Here's the tea, mom life is literally insane. But plot twist? Working to earn extra income while juggling toddlers and their chaos.
I started my side hustle journey about several years ago when I had the epiphany that my impulse buys were getting out of hand. I had to find funds I didn't have to justify spending.
Being a VA
Right so, my initial venture was becoming a virtual assistant. And I'll be real? It was chef's kiss. I could work during naptime, and the only requirement was my laptop and decent wifi.
I started the article here with simple tasks like handling emails, doing social media scheduling, and data entry. Nothing fancy. My rate was about fifteen to twenty bucks hourly, which seemed low but for someone with zero experience, you gotta prove yourself first.
What cracked me up? Picture this: me on a client call looking like a real businesswoman from the waist up—full professional mode—while wearing pants I'd owned since 2015. That's the dream honestly.
My Etsy Journey
After a year, I decided to try the Etsy world. Every mom I knew seemed to sell stuff on Etsy, so I was like "why not me?"
I created crafting digital planners and digital art prints. The beauty of printables? Design it once, and it can sell forever. Actually, I've made sales at ungodly hours.
When I got my first order? I freaked out completely. He came running thinking there was an emergency. Not even close—I was just, doing a happy dance for my $4.99 sale. I'm not embarrassed.
The Content Creation Grind
After that I ventured into blogging and content creation. This particular side gig is definitely a slow burn, let me tell you.
I started a family lifestyle blog where I documented what motherhood actually looks like—everything unfiltered. Keeping it real. Just real talk about how I once found a chicken nugget in my bra.
Building up views was painfully slow. For months, I was essentially writing for myself and like three people. But I kept at it, and over time, things started clicking.
Now? I generate revenue through promoting products, working with brands, and display ads. Just last month I generated over $2,000 from my website. Crazy, right?
The Social Media Management Game
After I learned managing my blog's social media, local businesses started reaching out if I could do the same for them.
Real talk? Most small businesses struggle with social media. They understand they should be posting, but they're clueless about the algorithm.
I swoop in. I oversee social media for a handful of clients—a bakery, a boutique, and a fitness studio. I make posts, queue up posts, respond to comments, and track analytics.
My rate is between $500-$1500/month per client, depending on what they need. What I love? I do this work from my phone during soccer practice.
Freelance Writing Life
If you can write, content writing is a goldmine. I don't mean literary fiction—I'm talking about commercial writing.
Websites and businesses need content constantly. I've written everything from subjects I knew nothing about before Googling. Google is your best friend, you just need to be good at research.
Usually charge $50-150 per article, depending on length and complexity. On good months I'll write ten to fifteen pieces and pull in an extra $1,000-2,000.
Plot twist: I'm the same person who struggled with essays. Currently I'm getting paid for it. Life's funny like that.
Virtual Tutoring
During the pandemic, tutoring went digital. With my teaching background, so this was an obvious choice.
I joined VIPKid and Tutor.com. The scheduling is flexible, which is essential when you have children who keep you guessing.
My sessions are usually basic subjects. You can make from fifteen to twenty-five hourly depending on which site you use.
What's hilarious? Sometimes my children will interrupt mid-session. There was a time I educate someone's child while mine had a meltdown. My clients are incredibly understanding because they understand mom life.
Flipping Items for Profit
Alright, this one wasn't planned. While organizing my kids' closet and posted some items on Facebook Marketplace.
Items moved within hours. I had an epiphany: there's a market for everything.
At this point I frequent estate sales and thrift shops, searching for things that will sell. I purchase something for three bucks and flip it for thirty.
It's labor-intensive? Yes. It's a whole process. But it's strangely fulfilling about finding hidden treasures at Goodwill and turning a profit.
Also: my children are fascinated when I find unique items. Just last week I scored a vintage toy that my son freaked out about. Got forty-five dollars for it. Victory for mom.
The Truth About Side Hustles
Here's the thing nobody tells you: these aren't get-rich-quick schemes. They're called hustles for a reason.
