Let me tell you, mom life is absolutely wild. But you know what's even crazier? Attempting to get that bread while handling toddlers and their chaos.
I entered the side gig world about a few years back when I realized that my retail therapy sessions were becoming problematic. I had to find my own money.
Being a VA
Right so, my first gig was becoming a virtual assistant. And I'll be real? It was ideal. I was able to work during naptime, and literally all it took was my trusty MacBook and a prayer.
I began by simple tasks like email sorting, scheduling social media posts, and data entry. Super simple stuff. I started at about fifteen dollars an hour, which seemed low but when you don't know what you're doing yet, you gotta begin at the bottom.
The funniest part? I'd be on a video meeting looking like I had my life together from the waist up—business casual vibes—while wearing pajama bottoms. Main character energy.
Selling on Etsy
After getting my feet wet, I wanted to explore the whole Etsy thing. Literally everyone seemed to sell stuff on Etsy, so I was like "why not me?"
I started crafting PDF planners and digital art prints. The thing about selling digital stuff? One and done creation, and it can generate passive income forever. Genuinely, I've earned money at times when I didn't even know.
The first time someone bought something? I lost my mind. My husband thought I'd injured myself. Nope—it was just me, doing a happy dance for my glorious $4.99. No shame in my game.
The Content Creation Grind
Next I discovered the whole influencer thing. This particular side gig is playing the long game, real talk.
I created a blog about motherhood where I posted about real mom life—the good, the bad, and the ugly. No Instagram-perfect nonsense. Just the actual truth about how I once found a chicken nugget in my bra.
Getting readers was a test of patience. The first few months, I was basically talking to myself. But I persisted, and after a while, things began working.
Now? I earn income through affiliate marketing, sponsored posts, and display ads. This past month I generated over $2K from my blog alone. Wild, right?
Managing Social Media
When I became good with running my own socials, other businesses started inquiring if I could do the same for them.
Truth bomb? Many companies struggle with social media. They realize they need a presence, but they're too busy.
This is my moment. I oversee social media for three local businesses—different types of businesses. I create content, queue up posts, engage with followers, and monitor performance.
My rate is between five hundred to a thousand dollars per month per account, depending on what they need. The best thing? I do this work from my phone during soccer practice.
Freelance Writing Life
For those who can string sentences together, content writing is seriously profitable. Not like writing the next Great American Novel—I mean business content.
Companies always need writers. My assignments have included everything from dental hygiene to copyright. Being an expert isn't required, you just need to be good at research.
I typically earn fifty to one hundred fifty bucks per piece, depending on what's involved. Some months I'll create a dozen articles and earn a couple thousand dollars.
Here's what's wild: I was the person who thought writing was torture. These days I'm earning a living writing. Talk about character development.
The Online Tutoring Thing
During the pandemic, online tutoring exploded. With my teaching background, so this was kind of a natural fit.
I joined a couple of online tutoring sites. It's super flexible, which is essential when you have kids with unpredictable schedules.
I focus on elementary reading and math. The pay ranges from fifteen to thirty bucks per hour depending on which site you use.
Here's what's weird? Sometimes my kids will photobomb my lessons mid-session. There was a time I be professional while chaos erupted behind me. The parents on the other end are totally cool about it because they're living the same life.
The Reselling Game
Here me out, this particular venture I stumbled into. During a massive cleanout my kids' things and tried selling some outfits on Facebook Marketplace.
Items moved instantly. That's when I realized: there's a market for everything.
These days I visit thrift stores, garage sales, and clearance sections, hunting for name brands. I'll find something for cheap and resell at a markup.
It's labor-intensive? Not gonna lie. I'm photographing items, writing descriptions, shipping packages. But it's strangely fulfilling about finding a gem at a garage sale and making profit.
Bonus: my children are fascinated when I find unique items. Just last week I scored a vintage toy that my son absolutely loved. Got forty-five dollars for it. Mom win.
Real Talk Time
Real talk moment: this stuff requires effort. They're called hustles for a reason.
