Let’s face it! Single parenting is hard. We are all on a journey, some of us are further along than others, and some have just found themselves in this place. And, it’s friggin scary. I get it. It sucks to be the one left trying to figure out how to make ends meet while parenting an being the only adult to do it. But, I’m also a witness that you can do it. You CAN do it! Read on for 5 ways you can earn extra money as a single mom this year. Now, these aren’t get-rich-quick tips, but they will work. I’ve used them all in my life, and some at the same time.

5 Ways to Earn Extra Money as a Single Mom

1. Increase your education

This step will take the longest, but it will be so worth it. Whatever level you’re on, you can always learn something new. Consider increasing your education to increase your income. Now, this might mean going back to school, getting a new certification, taking some low-cost or free training, reading books and taking continuing education classes, etc. Before you discount this method, look around. There are real programs that assist single moms with going back to school for free, with grants and scholarships, etc. I’ve done it. I actually went to school 3 times after I graduated from college (pregnant with my first child). So, was it easy? Noooooo! Was it worth it? Yes.

You must decide what is the best route for you. I encourage you to do your research. As I said, there are options such as grants, scholarships, tuition assistance at your job, etc. These are all free ways you can increase your education and therefore, improve your life. Your babies are looking to you to make it happen. Please know that you can do this.

2. Start a side hustle

Now, this will take planning, research, heart, passion, sleepless nights, and a lot of hard work. This is NOT for the faint at heart. But, you can take your genius and use it to help you and your children thrive. Two ways to earn extra money: start a business of your own or work for someone else on the side using your skills. You decide.

I coach single moms in this area and I encourage you to please pick something you love. Yes, you can make money on the side, but it’s called a side hustle for a reason. You have a full-time job AND you have this thing that makes you giddy and brings money into your home. For more info, here’s a great podcast designed to help people with their side hustle by Nick Loper. And yes, here’s a link to my calendar for a complimentary call. Life gets better when you do. Quote me!

There is so much involved in starting a side hustle but do not get overwhelmed. The ways to earn extra money does not have to be stressful when you get help now instead of later. Come on sis! Start dreaming!

3. Use your gifts to tutor/train others using what you know

This one takes you a while because you have to think about what you’re good at that people will pay you for. And the truth is we’re all very good at something. It’s the thing(s) that come so easy to you that you don’t call them gifts. But trust me, honey, you’re gifted. So, you must begin to think about how you can “package your genius” (shout out to Amanda Miller Littlejohn who has a cool podcast by that name). And since we’re talking about making money by using our gifts, here’s a post to help you find podcasts by women that encourage business building by women.

I’m an educator by day. I teach Spanish during the school year and run my “side” coaching, author, speaking business concurrent to my full-time career. I just love both! It’s not easy but I wake up wanting to write, speak, and help others. This is why I know that tutoring is an option for you. I tutor adults and other children (teens) who want and need help with their Spanish. As a M.A. in Spanish Literature, I let my natural gifts work for me and I know that you can, too. We all have something someone else needs. Tap into yours!

Here are some places to look into hosting your own tutoring services:

Elance.com Fiverr.com Tutor.com

Good stuff right? Yes, do your research and begin to change your life one step at a time.

4. Ask for a raise

This one is the easiest cause you’re already on the job rockin’ it out. Right? I know you are. But, as a woman, you’re maybe thinking you can’t possibly do that. News flash! You can. Just make sure you have added tremendous value, and you’re not a “just enough to get by” worker bee. Okay! If you’re afraid, read this. One quality you’ll develop soon enough as a single mom is no fear. Really, keep pressing. IT’S COMING.

Here, Forbes discusses who to ask for a raise.

And, here is a comical yet insightful post from salary.com about what NOT to do when asking for a raise.

5. Look for another job

This way to increase your bottom line is a bit tricky and also sometimes is just what you gotta do. You’ve got to do your research to see what’s out there, figure out when to tell them you’re looking (so there’s not that nasty embarrassment of the followup to check on references and they DON’T know you’re looking), and you’ve got to make sure it’s right for you (timing, position, logistical, etc.). Let me tell you. Sometimes, more money is more problems. Note: Check out the culture of where you’re going.

Extra tip:

Be sure to tap into your connections when on the job hunt. Men do it all the time. It’s called accessing your network. We must learn as women to use our voices, too.  Be bold and simply ask “Do you any companies who are looking for XYZ?” With this simple sharing, your friends can be on the lookout for you. Share your dilemma with 5 folks and you’ll have leads in no time. I also recommend you become super familiar with LinkedIn.

Well, would you add any more to these? I hope you’ve found this post to be super valuable. Be sure to share it with other moms who need it and sound off in the comments. Let me know if you have used any of these options to make money as a single mom.

I wanna see you win sis! And, the truth is you will! You just gotta push through! Until next time, rock the life you’ve got!

P.S.

Are you in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area? Come out for the Single Moms Who Brunch event on August 6th. Meet moms like you who are fabulous, hidden away working and providing, and are looking for the perfect event to connect, chat, dine, and grow. I’ll be hosting the brunch of the year for us which means great swag, the book, and mini lunch and learn topics throughout. Not your boring brunch honey. Fun times will be had. You’ve got to be at this brunch if you’re serious about parenting alone on the next level (until Boaz comes of course). Get the details here. Seating is limited. See you soon!