Are you on unpaid maternity leave and looking for ways to earn some extra money? Or maybe you’re enjoying paid leave but want to give your bank account a little boost?
Don’t worry! Stepping away from a full-time job doesn’t mean putting financial goals on hold or running your bank account on empty.
Even without short-term disability insurance or extensive paid time, as a new parent, there are plenty of ways to pad your wallet.
You can make money while caring for your baby without overstressing and getting overwhelmed- I know many easy side hustles to get you the money you need!
Let’s look at how to make money on maternity leave.
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Quick Picks
Whether or not you have unpaid maternity leave, it’s possible for you to make money from home while your little one grows.
You can even work from home from here on out with great stay-at-home mom jobs!
Here are my top side hustles I did when our daughter was born and still do now:
- Best Overall Side Hustle – Proofreading
- Scalable Business Idaa (Work From Home Mom!) – Blogging
- Fast Money On The Side – Online Surveys
- Best Site To Find Side Hustles – FlexJobs
How To Make Money On Maternity Leave
1. Proofreading
Have you got a knack for spotting typos and grammatical errors? Proofreading could be your ticket to earning more money while on maternity leave.
As a proofreader, you’ll fine-tune written material, ensuring everything from grammar to punctuation is spot-on.
This gig fits beautifully into your schedule as a part-time job, allowing you to utilize a few hours here and there when your baby is napping to work a bit and get paid.
Wondering how to get started? The Proofread Anywhere‘s free workshop is a great way to learn the ropes to turn your passion for words into a lucrative skill.
Learn How to Become a Proofreader and Start a Freelance Proofreading Business.
15,000+ Students. 7+ Years of Results.
2. Blogging
Here’s an idea that’s my favorite way to make money: starting your own blog.
This blog was how Kelan and I made money on the side with our girls and became our full-fledged business.
Blogging opens up a world where you can share your journey, thoughts, interests, and expertise on your own website.
It allows you to share your experiences and expertise while potentially earning money through an affiliate link, sponsored content, or ad revenue.
If you’re wondering how to begin, don’t worry! My FREE Start Your Blog Bootcamp is the perfect guide for you from the initial setup to monetizing your content effectively.
3. Take Online Surveys
Taking online surveys could be just what you need to earn extra cash during maternity leave.
You won’t need any money upfront; just your opinions! You can take a few minutes to answer questions; just like that, you’ve got cash waiting.
Platforms like Survey Junkie offer an easy opportunity to make money from the comfort of your home.
You’ll earn points that can be turned into extra cash in the form of PayPal cash and gift cards.
While it’s not a way to replace a full-time job, it’s perfect for when your new baby is asleep and you have few free moments.
See why I think Survey Junkie is the best platform to earn money with surveys from my in-depth Survey Junkie Review.
Want to make money from your couch? Survey Junkie pays out over $40,000 daily to its members for taking paid online surveys. Get your share today!
4. Real Estate Investing
Want to make money on maternity time off? Real estate investing could be a smart move.
It’s a powerful way to generate passive income, helping to cushion any lost income during your maternity leave.
You can dive into rental properties, reaping income by leasing to tenants, or opt for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) through online platforms like Fundrise.
Traditionally, real estate investment requires substantial capital, but with Fundrise, you can start investing with as little as $10.
Fundrise makes real estate investing more accessible to anyone with fractional shares- check out more about it in my honest Fundrise Review.
5. Freelance Writing
Love to write? Freelance writing could be a great fit for you to do while you are on maternity or sick leave.
It’s a neat way to put those writing skills to work while adapting to life with your new little one.
You won’t have to stick to the 9-to-5 grind of a normal job, giving you all the flexibility you need during family leave.
Whether crafting articles for websites, blogging away, or creating press releases, you can do it all while baby naps.
Wondering how to dive in? Check out my FREE Freelance Write From Home eBook. It’s full of insights to help you start your freelance writing journey.
6. YouTube Channel
Starting a YouTube channel could be a fun and rewarding venture to start while at home with your new little one.
It’s a great platform to share your knowledge, skills, or journey as a new parent and monetize your unique viewpoint.