Some days when I'm running on empty, wondering why I'm doing this. I'm working before sunrise getting stuff done while it's quiet, then handling mom duties, then back at it after everyone's in bed.
But this is what's real? I earned this money. I don't have to ask permission to get the good coffee. I'm supporting our financial goals. My kids are learning that you can be both.
What I Wish I Knew
For those contemplating a hustle of your own, here are my tips:
Don't go all in immediately. Don't try to juggle ten things. Focus on one and become proficient before taking on more.
Be realistic about time. Your available hours, that's okay. Whatever time you can dedicate is valuable.
Avoid comparing yourself to the highlight reels. That mom with the six-figure side hustle? She's been grinding forever and doesn't do it alone. Run your own race.
Learn and grow, but carefully. There are tons of free resources. Be careful about spending huge money on programs until you've tried things out.
Batch tasks together. This changed everything. Dedicate certain times for certain work. Monday might be creation day. Make Wednesday admin and emails.
Dealing with Mom Guilt
I'm not gonna lie—guilt is part of this. There are times when I'm hustling and my child is calling for me, and I feel guilty.
But then I consider that I'm showing them work ethic. I'm demonstrating to my children that motherhood doesn't mean giving up your identity.
Also? Making my own money has made me a better mom. I'm more content, which helps me be better.
The Numbers
The real numbers? Generally, between all my hustles, I pull in $3,000-5,000 per month. It varies, some are slower.
Is this getting-rich money? Not really. But I've used it for family trips and unexpected expenses that would've caused financial strain. And it's giving me confidence and expertise that could turn into something bigger.
Wrapping This Up
Look, being a mom with a side hustle takes work. There's no magic formula. A lot of days I'm winging it, powered by caffeine, and hoping for the best.
But I don't regret it. Every single bit of income is proof that I can do hard things. It shows that I'm more than just mom.
For anyone contemplating starting a side hustle? Start now. Don't wait for perfect. Your tomorrow self will be so glad you did.
Keep in mind: You're not just getting by—you're building something. Even though you probably have mysterious crumbs in your workspace.
Seriously. The whole thing is pretty amazing, complete with all the chaos.
From Rock Bottom to Creator Success: My Journey as a Single Mom
Let me be real with you—single motherhood wasn't part of my five-year plan. Nor was turning into an influencer. But yet here I am, years into this crazy ride, earning income by being vulnerable on the internet while parenting alone. And honestly? It's been scary AF but incredible of my life.
The Beginning: When Everything Changed
It was three years ago when my life exploded. I will never forget sitting in my mostly empty place (he got the furniture, I got the memories), staring at my phone at 2am while my kids were finally quiet. I had eight hundred forty-seven dollars in my account, two kids to support, and a income that didn't cut it. The fear was overwhelming, y'all.
I was on TikTok to distract myself from the anxiety—because that's how we cope? in crisis mode, right?—when I came across this divorced mom talking about how she changed her life through making videos. I remember thinking, "That's either a scam or she's incredibly lucky."
But rock bottom gives you courage. Or stupid. Often both.
I installed the TikTok creator app the next morning. My first video? Me, no makeup, messy bun, explaining how I'd just put my last twelve dollars on a frozen nuggets and juice boxes for my kids' lunches. I hit post and panicked. Who wants to watch this disaster?
Plot twist, tons of people.
That video got forty-seven thousand views. 47,000 people watched me almost lose it over chicken nuggets. The comments section became this incredible community—people who got it, other people struggling, all saying "I feel this." That was my epiphany. People didn't want perfect. They wanted honest.
Building My Platform: The Real Mom Life Brand
The truth is about content creation: you need a niche. And my niche? It chose me. I became the single mom who keeps it brutally honest.
I started posting about the stuff nobody talks about. Like how I lived in one outfit because I couldn't handle laundry. Or when I let them eat Lucky Charms for dinner all week and called it "cereal week." Or that moment when my child asked about the divorce, and I had to explain adult stuff to a kid who believes in magic.
