If you are a mom, you are already loaded with work at home. And even though managing home and a children is a full-time job, mothers want to get more work. Well, for starters no matter how rewarding it is to be with the kids and see them grow, there is also a need to get paid in cash.
Some families are lucky and have no trouble with the money, but a majority of us will agree that a little extra cash is always welcome in any fauji household. Some women choose to stay at home and look after their kids, but that does not mean they are destined to not earn on their own. There are a number of things that women-at-home can do to pick up some extra cash along the way.
Here I’d like to give you some ideas for work from home businesses which have worked well for others in the past. So after kids are packed off to school, mommies can wind up their household chores and then get down to setting up a small business. You don’t even need to rent office space, as you can operate right out of your virtual office on the internet. Of course, as with any business some initial investment is required, but just get the basics that you need to function and get started making money.
Net of jobs
Freelance online with a skill that you already have. For instance, if you have a background in literature or journalism you can be a freelance writer. Or start a blog on something that you are passionate about. A simple blog with a good niche and interesting content can over some time be a real money-spinner. Of course, you would need some help setting up the site and a bit of investment for the hosting et al. Think of these as start up costs and an investment in your future business.
Baby’s day out
Baby sitting is a great idea if your kids are still too young and at home most of the day. This way you can take care of your kids and help out other working mothers with their kids and get paid. But, the idea would only work if you really love children and actually want to spend time with them.
If you are looking at a business venture which would get you a break from your own kids, this may not be suitable for you. In any case, you will have to employ at least one additional person to help you and have access to a doctor for the kind of medical emergencies that only small kids can come up with.
Out in the market
Multilevel Marketing is also a good idea to consider. Sure you won’t become a millionaire overnight, but you will have a little stream of money coming in on a regular basis. Pick a company with care and in a field which you are familiar with. For instance, if you use cosmetics and are passionate about makeup, you will enjoy working as a beauty consultant. Or if you feel greatly about maintaining a healthy lifestyle you can become a lifestyle coach with a company that manufactures health products. Some of these companies have been banned by the fauj so before you pay that hefty membership fee you must check if it is feasible for you to become a member.
Let there be candle light
Candle making is a simple skill to master. If you are artistically inclined you can pick up a candle making kit and get to work right away, from the comfort of your home. Make up your own designs of floating candles, taper candles, beeswax candles and you are ready.
You can sell the candles in any local gift shop in town. Or if you don’t want to tie up with anyone you can sell them online on eBay or Amazon. Setting up a virtual shop is very simple with these two sites and selling was never easier. Plus, it does not have to be restricted to selling candles, you can also sell other handmade crafts that you make like crochet, knitting, and embroidery stuff.
Candle making is a simple skill to master. If you are artistically inclined you can pick up a candle making kit and get to work right away, from the comfort of your home.
These five ideas are just the tip of the small home business iceberg. Other job ideas could include becoming a travel agent, business consultant, costume designer, dance instructor, dating service or matchmaking operator, dog walker, yoga trainer, interior decorator, desktop publisher, bill payment service, turnkey housekeeping service, party planner, plant nursery, pregnancy exercise coach, yoga instructor, personality development instructor, and so many more things.
Cook up a storm
Cooking is also a passion for many fauji wives. It is an art form where using the bare minimal ingredients they can come up with exotic menus in the most outlandish of places where they reside. It is also a talent which can convert well into a small side business. A person I know sells desserts made to order. So anyone having a party in the neighbourhood just gives her a buzz and she delivers the pudding. She even gets the dishes back to reuse for the next pudding, saving on a constant investment. Of course, if you break the dish you pay for it. It is an incredibly simple but highly effective small business based on cooking skills.
— The author is a daughter of a retired Major General. She is married to an Air Force aviator