Whether dishing out cooking tips, sharing parenting advice, or showcasing a unique talent, YouTube offers a space to connect with others while potentially earning through ad revenue and sponsorships.
Remember, growing a YouTube channel is like nurturing a newborn – it requires time, effort, and patience. But the joy of watching it flourish is worth it.
The Mastering YouTube course is a fantastic resource to help you get started. It covers everything from creating engaging content to strategies for building your audience.
7. Sell Printables
Selling printables is an excellent way to turn your design talents into a source of income.
Printables, like beautifully designed planners, are digital downloads that have become incredibly popular for their practicality and charm.
You can create and sell these on platforms like Etsy or start your own online store.
The great part about selling printables is that once your designs are out there, they can continuously earn money with each sale, requiring minimal ongoing effort.
If you’re wondering how to get started, the E-Printables workshop by Gold City Ventures offers all the guidance you need. It’s tailored to help you craft and successfully market attractive printables.
8. Stock Investing
With user-friendly platforms like Acorns, jumping into the world of stocks is more accessible than ever.
Investing is a solid strategy for building wealth over time, offering the potential for steady income through dividends and the promise of long-term gains.
Stock investing involves dealing with market fluctuations and risks, so aligning this choice with your financial goals and current needs is important.
But Acorns is a Robo-advisor that works to grow your wealth with smart market research and diverse portfolios.
And the real kicker? It happens even more passively since Acorns will sync with your spending accounts and round up your purchases to invest your spare change.
So that $2.50 coffee will become $3, and that extra $0.50 could turn into thousands of dollars with years of investing.
9. Sell An Online Course
Do you have some expertise in a particular area and are on maternity leave? Why not put that knowledge to good use by creating and selling an online course?
Share your expertise and, at the same time, open up a pathway to earn passive income while you’re home with your baby.
The great thing about selling an online course is that it can provide a consistent income stream once it’s up and running. As more people enroll, your course continues to pay dividends.
It involves some groundwork, like doing in-depth research on your topic, developing compelling content, and effectively promoting your own online course to reach your audience.
Consider taking the Six Figure Course Creator program to get a handle on creating a course that resonates and sells.
It offers valuable insights and strategies for successfully launching and marketing your course.
10. Social Media Management
Are you great with social media and on maternity leave? Why not use those skills to make some more money? Think about offering your services in social media management.
You’d be surprised how many local businesses and small business owners seek someone to help boost their online presence.
You could work remotely and maintain a flexible schedule while caring for your new baby.
As a social media manager, your role would involve:
- Creating engaging content.
- Interacting with followers.
- Analyzing performance metrics.
- Developing strategies to expand the audience and achieve marketing goals.
11. Self-Publish An eBook
Do you have a treasure trove of stories or unique insights to share? Your maternity leave might be the golden opportunity to self-publish an eBook.
Diving into self-publishing means you’re in control from the first word to the final page. When the baby sleeps, you may have time to write and grow your story.
You’ll tackle writing and editing your manuscript, formatting it for eBook platforms, designing a cover that stands out, and getting the word out about your book.
You can get your book through online publications or use Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing to get your book to readers.
12. Start A Podcast
Have you ever considered starting a podcast?
Podcasts are a great way to share your expertise or interests with a broader audience, and they can be monetized through sponsorships and advertising.
You can talk about your career, life as a mom, your interests and hobbies, the shows you like, dumb or crazy Reddit stories, and so much more.
You’ll need to devise what you want to talk about, record yourself talking, and then edit your content before it’s uploaded to a platform like Podbean.
With engaging content and consistent promotion, your podcast can become a valuable income source during maternity leave and beyond.
13. Dog Walker/Pet Sitter
Offering dog walking or pet sitting services can be a flexible and enjoyable way to make extra income while you walk with your baby and get active.
Whether taking care of pets in your own home or visiting clients’ homes, it’s a job that can easily fit your new routine with the baby.
Rover makes it super easy to connect with pet owners needing your services. Create a profile with your info and rats, and owners will contact you.