There are moments when I'm exhausted, doubting everything. I'm grinding at dawn being productive before the madness begins, then being a full-time parent, then back to work after 8pm hits.
But you know what? These are my earnings. I'm not asking anyone to treat myself. I'm helping with my family's finances. I'm showing my kids that you can have it all—sort of.
Tips if You're Starting Out
If you're considering a side gig, this is what I've learned:
Begin with something manageable. You can't start five businesses. Start with one venture and nail it down before starting something else.
Be realistic about time. Whatever time you have, that's fine. Two hours of focused work is better than nothing.
Stop comparing to Instagram moms. That mom with the six-figure side hustle? They've been at it for years and has support. Focus on your own journey.
Invest in yourself, but wisely. There are tons of free resources. Be careful about spending thousands on courses until you've proven the concept.
Do similar tasks together. This is crucial. Block off certain times for certain work. Monday might be creation day. Make Wednesday organizing and responding.
Let's Talk Mom Guilt
Real talk—I struggle with guilt. There are times when I'm working and my kid wants attention, and I feel guilty.
But then I remember that I'm showing them how to hustle. I'm proving to them that motherhood doesn't mean giving up your identity.
Additionally? Making my own money has been good for me. I'm more satisfied, which makes me more patient.
Let's Talk Money
So what do I actually make? Typically, total from all sources, I pull in three to five thousand monthly. Certain months are higher, some are tougher.
Is this getting-rich money? Not really. But this money covers so many things we needed that would've been really hard. It's also creating opportunities and knowledge that could grow into more.
Wrapping This Up
At the end of the day, doing this mom hustle thing is challenging. There's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach. Often I'm making it up as I go, running on coffee and determination, and crossing my fingers.
But I'm glad I'm doing this. Every single bit of income is a testament to my hustle. It shows that I'm more than just mom.
If you're thinking about beginning your hustle journey? Take the leap. Start before it's perfect. Future you will thank you.
Always remember: You aren't only enduring—you're building something. Even when there's probably mysterious crumbs in your workspace.
Seriously. It's incredible, despite the chaos.
My Content Creator Journey: My Journey as a Single Mom
Here's the truth—single motherhood was never the plan. I never expected to be turning into an influencer. But fast forward to now, three years into this wild journey, paying bills by being vulnerable on the internet while raising two kids basically solo. And I'll be real? It's been the best worst decision of my life.
Rock Bottom: When Everything Imploded
It was a few years ago when my life exploded. I can still picture sitting in my bare apartment (I kept the kids' stuff, he took everything else), scrolling mindlessly at 2am while my kids were passed out. I had barely $850 in my account, two kids to support, and a paycheck that wasn't enough. The panic was real, y'all.
I was scrolling social media to escape reality—because that's the move? in crisis mode, right?—when I came across this solo parent sharing how she paid off $30,000 in debt through posting online. I remember thinking, "That can't be real."
But when you're desperate, you try anything. Or both. Probably both.
I downloaded the TikTok studio app the next morning. My first video? Me, no makeup, messy bun, talking about how I'd just put my last twelve dollars on a dinosaur nuggets and snacks for my kids' lunch boxes. I uploaded it and wanted to delete it. Who wants to watch my broke reality?
Apparently, tons of people.
That video got 47,000 views. Nearly fifty thousand people watched me get emotional over $12 worth of food. The comments section turned into this safe space—women in similar situations, others barely surviving, all saying "same." That was my epiphany. People didn't want the highlight reel. They wanted real.
Finding My Niche: The Unfiltered Mom Content
Here's what nobody tells you about content creation: finding your niche is everything. And my niche? It happened organically. I became the real one.
I started filming the stuff no one shows. Like how I lived in one outfit because washing clothes was too much. Or when I gave them breakfast for dinner several days straight and called it "breakfast for dinner week." Or that moment when my daughter asked about the divorce, and I had to discuss divorce to a kid who still believes in Santa.
My content wasn't pretty. My lighting was terrible. I filmed on a ancient iPhone. But it was honest, and apparently, that's what hit.
