Side Hustles for Parents: How to Start a Business Without Quitting Your Day Job
Photo by John Schnobrich on Unsplash
For many parents, the idea of starting a side hustle may seem daunting.
Between work, family responsibilities, and trying to squeeze in a little self-care, who has the time?
Yet, the benefits are undeniable.
Imagine a life where your nights and weekends are not just a continuation of your daily grind but an opportunity to build something meaningful—something that adds extra income to your household and perhaps even fulfills a passion you’ve had on the back burner for years.
A side hustle can provide financial security, an opportunity to explore a personal passion, and even a sense of accomplishment that’s often hard to find in the routine of daily life.
Knocked-up Money originally started as a side hustle. I would work on the business either super late at night (after everyone went to sleep) or early in the morning before wakeup.
Let's just say, I didn't sleep much.
Fast forward a few years and I've turned my side hustle into my main gig, creating content for the blog and newsletter, along with helping parent-led companies grow.
Two questions I receive from parents about side hustles are:
But where do you begin?
How do you choose the right side hustle and ensure it doesn’t overwhelm your already packed schedule?
These are two really great questions. Let’s dive in.
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Identifying the Right Side Hustle
The first step in starting a side hustle is identifying what type of business will fit seamlessly into your life.
This isn’t just about finding something profitable; it’s about finding something that aligns with your skills, interests, and, most importantly, your available time.
Start by evaluating your strengths and passions
Ask yourself questions such as:
What are you good at?
What do you enjoy doing?
This could range from creative pursuits like writing or crafting to more technical skills like coding or digital marketing.
The key is to choose something that excites you—something you’ll look forward to working on, even after a long day at your regular job.
For me it was (and still is) about helping parents make and save more money.
I helped families for a decade with their finances before deciding to put pen to paper. It honestly came down to lack of time. After my daughter was born, I didn't have time to meet with families or draft epic long texts.
Instead, I take questions from parents and answer their questions through blog articles and newsletters. Each piece is written with a family in mind.
Consider the practicalities
How much time can you realistically dedicate to a side hustle?
Some businesses, like freelance writing or online tutoring, can be done in short, flexible bursts of time, making them ideal for parents with busy schedules.
Others, like running an e-commerce store or offering consulting services, might require more structured time management.
One personal note: it’s okay if your side hustle takes longer than what the “gurus” say online. Most don’t have mouths to feed other than their own.
Not everyone takes off like a rocket ship - especially when you have other priorities. I know from experience, it took me a year to find my groove and it still isn’t perfect.
Remember, the goal is to find a balance that works for you, ensuring that your side hustle adds value to your life rather than stress.
Assess Market Demand and Profitability
At the end of the day, your side hustle needs to make money. Doesn’t have to be at day 1, or within the first few months. But there needs to be a plan to monetize.
Why?
Because as a parent, you have very limited time and every moment is a trade-off. A few fellow parentpreneurs in my circle trade-off time with their kids to grow their side hustles.
Me? I give up sleep. Not the healthiest idea, but my family time is non-negotiable.
It’s crucial to choose a side hustle that has a viable market.
You might have a passion for baking, but if the market in your area is saturated with home bakers, it might not be the most profitable venture.
Research trends, see what others are doing, and consider how you can differentiate your offering to stand out in a crowded market.
Time Management and Setting Priorities
One of the biggest challenges parents face when starting a side hustle is managing their time.
Between work, family, and personal commitments, it can feel impossible to squeeze in anything else.
However, with strategic time management and clear priorities, it’s entirely possible to balance a side hustle with your other responsibilities.
Start by setting realistic goals. What do you want to achieve with your side hustle?
Whether it’s earning a certain amount of extra income each month or eventually transitioning to working for yourself full-time, having clear goals will help you stay focused and motivated.
Stay Productive with Time-Blocking
A productivity hack that I found helpful early on is time-blocking.
Time-blocking involves setting aside specific chunks of time in your day or week dedicated solely to your side hustle.
This could be as simple as dedicating an hour after the kids go to bed or getting up an hour earlier in the morning. The key is to create a routine that works for you and your family.
Side note for parents with infants and toddlers: I know this is extremely difficult. The word “routine” doesn’t really exist, at least it didn’t for me. Do your best to create a routine but give yourself some grace and flexibility. The life stage you’re in is extremely difficult and requires you to be flexible.
It’s also important to communicate with your family about your side hustle. Involve them in the process, share your goals, and discuss how everyone can pitch in to make it a shared project.
This not only helps in managing time but also turns your side hustle into a family endeavor, teaching your children valuable lessons about entrepreneurship and hard work.
Getting Started with Minimal Investment
One of the biggest deterrents to starting a side hustle is the fear of financial risk.
However, there are plenty of side hustles that require little to no upfront investment, making it easier to get started without dipping into your savings.
Freelancing is one of the most accessible side hustles that can be started with minimal investment. Whether you’re offering writing services, graphic design, or virtual assistance, all you need is a laptop and an internet connection.
Similarly, creating digital products, such as eBooks, online courses, or printables, requires little more than your expertise and time.
Another way to start your side hustle with minimal investment is by bootstrapping—using free or low-cost resources to build your business.
This could involve setting up a simple website using platforms like WordPress or Substack, utilizing social media to market your services, or even using free tools like Canva for graphic design.
Tools I personally recommend include:
Start & Grow a Newsletter: Top choice is Beehiiv (use my link for 20% off any paid plan for 3 months). If you’re on the fence, check out these in-depth reviews about ConvertKit, Substack, and Mailchimp.