My friend does this side hustle consistently, and she makes $25 per hour on weekdays and $40 an hour for night walks- but gets to make her schedule to work around life and family.
So get your baby in a stroller and walk your way to fast money!
14. Sell Handmade Products
Maternity leave might be the perfect time to turn your crafting talents into an income stream by selling handmade products.
It takes some dedication and time to make pieces to sell, but with the right approach, your handcrafted items could become a significant source of income.
Whether you’re into making unique jewelry, charming home decor, or captivating artwork, there’s a market for your creations.
Starting an Etsy shop or selling on Facebook Marketplace offers great avenues to sell your items and earn thousands per month part-time.
Take the time to create products and market them online to land sales, and you could start a part-time profitable business for years to come.
15. Flea Market Flipping
If you’ve got a keen eye for spotting treasures amid the ordinary, flea market flipping could be an exciting side hustle for you during maternity leave.
It’s all about hunting down those hidden gems at flea markets or thrift stores and reselling them in online marketplaces at a higher price.
The key to success in flea market flipping is researching potential items with good resale value and always looking for great deals.
Want some tips on how to start? Take the free workshop from my friends at Flea Market Flipper to get insights into best-selling products.
16. Start Dropshipping
Starting a dropshipping business during maternity leave can be an excellent way to make money with ecommerce.
This business model allows you to sell products online without string or managing inventory yourself, as your supplier handles all shipping and fulfillment aspects.
To start dropshipping, begin by finding a trustworthy supplier, then move on to building a website and promoting your products.
While dropshipping can be lucrative, it’s important to be prepared for challenges like securing reliable suppliers and handling customer service effectively.
If you’re seeking guidance, Drop Ship Lifestyle’s FREE workshop offers valuable insights and strategies to help you navigate and succeed in this e-commerce model.
17. Become A Notary
Becoming a notary can be a great way to make money on maternity leave.
I looked up the average pay for a public notary- it’s over $60 per hour, which is fantastic for a side hustle!
In most states, the requirements to become a notary public are quite accessible. You’re well on your way if you’re over 18 and have a clean record.
Some states might ask you to complete a few hours of coursework to get certified, and about a dozen states require you to pass an exam – but it’s a small step for such a responsible role.
18. Online Tutor
If you are an expert in a specific topic, consider starting a part-time online tutoring business during maternity leave.
It’s the same info you’d put in an online course, but you’d get to work virtually with students in a hands-on way to help them learn.
It provides a flexible and potentially lucrative income source, allowing you to share your knowledge while caring for your baby.
Getting started is simple. Platforms like BookNook are great places to set up your teaching profile.
You can outline your strengths, decide your availability, and even set your rates. It’s like crafting your virtual classroom where you’re in charge.
19. Start Babysitting
Maternity leave is full of new experiences, and here’s one you might not have thought of yet – babysitting!
If you’ve settled into a routine with your baby and have the swing of things, you could monetize mommy and playtime by babysitting another kiddo.
Babysitting is super flexible; you can set your own hours, and you might even be able to bring your baby along.
It’s like arranging playdates and getting paid for it!
To get the ball rolling, just let your circle know you’re available. A quick message to friends or family or a post in your community groups can do wonders.
Or you can join Care.com and other babysitting sites to connect with families in your area.
20. Sell Your Photos
Maternity leave and a passion for photography? That’s a great combo to start selling your photos online.
Stock photography sites like iStockPhoto or Shutterstock are perfect for this.
They’re user-friendly and a great way to turn your creative shots into a source of passive income.
It’s a pretty relaxed way to make some extra money. While you’re at home, enjoying those special moments with your baby, you can also upload your favorite photos to these platforms.
Every sale adds extra to your income, and you have a whole world you can take pictures of to bulk up your inventory and sales goals.
21. Transcriptionist
Becoming a transcriptionist is a great way to make money while you have time off after having your baby.
Transcription is turning audio files into written text. It’s valuable work for businesses, researchers, and legal professionals.
The best part? It’s all remote, which means you can set your own schedule and work right from home- perfect for when you’re juggling the needs of a new baby.
The Transcribe Anywhere free training is a great resource if you’re looking to sharpen your skills or get a comprehensive understanding of the job.