Two months later, I hit ten thousand followers. 90 days in, fifty thousand. By half a year, I'd crossed six figures. Each milestone blew my mind. These were real people who wanted to listen to me. Me—a financially unstable single mom who had to learn everything from scratch not long ago.
The Actual Schedule: Managing It All
Here's what it actually looks like of my typical day, because content creation as a single mom is not at all like those pretty "day in the life" videos you see.
5:30am: My alarm screams. I do absolutely not want to wake up, but this is my work time. I make coffee that I'll reheat three times, and I start filming. Sometimes it's a morning routine talking about single mom finances. Sometimes it's me meal prepping while venting about custody stuff. The lighting is whatever natural light comes through my kitchen window.
7:00am: Kids wake up. Content creation ends. Now I'm in full mom mode—cooking eggs, finding the missing shoe (why is it always one shoe), making lunch boxes, referee duties. The chaos is intense.
8:30am: School drop-off. I'm that mom making videos while driving at red lights. Not proud of this, but the grind never stops.
9:00am-2:00pm: This is my hustle time. House is quiet. I'm in editing mode, engaging with followers, thinking of ideas, doing outreach, analyzing metrics. They believe content creation is only filming. Wrong. It's a whole business.
I usually film in batches on specific days. That means creating 10-15 pieces in one sitting. I'll swap tops so it appears to be different times. Life hack: Keep several shirts ready for quick changes. My neighbors probably think I'm unhinged, recording myself alone in the yard.
3:00pm: School pickup. Parent time. But this is where it's complicated—frequently my best content ideas come from the chaos. Just last week, my daughter had a massive breakdown in Target because I couldn't afford a toy she didn't need. I made content in the vehicle afterward about dealing with meltdowns as a single mom. It got millions of views.
Evening: All the evening things. I'm usually too exhausted to make videos, but I'll plan posts, check DMs, or outline content. Some nights, after everyone's sleeping, I'll edit for hours because a brand deadline is looming.
The truth? There's no balance. It's just chaos with a plan with moments of success.
Income Breakdown: How I Actually Make a Living
Look, let's talk numbers because this is what everyone wants to know. Can you really earn income as a content creator? For sure. Is it effortless? Nope.
My first month, I made nothing. Second month? $0. Third month, I got my first collaboration—a hundred and fifty bucks to promote a meal delivery. I cried real tears. That one-fifty bought groceries for two weeks.
Fast forward, years later, here's how I generate revenue:
Sponsored Content: This is my primary income. I work with brands that my followers need—things that help, helpful services, kids' stuff. I ask for anywhere from five hundred to five thousand dollars per deal, depending on the scope. Just last month, I did four brand deals and made $8K.
TikTok Fund: Creator fund pays not much—maybe $200-400 per month for huge view counts. YouTube ad revenue is more lucrative. I make about fifteen hundred a month from YouTube, but that required years.
Affiliate Income: I share links to items I love—everything from my beloved coffee maker to the beds my kids use. If they buy using my link, I get a commission. This brings in about $1K monthly.
Online Products: I created a single mom budget planner and a meal prep guide. Each costs $15, and I sell fifty to a hundred per month. That's another thousand to fifteen hundred.
Coaching/Consulting: New creators pay me to teach them the ropes. I offer consulting calls for two hundred dollars. I do about five to ten per month.
My total income: Generally, I'm making $10,000-15,000 per month at this point. Some months I make more, others are slower. It's up and down, which is stressful when you're solo. But it's triple what I made at my corporate job, and I'm available for my kids.
The Struggles Nobody Posts About
This sounds easy until you're crying in your car because a video flopped, or dealing with cruel messages from internet trolls.
The negativity is intense. I've been told I'm a terrible parent, told I'm exploiting my kids, called a liar about being a single mom. Someone once commented, "Maybe that's why he left." That one stung for days.
The algorithm shifts. Certain periods you're getting insane views. The next, you're struggling for views. Your income goes up and down. You're never off, always "on", afraid to pause, you'll be forgotten.
