I’ve seen this question coming up in various forums, and I wanted to create a memorandum of what I personally feel are the best options, generally speaking, for homeschooling parents looking to make some extra cash.
(Note: wordpress is not working for me, so I am writing this in the app. I’m guessing this may affect the formatting.)
1. eBay — this is BY FAR the easiest way to start a side hustle. It is way more straightforward than you’d think. I started by selling things I had around the house, including yarn, books, and old curriculum (in good condition). And I have made several sales!! You can sell almost anything on eBay, even things that aren’t brand new.
I would recommend purchasing some packing tape & some padded envelopes before getting started. That will make it less stressful once you receive your first order. The post office also has free mailing supplies that you can use as well.
My two favorite eBay gurus are:
They offer TONS of advice for people just starting out. HT just had a 30 day challenge where he made $1,000 starting from $0, and DR is starting a new eBay store from scratch. You can start without having to purchase inventory, that’s what I did!
I would recommend buying some packing tape though!
2. Etsy — this is also a straightforward option. You can sell things that are handmade, vintage, or craft supplies. There has been a huge rise in things such as digital files, prints, custom art prints, etc. There are many options.
Watch some videos on YouTube to get additional information about what to sell or how to sell better. My 13 year old is in the process of creating her own drop ship business!
3. Blogging — the hardest part about blogging is finding the work. I have noticed a decrease in the number of places looking for PT bloggers and an absolute deluge of places looking for FT bloggers. However, there is still work to be found on places like Fiverr & craigslist. I’ve written for numerous kinds of entities over the years, including children’s stories for a reading business, homeschooling entities, and a whole heck of a lot of law firm blawgs. Blogging usually comes with flexible hours & various opportunities. In my experience it can be a crowded pool of applicants, but worth it if you can find a good option.
There are extensive lists across the Internet with other ideas. Usually topping the list are things like virtual assistant, delivering for amazon or door dash, buying & delivering groceries for Instacart. These are all great options as well. However, these options tend to have a greater physical demand (i.e. you have to physically do the thing, in person), OR they are based on someone else’s hours.
I speak from experience when I tell you that it’s :very: difficult to work during regular business hours, unless you have paid childcare— and if you’re in need of a side hustle, it’s unlikely that you’re going to want to diminish your earnings by increasing your overhead cost.
Do you have a side hustle you’d like to recommend to other parents? Add it in the comment section!
