Short on cash? Many single parents need extra income on a regular basis, but don't have time to take on a second –– or even third –– job. When this happens, it's time to get creative and find job opportunities that work for you. Consider the following ways to earn additional money in your spare time. And for your own protection, don't forget to declare your self-employment income on your federal and state taxes.
Become a Child Care Provider
"A mom enjoys playing outdoor games with her son."Image © Getty Images / Michele Westmorland
There are many families out there who need quality child care at odd hours. So even if you work full time during the week, you can still earn extra income on the side by caring for other children on the weekends or even during occasional overnight hours.
How to Become a Child Care Provider
List Your Services on www.babysitters.com
There are a lot of freelance jobs that can be done from the comfort of your own home and will allow you to work around your existing schedule. Consider a part-time job writing, typing, or proofreading.
Find Flexible Part-Time Jobs
Search for Freelance Projects at www.elance.com
Become a Virtual Assistant
"A single mom works from home as a virtual assistant."Photo © Yanik Chauvin, 2007
What skills do you possess that make it easy for you to do something that might take others three or four times as long? Putting those skills to use as a virtual assistant can help you earn additional income on a regular basis. For example, a small business owner might contract with you to regularly develop and send their monthly newsletter or update their database.
Find Virtual Assistant Jobs
Pros and Cons to Being a Virtual Assistant
Clean Houses
"A single mom run her own successful cleaning business."Photo © Tatiana Gladskikh, 2009
Cleaning just one house per week can help you earn as much as $300 extra per month. Each cleaning job may take up to three hours of time. If you're just getting started, try posting an ad at your local grocery store or community bulletin board.
Best Books About Cleaning Tips
How to Spend Less on Cleaning Your House
Pet Sit For Your Friends and Neighbors
"Earn extra money on the side with pet sitting."Photo © Peter Kirillov, 2010
Dog sitting is another way to earn money around your existing schedule. For example, if you work full time, advertise that your dog-sitting services are available on the weekends only. Caring for 2-4 pets per month could earn you can extra $120-$240!
Start a Pet Sitting Service
Pros and Cons of Pet Sitting Jobs
Use Your Creativity to Earn Money
"A woman earns extra income making jewelry."Photo © Alexandru Kacso, 2009
Consider how you might transform the unique skills you possess into an opportunity to earn extra income. For example, if you love scrapbooking, try offering to complete other parents' unfinished scrapbook pages. Consider your gifts and what you love to do, and the possibilities are
