Want to make some pocket money or a little more? Consider your options for working from home.
Whether you’re on maternity leave, or a stay-at-home mum keen to earn extra cash, there are many ways of making money from home. Here’s a quick guide.
At a glance
- You might be able to use your current skills to earn extra money from home
- You may be able to work when the kids are in bed
- Remember you'll have to declare your earnings to the tax man
Think of your current skill base
Which of your wonderful skills could you use working from home? Dig deep and you’ll be surprised just how many skills you have. Could you be a virtual PA, a telephone salesperson, online tutor or writer? A quick flick through your local newspaper, yellow pages or community websites can trigger some great ideas for things you could do.
Get creative
We all know Britain has gone craft mad and homemade cakes, cushions, cards and knitted baby clothes can all make you money. So if you’re feeling creative why not place your products on a popular home-made crafts websites such as Etsy or Redbubble.
Get selling in your community
If you're at home with kids all day the chances are you know plenty of other women doing exactly the same thing. So think what your friends might want to buy - from make-up to home delivered meals, children's birthday cakes and balloons, scented gifts and kitchenware.
Work when the kids are in bed
If your day is spent flat out running around after toddlers, there’s a lot you can do in the evenings - from starting a babysitting service to doing transcription work. Some mums make money by buying and selling on eBay and auction sites - ideal if you're sharp about spotting an upcoming trend, or clued up on a niche market.
Domestic services
More and more people are offering domestic services like cleaning, interior design, garden landscaping, housekeeping, house sitting, and pet sitting- so demand is clearly high. Check out the competition in your local area and see what you might enjoy doing.
Use your home to make money
You could take in a lovely lodger, or be a host family for foreign students – just contact your local English language schools and colleges. You could even think about renting out your home to TV, film and advertising companies – and you certainly don’t need to own a mansion. Register free at locationworks.com.
Target mums
Why not find a gap in the market by solving a 'mum problem' - countless money-making products and schemes have come from making life easier for mums. Why not do some thorough market research to see what other mums are looking for, test your idea and go for it!
Remember…
You will need to declare everything you earn to HMRC and you may need to pay tax. Contact them as soon as you begin trading and they will be able to advise you on the next steps.
Not sure whether working at home will suit you? Check out our guide to the pros and cons.