My content was rough. My lighting was awful. I filmed on a cracked iPhone 8. But it was real, and turns out, that's what hit.
After sixty days, I hit 10K. Month three, 50K. By six months, I'd crossed 100K. Each milestone seemed fake. Real accounts who wanted to hear what I had to say. Plain old me—a financially unstable single mom who had to Google "what is a content creator" recently.
The Daily Grind: Balancing Content and Chaos
Here's the reality of my typical day, because content creation as a single mom is not at all like those aesthetic "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm goes off. I do not want to move, but this is my precious quiet time. I make coffee that I'll forget about, and I get to work. Sometimes it's a get-ready-with-me sharing about budgeting. Sometimes it's me cooking while sharing co-parenting struggles. The lighting is not great.
7:00am: Kids wake up. Content creation ends. Now I'm in mommy mode—pouring cereal, finding the missing shoe (where do they go), making lunch boxes, referee duties. The chaos is next level.
8:30am: Getting them to school. I'm that mom filming at red lights in the car. Not my proudest moment, but content waits for no one.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my power window. Kids are at school. I'm editing content, engaging with followers, planning content, pitching brands, analyzing metrics. They believe content creation is just making TikToks. Absolutely not. It's a whole business.
I usually batch-create content on specific days. That means shooting multiple videos in one go. I'll change shirts between videos so it appears to be different times. Advice: Keep wardrobe options close for fast swaps. My neighbors probably think I'm unhinged, talking to my camera in the driveway.
3:00pm: Pickup time. Parent time. But here's the thing—often my top performing content come from real life. Recently, my daughter had a massive breakdown in Target because I couldn't afford a expensive toy. I recorded in the vehicle afterward about dealing with meltdowns as a solo parent. It got 2.3 million views.
Evening: All the evening things. I'm completely exhausted to film, but I'll schedule uploads, respond to DMs, or strategize. Certain nights, after the kids are asleep, I'll edit videos until midnight because a client needs content.
The truth? Balance is a myth. It's just organized chaos with random wins.
Income Breakdown: How I Support My Family
Alright, let's discuss money because this is what people ask about. Can you legitimately profit as a content creator? For sure. Is it simple? Not even close.
My first month, I made zilch. Month two? Also nothing. Month three, I got my first brand deal—$150 to share a meal delivery. I literally cried. That hundred fifty dollars paid for groceries.
Currently, three years in, here's how I monetize:
Brand Partnerships: This is my primary income. I work with brands that align with my audience—things that help, parenting tools, family items. I ask for anywhere from $500-5K per collaboration, depending on what they need. Just last month, I did four partnerships and made $8K.
Platform Payments: Creator fund pays pennies—two to four hundred per month for tons of views. YouTube revenue is way better. I make about $1,500/month from YouTube, but that took two years to build up.
Affiliate Links: I share affiliate links to products I actually use—anything from my favorite coffee maker to the kids' beds. If someone clicks and buys, I get a cut. This brings in about $1K monthly.
Digital Products: I created a financial planner and a meal prep guide. $15 apiece, and I sell 50-100 per month. That's another thousand to fifteen hundred.
Coaching/Consulting: Aspiring influencers pay me to teach them the ropes. I offer private coaching for $200 hourly. I do about 5-10 a month.
My total income: Generally, I'm making ten to fifteen thousand per month these days. It varies, some are lower. It's unpredictable, which is terrifying when you're it. But it's 3x what I made at my 9-5, and I'm home when my kids need me.
The Struggles Nobody Mentions
This sounds easy until you're crying in your car because a video didn't perform, or dealing with nasty DMs from keyboard warriors.
The haters are brutal. I've been told I'm a terrible parent, told I'm exploiting my kids, questioned about being a single mom. A commenter wrote, "Maybe your husband left because you're annoying." That one hurt so bad.
The algorithm changes constantly. One week you're getting huge numbers. The following week, you're struggling for views. Your income is unstable. You're never off, 24/7, afraid to pause, you'll lose momentum.