Saving Money Elsewhere
While you’re on maternity leave, it’s just as important to focus on saving money as it is to earn it.
Getting savvy with your parental leave budget can help make money go further and last longer as your family grows.
Let’s look at some smart ways to start saving money.
Cash Back Apps
Spending can quickly spiral out of control when you have a new baby.
Cashback apps like Upside, KashKick, and Ibotta are savers during maternity leave and help you save money.
These nifty apps team up with retailers and grocery stores, giving you a percentage of your spending back as cash.
Whether stocking up on groceries or shopping for adorable baby clothes, you can earn a little extra.
Here’s the pro tip: Before you spend money on a purchase, take a moment to check the app. Look out for special offers and promotions that can boost your cashback earnings.
Want to know all your options? Check out my full list of cashback apps to see if one (or more!) could help you snag more savings.
Open A High-Yield Savings Account
Opening a high-yield savings account is an excellent way to maximize your savings and earn interest during maternity leave.
These accounts offer higher interest rates than traditional savings accounts, enabling you to grow your savings faster and reach your financial goals sooner.
You can open a high-yield savings account with Chime today and earn 2% back on your money- that’s way more than an average checking or savings account!
Making A Budget
During maternity leave, it becomes even more important to manage money. That’s where creating a budget can be a game-changer.
It’s like your financial roadmap, helping you keep tabs on your expenses and pinpoint where you can save some money.
Here’s how to get started:
- List your income and expenses.
- Allocate your money to different categories each month.
But here’s the secret everyone skips out on: Don’t just set it and forget it! Regularly review your budget to stay on track and make adjustments as needed.
If you need help, check out my printables to help you easily manage your money.
Using Trim
Trim is useful for reducing monthly expenses and saving money during maternity leave.
Trim can negotiate bills, cancel subscriptions, and help you find better deals on services you already use.
Using Trim, you can free up money for other expenses during your maternity leave, ensuring financial stability for you and your family.
For the best results, read the terms and conditions before signing up and take advantage of Trim’s bill negotiation service to secure the best possible deals.
Learn more about it in my full Trim Review.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to make money on maternity leave?
Absolutely! Thanks to side hustles like being a virtual assistant, proofreader, freelance writer, blogger, and more, you can earn money while caring for your little one.
Whether you’re offering freelance services, selling digital products, or exploring passive income streams, there are plenty of ways to boost your income during this special time.
Just a quick tip: Before you dive into any side hustle, it’s a good idea to research your local laws and review your contract with your job.
Can I legally start a side hustle on maternity leave?
The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) doesn’t stand in your way if you want to pick up a side gig while on FMLA leave.
But it does say that if your employer has a policy against working a second job, it would continue while you are on leave.
So you need to check with your employer to see if they have a policy about working a second job.
What are the laws around maternity leave?
When it comes to paid family leave, there’s no one-size-fits-all federal law. Some states have paid leave programs, so it’s a bit of a patchwork.
Federal law, specifically the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), offers job-protected leave for up to 12 weeks but not paid maternity leave.
Here’s the catch: it only applies to employers with 50 or more employees within a certain radius.
So, while some protections are in place, the specifics for paid and unpaid leave can vary based on where you live and work.
How can I make money while I take care of my baby?
Consider flexible side hustles and remote jobs like proofreading, freelance writing, online tutoring, or selling digital products.
These opportunities allow you to work from home and set your schedule, making it easier to balance parenthood and finances.
You can also look into government assistance programs that may provide financial support during this time.
With the right choice, you can make money while enjoying precious moments with your baby.
Final Thoughts
Ready to become a work-from-home mom?
There are numerous ways to make money during maternity leave without missing quality time with your baby.
Whether you’re fortunate to have paid maternity leave or facing the challenges of unpaid leave, there are options to keep your finances stable during this important phase of life.
You could make money on maternity leave through remote work, flexible side gigs, or smart money-saving strategies like cashback apps and budgeting.
Soon, you could be bringing home $1000+ per month with the right gig!
Enjoy this special time with your little one without any unnecessary financial worries.
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