LinkedIn Growth: I’d recommend Taplio. It’s a powerful tool which has helped me grow my LinkedIn presence, from research to content creation.
YouTube Research: If you have a YouTube channel or are planning on starting one, check out vidIQ. I’d originally recommend it strictly for keyword research, but lately they’ve added a ton of features, including how to optimize your current content and create new content. I’ve just scratched the surface with its features and it has already paid for itself.
Logo Maker: If you didn’t know, the Knocked-up Money logo is a depiction of my daughter and I as gorillas (one of the few good dads of the animal kingdom). While I was lucky that my wife designed the logo for me, it’s not always the case for everyone. I’d check out Fiverr - they combine AI with freelance graphic designers to pump out logos at a fair price.
It’s also wise to test your business concept before fully committing.
For example, if you’re interested in selling handmade crafts, start by creating a small batch and selling it on platforms like Etsy or at local markets. This allows you to gauge demand and refine your product before investing significant time and money.
Building a Brand for Your Side Hustle
Even if your side hustle starts small, building a brand is crucial to its long-term success.
A strong brand helps you stand out in a crowded market, builds trust with your customers, and creates a sense of identity for your business.
I’m a bit biased though, I’m a marketer by trade and have helped grow both mom-and-pop shops and billion dollar brands.
Start by developing a simple brand identity.
This includes:
Choosing a name
Creating a logo
Defining your brand’s voice and message
Your brand should reflect not only what you offer but also who you are as a person and what you stand for.
For instance, if your side hustle is about sustainable products, your brand voice might be passionate and eco-conscious.
It doesn’t have to be perfect at first and is something which can evolve over time. My advice is to keep it simple and be true to yourself.
Depending on your business, your brand may simply be you!
You don’t need to spend a lot of money to build a brand. There are plenty of affordable or even free resources available to help you create a professional-looking brand.
For your online presence, start with social media profiles and a basic website.
As your business grows, you can invest in more polished branding, but the key is to start where you are with what you have.
Marketing Your Side Hustle
Once your side hustle is up and running, the next step is to get the word out.
Marketing is essential for attracting customers, building your brand, and growing your business. The good news is that there are many cost-effective marketing strategies you can use, even on a tight budget.
Social Media
Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your side hustle - it has the potential to reach a large audience and engage with current and prospective customers.
Especially with limited time in a day, I’d start with one platform. I spent several months posting across several platforms and burned out very quickly. Learn from my mistake, pick one and focus.
Pick the platform where your target audience is most active. One exception, I’d highly recommend you pick a platform you enjoy being on.
For example, if your target audience is on both Facebook and Instagram, and you hate being on Facebook but love Instagram, start there. You need to enjoy what you do with your side hustle, otherwise there’s a higher chance of burning out.
Building an audience takes time, especially organically. You’ll need to create authentic content consistently to build an audience and keep them engaged.
Word-of-Mouth
Word-of-mouth is another effective marketing strategy, especially for parents.
Your existing network—friends, family, colleagues, and even other parents at your child’s school—can be your first customers and biggest advocates.
Don’t be shy about sharing your side hustle with your network; you might be surprised at how many people are willing to support and promote your business.
Digital Advertising
One shortcut to consider if you have money to invest: Ads.
If you have a knack for advertising, you can acquire customers through ad platforms such as Google, Facebook, and TikTok. If you’re in the food niche, consider Yelp or NextDoor.
Engaging Customer Journey
Posting on social media or running ads is just the tip of the iceberg. Think through the full customer journey, from ad through landing page to checkout.
Crafting compelling marketing messages is key. Focus on the benefits of your product or service and how it solves a problem or meets a need for your audience.
Be clear, concise, and persuasive in your communication, whether it’s through social media posts, email newsletters, or face-to-face interactions.
Managing Finances and Legal Considerations
As your side hustle grows, managing your finances becomes increasingly important.
Proper financial management not only ensures the sustainability of your business but also helps you avoid common pitfalls that can derail your progress.
Start by setting up a separate bank account for your side hustle. This helps you keep your personal and business finances separate, making it easier to track income and expenses.
Budgeting is also crucial; keep track of your earnings and reinvest a portion back into your business to fuel growth.
Bookkeeping might not be the most exciting part of running a side hustle, but it’s essential. Keep detailed records of all your transactions. Use a spreadsheet at a minimum and consider using accounting software like QuickBooks to simplify the process.
Accurate bookkeeping will save you time and stress when it comes to tax season.
Speaking of taxes, don’t overlook the legal aspects of running a side hustle. Depending on your location and the type of business, you may need to register your business, obtain necessary licenses, or file for a Doing Business As (DBA) name.
It’s also important to understand your tax obligations. Even if your side hustle is small, the income you earn is still taxable.
Consult with a tax professional to ensure you’re meeting all legal requirements and protecting your personal assets.
Scaling Your Side Hustle
Once your side hustle is up and running smoothly, you might start thinking about scaling it to the next level.
The first sign that it might be time to scale is when demand for your product or service consistently exceeds your current capacity. This could mean you’re regularly booked out, selling out of products, or receiving more inquiries than you can handle.
When this happens, consider expanding your operations, whether that means increasing production, outsourcing certain tasks, or raising your prices.
At this point, you may want to consider converting your side hustle into your main gig.
Start exploring side hustle ideas today, and take that first step towards financial security and personal fulfillment. The possibilities are endless, and your entrepreneurial journey is just beginning.
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