Child care is a practical choice for many working families. In fact, up to 46% of two-parent households work full-time jobs. But child care can also be expensive and has been known to wipe out entire salaries.
According to the National Association of Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies (NACCRRA), the average cost of center-based daycare in the U.S. can range anywhere from $11,666 per year ($972 monthly) to $18,733 a year ($1,564 monthly). To avoid paying these high child care costs, some parents choose to stay home to raise their kids until they’re old enough to be home alone for a few hours.
But being a stay-at-home parent doesn’t have to mean foregoing a salary. In today’s digital marketplace, there are many different jobs you can take on right from home.
Which jobs are best for stay-at-home parents?
As of 2019, approximately 43% of Americans work from home at least once a week and over 400 entrepreneurs operating worldwide. But not every work-from-home job is great for a stay-at-home parent.
For instance, one of the most popular work-from-home jobs is sales and consulting. But sales and consulting often require a quiet space, which might not be feasible when you’re taking care of young kids.
That being said, here are some of the best jobs for stay-at-home parents if you’re looking to maintain your career or take on a part-time job:
- Freelance writing. Freelance writers create original, creative, informative content for both online and print publications. There are many different freelance jobs available in a variety of industries. Many publications will have an area on their website where they request submissions from contributing writers. However, even if you’re just beginning, make sure that you never write for a publication without a contract. If you’re interested in freelance writing but aren’t sure where to start, there are online workshops available and classes you can take on websites like Skillshare and Udemy.
- Graphic and web design. Just like how a professional painter can show you hundreds of paint options you might not have found on your own, a graphic designer helps clients with designs, logos, and branding that they might not have otherwise been able to do. Graphic and web design work is flexible and you can set your own rates based on your education and skills. You can also learn new skills and design programs online.
- Freelance proofreading and editing. If you have an eye for detail and a knack for spotting grammatical errors, freelance proofreading and editing may be a good opportunity for you. Every industry needs a proofreader to check over documents and transcripts to ensure there aren’t any mistakes. You’re just as likely to work for a local newspaper as you are to work for a coding and compliance editor. For instance, a building requires different codes if it’s used as an office or a home. You can proofread documents to make sure those codes are correct for local contractors. Freelance proofreaders and editors can also make their own hours. You can work anywhere from a few hours a week to 40 hours or more.
- Web technician. Web technicians are responsible for the software and hardware on web servers that support a company’s intranet. You’d respond to operational problems, provide routine maintenance, and monitor websites. With over 82% of companies operating via the cloud, many web technicians can work from home. However, it should be noted that a freelance web technician job could be tricky for parents. This is because you may have clients calling at odd hours of the day or night.
- Bookkeeping. Bookkeeping is a great opportunity for those who are good with finances and organization. Bookkeepers will invoice a client’s customers, record their receipts, process their payroll, issue payments, and even create financial reports. What’s more, you don’t need a certification or a degree to become a bookkeeper. Although, if you do have a certificate or degree, you can charge higher rates for your services.
Parenting is a full-time job and it can be tricky to make extra money while you’re taking care of the kids. But many freelance and part-time positions nowadays allow you to work from home and make our own hours, which can make earning extra money a little bit easier.
Leave a Reply