. It’s similar to drop-shipping where you work with a company that produces and ships the products directly to the customers when they order from you online.
Making money through print-on-demand is simple and convenient. You create designs that appeal to people and upload them to a platform. When someone orders a product with your design, you earn a commission from each sale.
Make sure to create high-quality designs that people will want to buy and place your designs on products that you think will sell well.
29. Become a search engine evaluator
As a search engine evaluator, your main task is to help search engines like Google and Bing provide accurate and relevant search results to users. You get paid to look at search results and make sure they match the user’s search query.
This job can be done from the comfort of your own home, which is perfect for new moms like you who want to work flexible hours around their baby’s schedule.
You don’t necessarily need special skills or qualifications to become a search engine evaluator. To be good at this job, you just need to be able to use the computer and the internet. You should be able to analyze search results and determine if they’re helpful and relevant to the search query.
Search engine evaluators can earn around $12 to $15 per hour, or you can earn as much as $53,251 annually. Some companies may pay more depending on your experience and the complexity of the task assigned to you. This job is usually part-time or freelance, so your income may vary depending on the number of hours you work each week. However, with dedication and effort, you can potentially earn a good amount of money over time.
Related: Search Engine Evaluator Jobs
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Sure, working while taking care of my son wasn’t easy at first. But, I am glad I did it and I’m grateful to say that I successfully managed to juggle both.
Being on maternity leave doesn’t mean that your earning potential has to take a back seat. It is an opportunity to rethink your financial goals and increase your income. By exploring work-from-home opportunities, starting your own business, and monetizing your passions, you can make money while fully embracing the joys and rewards of motherhood.
