Calling All Moms: Ready to Join the Gig Economy?

Whether you call it a side hustle, fractional work, gig economy or moonlighting (does anyone use that term anymore?), it all really comes down to having an additional stream of income.

We learned a lot during the pandemic. And we especially learned that we can’t rely on just one way of making money anymore.

If you are a mom who stays home with little ones on a regular basis, you might often wonder whether or not there is a place for you on this new playing field. I think that’s the best place to start. Need extra cash for those swimming, dance or sports lessons? Here’s a way to make that happen. If you look back on the history of how women began earning income for themselves, you’d be able to see that the roots are planted in direct-to-consumer selling––starting with the Stanley cleaning products of the 1930s. Things are different now, but a lot is still the same.

“Moms: there’s plenty of room for you to make your mark on the world.”

So, what could you do?

Well, something you like!

Of course, there are the countless delivery services we hear about in the news: Grubhub, DoorDash, Seamless, Uber Eats, Instacart, Caviar, and Postmates to name a few. Then, ride shares such as Uber, Lyft, Wingz, Safr and HopSkipDrive. All of these services are looking for people who want to turn their phone into a money generating machine.

When (and if) you ever get a block of time, just open the app and see if someone near you needs a ride or food delivered to them.

But what are some other, more creative ways to generate a few bucks?

Are you crafty? Many creative things are sold every day on Etsy.com. You could sew during your child’s nap time. Maybe even sell these bacon and eggs pillows.

What about teaching a class at the local adult career education center? Or an evening class at the local community college?

How about helping a local business after hours with their books or mailings?

Recently I noticed that Craigslist has a gig section––maybe a restaurant needs servers for a local wedding for one day or a movie shoot needs extras for a weekend.

You really never know what you’ll find on the list.

Think about your strengths and what you like to do and then look for a gig that matches your interests.

What about Multi-Level Marketing (MLM)?

Many people are drawn to help others with products they themselves love. So, they join a MLM company. Some MLM companies that come to mind are Avon, Mary Kay, Scentsy, Rodan + Fields, Pampered Chef, Amway, Melaleuca, Young Living, doTERRA, Tupperware, Herbalife Nutrition, Nu Skin and Arbonne. There are so many these days! If you Google ‘best multi-level marketing companies’, you’re bound to find something that suits you.

MLMs allow you to start a business quickly. You buy into an existing business and build the type of business you want to have. It can be very flexible, quick and easy to get started with a low initial monetary investment. It’s best to do some research and understand the way each one works to know exactly what you’re getting into. Some have larger initial investments than others. Some have minimum requirements to purchase or sell. In any event, make sure to read the fine print.

My gig journey.

“For me, I grew up in an entrepreneurial family. My mom sold Sarah Coventry––a high-end costume jewelry company––when I was young. ”

They were established in 1949 and are still recognized as the oldest direct selling jewelry company in the world. You can see some pieces selling for large sums on eBay, Amazon and Etsy. Mom had good taste!

We frequently had Tupperware, Home Interiors, PartyLite (created by a teacher, on the side, who liked to make candles!) and Avon parties which were very popular in the 1970s and 1980s.

My parents joined Amway when I was in middle school and, just recently, my dad has decided to hang it up.

So, I feel like I also have been doing gigs long before the world made it popular. I started my career as a contractor. I worked different, short jobs on assignment for many years. It gave me a chance to get a good look at everything that was possible with my degree. Then, when my kids were small, I taught at the local community college, while using my skills to provide support to a small business owner. After that, I started my own business that I ran for 11 years. Over the past few years, I’ve managed to start another business that I currently run.

My new business deals with personal finance. I help protect a family’s financial future by bringing security, peace of mind and abundance in the golden years. I really enjoy helping people along their financial journey. Every story is different and I get to be creative in how I help each person or family.

Search until you find it.

“I would encourage you to search until you find the right fit! Everyone is different. Everyone has skills that are unique to them. ”

That’s the awesome part about the gig economy––there’s no pressure to stay. But, when you do find what you like, it won’t feel like work and you won’t want to leave.

Step out! You can do this. I know some moms feel like they’ve been out of the field for far too long, but, I say everyone is learning every day and you too can learn a new thing, a new job and a new way to earn income. You’ve got this!

If you are in the states and you want to check out working in personal finance with me, I’d love to chat with you about how to do it. I’m always looking for smart people who are interested in new income opportunities. There’s no better industry than finance right now. Get in touch and we can see if it feels like a good fit.