The mom guilt is amplified to the extreme. Each post, I wonder: Is this too much? Are my kids safe? Will they hate me for this when they're teenagers? I have clear boundaries—no faces of my kids without permission, no discussing their personal struggles, nothing humiliating. But the line is fuzzy.
The burnout hits hard. Some weeks when I don't want to film anything. When I'm done, over it, and just done. But bills don't care about burnout. So I push through.
The Wins
But listen—despite the hard parts, this journey has blessed me with things I never imagined.
Financial stability for the first time ever. I'm not a millionaire, but I cleared $18K. I have an emergency fund. We took a real vacation last summer—the Mouse House, which seemed impossible a couple years back. I don't dread checking my balance anymore.
Schedule freedom that's priceless. When my child had a fever last month, I didn't have to stress about missing work or panic. I worked from the doctor's office. When there's a field trip, I attend. I'm present in my kids' lives in ways I wasn't able to be with a corporate job.
My people that saved me. The other creators I've befriended, especially other single parents, have become actual friends. We vent, collaborate, have each other's backs. My followers have become this family. They support me, encourage me through rough patches, and remind me I'm not alone.
Identity beyond "mom". Since becoming a mom, I have an identity. I'm more than an ex or someone's mom. I'm a business owner. A businesswoman. A person who hustled.
Tips for Single Moms Wanting to Start
If you're a single parent wanting to start, listen up:
Just start. Your first videos will suck. Mine did. That's normal. You get better, not by waiting.
Be authentic, not perfect. People can tell when you're fake. Share your actual life—the chaos. That's the magic.
Keep them safe. Set limits. Have standards. Their privacy is everything. I don't use their names, limit face shots, and keep private things private.
Diversify income streams. Spread it out or a single source. The algorithm is unreliable. Multiple streams = safety.
Create in batches. When you have free time, make a bunch. Tomorrow you will thank yourself when you're unable to film.
Engage with your audience. Respond to comments. Reply to messages. Build real relationships. Your community is crucial.
Track metrics. Not all content is worth creating. If something takes forever and tanks while something else takes very little time and gets 200,000 views, pivot.
Don't forget yourself. You need to fill your cup. Rest. Create limits. Your mental health matters more than going viral.
Stay patient. This requires patience. It took me ages to make any real money. The first year, I made maybe $15,000 total. Year two, $80,000. Year three, I'm projected for $100K+. It's a marathon.
Remember why you started. On bad days—and there will be many—think about your why. For me, it's financial freedom, being there, and proving to myself that I'm capable of anything.
Being Real With You
Look, I'm telling the truth. Content creation as a single mom is hard. So damn hard. You're operating a business while being the sole caretaker of children who require constant attention.
There are days I second-guess this. Days when the hate comments sting. Days when I'm drained and wondering if I should get a regular job with a 401k.
But then suddenly my daughter tells me she loves that I'm home. Or I check my balance and see money. Or I see a message from a follower saying my content inspired her. And I remember my purpose.
What's Next
Not long ago, I was lost and broke how I'd survive as a single mom. Currently, I'm a content creator making more than I imagined in my old job, and I'm home when my kids get off the school bus.
My goals for the future? Reach 500K by December. Begin podcasting for single moms. Consider writing a book. Expand this business that changed my life.
This journey gave me a path forward when I had nothing. It gave me a way to take care of my children, show up, and build something real. It's a surprise, but it's where I belong.
To all the single moms considering this: You can. It won't be easy. You'll struggle. But you're currently doing the most difficult thing—doing this alone. You're tougher than you realize.
Start imperfect. Stay the course. Guard your peace. And don't forget, you're beyond survival mode—you're building an empire.
Gotta go now, I need to go create content about homework I forgot about and I'm just now hearing about it. Because that's the content creator single mom life—content from the mess, one post at a time.
Seriously. This path? It's the best decision. Even if there might be Goldfish crackers everywhere. That's the dream, chaos and all.