Written by: By: Leslie Campos from www.wellparents.com

Photo via Pexels

Being a single parent comes with many unique challenges — and one of the most common is definitely being strapped for cash. With only one income and children to care for, money can seem to vanish instantly.

Luckily, the rise of the gig economy has provided a number of ways for single parents to create multiple streams of income. Many of these opportunities are flexible enough to work around your existing job, and your time with your children.

Home-based Businesses

Technology and online marketplaces have made it easier than ever before to start your own home-based business. Whether you’ve always wanted to run a clothing boutique, a life coaching business, or make handcrafted baked goods, you can do so quickly and
inexpensively.

As you research requirements, consider forming an LLC for your side business. An LLC has several benefits — including limited liability, tax advantages, and reduced paperwork. Each state has its own rules and regulations around forming an LLC, so check on the requirements in your state before moving ahead. Also, if you prefer to save additional time and money, Zen Business can help you explore the option of using a formation service for a quick IRS LLC filing process.  

Food and Grocery Delivery Services

Among all gig work opportunities, food and grocery delivery can be the most lucrative and flexible. According to SpdLoad, global food delivery is expected to grow 11.51 percent from 2019 to 2023. If you’ve not yet tried working as a contractor with delivery services such as Shipt or Uber Eats, tasks are straightforward and simple. No lengthy training is involved, and the apps tell you exactly what needs to be done.

Just as you would with your own business, you get to set your schedule and make last-minute changes as needed. This is incredibly valuable when raising children, as it allows you to meet their needs and spend maximum time with them. When working for one of the leading food and/or grocery delivery platforms, you can expect to make between $10-$20/hr. If you receive an exceptionally good tip, this hourly rate can go even higher.

Dog Sitting

Love dogs? Becoming a dog sitter can be an easy way to make a side income without ever leaving home.

With COVID-19 restrictions starting to lift across the country, people are beginning to travel again, and go back to work in physical office spaces. Therefore, the need for dog sitters will only continue to increase for the foreseeable future. Per day/per dog, HomeGuide estimates that the average cost for services sits between $20-$30, whereas overnight stays can earn $75-$85 per night/per dog. Watching one or two dogs overnight for someone’s vacation could quickly put over $1,000 in your wallet.

Freelancing

Those who have a talent for design, writing, virtual assistant tasks, photography, computers, and the like should consider freelancing. As a freelancer, you can work from any location doing what you love. Corporations, local businesses, and entrepreneurs are constantly looking to pay top-quality freelancers for the fantastic work they deliver.

Unsure as to how you can find high-paying freelance gigs? Locate an opportunity that works for your unique skill set by exploring online job boards, as well as the job offerings on sites like LinkedIn and Indeed.

Earning extra cash doesn’t have to mean giving up a significant chunk of time at home. Instead of applying for a second job, explore lucrative gig work opportunities that fit your needs, skills and pay requirements. With a bit of looking, you’ll uncover incredible ways to create an additional stream (or two) of income.

By: Leslie Campos from www.wellparents.com