Trying to find a remote job as a stay-at-home mom can be challenging. You need the flexibility to be able to take care of your children, a reasonable rate of pay and tasks that you can do in the comfort of your own home. While it can seem difficult to find work well-suited to stay-at-home parenting, with a little push in the right direction, you can be on your way to a satisfying, flexible career in no time.
Know where to look
Typically, when looking for work, people hop onto job-posting websites to see what’s available. While you can sometimes find positions there suitable for stay-at-home parents, these sites aren’t specifically designed for remote work. Instead, look into websites that exclusively cater to remote work so you can get more options that are right for your situation off the bat. Real Ways To Earn at Home has regular postings and a free weekly email to keep you up to date on what’s available.Â
Set up a home office
If you work from your couch, it’s easy to become distracted. Instead, set up a separate workspace in your home so you can be more productive. Invest in a new desk, ergonomic chair, and high-resolution monitor and add some storage space so your office doesn’t become disorganized and cluttered. If you’re making significant modifications to your home office, make sure to prioritize those that boost the value of your home.
Try out popular options
There are many great options for flexible work for stay-at-home moms, but some jobs have proven particularly popular over time:
- Data entry – people who work in data entry are responsible for quickly and correctly entering data into databases. In higher-level positions, they may be required to batch information for entry and analyze information to develop reports. There are positions for data entry specialists across industries, but the job’s popularity means there can be high competition when it comes to landing one. Those who do best with data entry have strong typing skills and familiarity with input programs such as Microsoft Excel.
- Transcription – like data entry, transcription is an excellent choice for those comfortable with a keyboard. Typically, transcriptionists are asked to transcribe from audio or video recordings, though the role may also involve reviewing documents and checking for errors. Those interested in transcription may need to invest in a foot pedal, quality headphones and transcription software and tools.
- Virtual assistant – virtual assistants have become increasingly popular over the last few years. These administrative helpers perform tasks any office assistant might, including scheduling meetings, managing email, making travel arrangements and whatever else might be needed. Solid organizational skills, comfort with making phone calls and adaptability are all desirable in someone looking to be a virtual assistant.
Further your education
If none of the options are appealing to you or within your wheelhouse, you can look into going back to school to expand your prospects. Luckily, there are countless online degree programs you can pursue at your own pace, allowing you to care for your children and even work at the same time as you complete your degree.
Be thorough in your research when looking for programs to apply to, making sure the programs are accredited and that tuition is reasonable. For example, if you want to sharpen your skills, you may decide to go for your master’s degree. Information technology degrees are useful for those looking to work from home, with high demand in the market. Website development and design is another option for work-at-home parents who would like flexibility. With the right degree and skills, you can even start your own business out of your home.
Conclusion: finding the right remote job as a stay-at-home mom is totally possible!
Finding the work-from-home gig that works for you and your family can be challenging. Once you know where to look and what is available, though, getting into the right job is easier. Assess your options and take steps to make your dream work-from-home job your reality.Â
A guest post by Sarah Bull, founder of Economy Mom, a blog that helps moms earn money from home
