The Side Hustle Shuffle

Extra Income Ideas for Solo Moms

Mar 26, 2025

If there’s one thing us solo moms know, it’s how to stretch a dollar so far it deserves a gold medal. But what about adding a little extra to the pot? Not just to survive, but to thrive.

Enter the side hustle shuffle—that dance we do to bring in more coins without running ourselves ragged. Because let’s be real: most of us don’t have time for anything that feels like a second full-time job. We need something flexible, profitable, and (dare I say) maybe even a little fun.

So if you’ve been refreshing your online bank account hoping some extra money just magically appears, pull up a chair. Let’s get into some side hustle ideas that work for us busy solo moms.

1. Virtual Assistant Magic

You already run a whole household solo—why not get paid to organize someone else’s life too? Virtual assistants help with tasks like scheduling, email management, and social media. You can work from home, set your own hours, and build up clients at your own pace.

Where to start: Check out sites like Upwork or Fiverr, or join Facebook groups where small business owners are looking for help.

2. Turn Your Talents into Cash

Got a gift for graphic design, writing, or photography? Girl, that’s a paycheck waiting to happen.

Writing: Freelance for blogs or companies.
Design: Create logos, social media graphics, or Etsy printables.
Photography: Offer mini photo sessions on weekends.

You’re already talented—now let’s get those skills working for your wallet.

3. E-Commerce Baby

If you have a creative side, selling products online can be a great way to make passive income.

Etsy shop: Sell homemade crafts, planners, or jewelry.
Dropshipping: If making products isn’t your thing, you can run an online store without ever touching the inventory.
Print-on-demand: Design T-shirts, mugs, or tote bags and let companies like Printful do the rest.

It’s the hustle that works while you sleep.

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4. Teach What You Know

You don’t have to be a licensed teacher to teach online. Platforms like Outschool let you create classes on anything from math to makeup tutorials for kids. Or start a YouTube channel sharing your expertise—cooking, budgeting, parenting tips—the possibilities are endless.

The best part? Once you create the content, it can keep making you money long after.

5. Childcare on Your Terms

If you already have little ones running around, why not add a couple more and get paid for it?

Offer after-school care for neighborhood kids.
Start a weekend babysitting service—perfect for other solo moms who need a break.
Nanny-share: Team up with another mom and split the time and money.

You’re already the queen of multitasking—might as well get some extra coins while you’re at it.

6. The Social Media Hustle

Now y’all know this is my area of expertise. Brands are always looking for micro-influencers to promote their products. And guess what? You don’t need a huge following—just an engaged one.

Affiliate marketing: Share products you love and earn a commission.
UGC (User-Generated Content): Create content for brands to use in their ads.
Brand partnerships: If you have a niche (like solo mom life), brands might want to work with you.

Start with platforms like Instagram or TikTok and build from there.

7. Gig Economy Goodness

If you need something quick and flexible, gig work might be your jam.

Instacart or DoorDash: Deliver groceries or food on your schedule.
TaskRabbit: Help people with errands, furniture assembly, or housework.
Rover: Love animals? Pet-sit or dog-walk in your free time.

These gigs let you clock in and out on your own terms—perfect for unpredictable mom life.

8. Write Your Way to Wealth

Journals, e-books, and self-publishing are that girl right now.

If you have a story to tell (like your solo mom journey), why not write a book or create guided journals? That’s what I’ve done!

Self-publishing platforms like Amazon KDP make it easy to put your work out there and start earning.

Make Your Side Hustle Work for YOU

Now listen honey—before you dive headfirst into a new hustle, ask yourself these three things:

1. Does it fit my lifestyle? You need something flexible, not something that adds stress.

2. Is it profitable? Time is money—make sure the coins are worth the effort.

3. Will I enjoy it? Because the last thing you need is a side hustle that feels like another chore.

The goal isn’t to hustle until you drop—it’s to build a stream of income that fits into your life, supports your babies, and gives you a little extra freedom.

So pick a hustle that works for you and secure the bag. You deserve it.

Which side hustle are you thinking about trying? Drop a comment and let’s swap ideas!

Love, light, & hustle,

Tiera Nicole