Working and Homeschooling?

Thursday, August 27, 2009

I work and homeschool at the same time. I have ever since I quit my high school teaching job about 9 years ago. On some of the message boards that I frequent the question comes up...What kind of jobs can a homeschool mom do to make a bit of money? Here are some ideas:

*Home Day Care-People are always looking for someone loving and reliable to take care of their kids. I have done this before. Can't say that it was my favorite way to make money, but it can be rewarding.

*Mystery shopper-I had a friend that did this for a couple of years. If you love to shop this might be the way to go. Just don't spend all that money you are making! LOL!

*Baking and Selling-I have known of several moms that bake and sell what they make. Whole wheat bread, decorated cakes, etc. I know one homeschool mom that keeps bees and sells the honey they get.

*Tutoring/Classes-This is what I am currently doing. I work about 8 hours a week giving private Spanish lessons. Because I hold a teaching certificate and am fluent in the language, I can pull in a fair amount of money in a short amount of time. You don't have to speak another language though...I know a homeschool dad that teacher hands-on science classes and has been quite successful with it. There is also a company online Tutor.com where you can tutor students online. I have an online friend that has done this job for years and enjoys it.

*Curriculum writing-Can you write unit studies or other types of curriculum and sell it online? I have heard that Currclick will sell it for you. I haven't checked into it, but it might be worth exploring.

*Online work-web design, freelance writing, typing, medical billing are some options.

*Crafts-sell what you make! I sell my homemade cards at a local business office. I am blessed that I do this through a friend and she doesn't require a commission. I get the full money for each card I sell.

*Blogging-I haven't really looked into this, but there are companies that want blog entries. Do a search for "blog for us" or "paid to blog". The closest that I have come to this is my work for the TOS Crew. But I don't officially get paid for this. I am an independent contractor for The Old Schoolhouse. The only benefit is that I get curriculum to review, and I get to keep what I review.

Hopefully, this gives some ideas on possibilities for working while homeschooling. If you have any other ideas I would love to hear them! Please leave me a comment.

1 comment:

April said...

Great post! I did photoshoots this past year. I decided though to put it on hold until the kids are a little older. Using your hobbies can be an excellent way to make some extra cash.