The mom guilt is intense exponentially. Every upload, I wonder: Is this too much? Are my kids safe? Will they be angry about this when they're older? I have non-negotiables—limited face shots, nothing too personal, nothing that could embarrass them. But the line is hard to see.
The burnout is real. Some weeks when I am empty. When I'm done, socially drained, and at my limit. But bills don't care about burnout. So I do it anyway.
The Beautiful Parts
But here's the thing—despite everything, this journey has brought me things I never anticipated.
Financial stability for the first damn time. I'm not loaded, but I cleared $18K. I have an savings. We took a family trip last summer—the Mouse House, which felt impossible two years ago. I don't dread checking my balance anymore.
Flexibility that's priceless. When my child had a fever last month, I didn't have to ask permission or worry about money. I worked anywhere. When there's a school event, I'm present. I'm present in my kids' lives in ways I couldn't be with a traditional 9-5.
Connection that saved me. The other influencers I've befriended, especially other moms, have become my people. We support each other, share strategies, support each other. My followers have become this family. They hype me up, send love, and remind me I'm not alone.
Me beyond motherhood. Finally, I have my own thing. I'm not just an ex or just a mom. I'm a CEO. A creator. Someone who created this.
Advice for Aspiring Creators
If you're a single mom wanting to start, listen up:
Just start. Your first videos will be trash. Mine did. That's okay. You learn by doing, not by procrastinating.
Be authentic, not perfect. People can sense inauthenticity. Share your honest life—the mess. That's what connects.
Guard their privacy. Set limits. Decide what you will and won't share. Their privacy is non-negotiable. I don't use their names, limit face shots, and respect their dignity.
Multiple revenue sources. Spread it out or one revenue source. The algorithm is fickle. Diversification = security.
Batch create content. When you have free time, film multiple videos. Tomorrow you will thank yourself when you're too exhausted to create.
Connect with followers. Answer comments. Check messages. Connect authentically. Your community is crucial.
Track your time and ROI. Be strategic. If something is time-intensive and gets 200 views while a different post takes minutes and blows up, adjust your strategy.
Self-care matters. You matter too. Unplug. Create limits. Your wellbeing matters more than anything.
Be patient. This takes time. It took me eight months to make any real money. My first year, I made barely $15,000. The second year, eighty grand. Year three, I'm projected for $100K+. It's a long game.
Remember why you started. On hard days—and they happen—think about your why. For me, it's financial freedom, flexibility with my kids, and showing myself that I'm more than I believed.
Being Real With You
Listen, I'm being honest. This life is challenging. Incredibly hard. You're managing a business while being the only parent of kids who need everything.
Certain days I doubt myself. Days when the hate comments get to me. Days when I'm drained and wondering if I should go back to corporate with insurance.
But then suddenly my daughter mentions she's proud that I work from home. Or I check my balance and see money. Or I read a message from a follower saying my content inspired her. And I understand the impact.
My Future Plans
Years ago, I was lost and broke how to survive. Now, I'm a full-time content creator making way more than I made in corporate America, and I'm there for my kids.
My goals going forward? Hit 500,000 followers by this year. Create a podcast for solo parents. Possibly write a book. Expand this business that gives me freedom, flexibility, and financial stability.
Being a creator gave me a lifeline when I had nothing. It gave me a way to support my kids, show up, and build something real. It's a surprise, but it's perfect.
To every solo parent considering this: You absolutely can. It will be hard. You'll want to quit some days. But you're currently doing the toughest gig—parenting solo. You're powerful.
Begin messy. Keep showing up. Keep your boundaries. And always remember, you're not just surviving—you're creating something amazing.
Time to go, I need to go film a TikTok about why my kid's school project is due tomorrow and surprise!. Because that's how it goes—turning chaos into content, one TikTok at a time.
Honestly. Being a single mom creator? It's everything. Despite there might be old snacks all over the article mentioned my desk. That's the dream, one messy video at a time.