Being a stay at home dad is an immensely fulfilling role. However, it can also get financially challenging at times. The good news is that we live in an age where location-independent and flexible income opportunities abound.
With a bit of creativity, resourcefulness and some effort, stay at home dads can earn a stable income while still being available for their families. Here is an in-depth guide to some of the best stay at home dad jobs to consider:
Online Teaching
Teaching English online has become a popular way for stay at home parents to earn. Platforms like VIPKid connect you with students from China and other countries looking to improve their English.
The requirements are simple – you need to be eligible to work in the US or Canada and have a bachelor‘s degree. No prior teaching experience is required and the company provides full training and lesson plans. You can make $14-25 per hour teaching kids from the comfort of your home. The flexible scheduling allows you to set your own hours.
This is an ideal option for dads who enjoy interacting with children. The predictable income and defined hours make it easier to balance work with family life.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a versatile career that can adapt to your schedule. As a stay at home dad, you can take on writing gigs during nap times or after the kids are asleep.
The types of writing jobs include blog posts, articles, website content, white papers, ebooks, product descriptions, social media posts, press releases and more. Subject matter can range from technology to finance, health, business, and more.
With prolific writing skills and expertise in certain niches, you can make $30-100 per hour as a freelance writer while working from home. Sites like Flexjobs, ProBlogger and Upwork are great for finding remote writing gigs.
Online Tutoring
If you have teaching experience or expertise in academic subjects, online tutoring lets you impart knowledge flexibly. Platforms like Varsity Tutors and Tutor.com connect you with students who need help in math, sciences, humanities and test prep.
Most platforms require a bachelor‘s degree, technology setup for virtual lessons and strong communication skills. Tutors can make $15-40 per hour based on factors like education level, experience and student feedback. The work schedule is convenient, and you have control over the subjects, level of students and hours.
Virtual Assistant
As a virtual assistant or VA, you provide administrative, technical and creative support to businesses remotely. The role involves tasks like email management, data entry, research, scheduling appointments, graphic design, social media marketing and more.
VAs can make $15-50 per hour based on experience and skills. Familiarity with tools like email marketing software, project management platforms and Microsoft Office is useful. Excellent time management and communication abilities are a must. Sites like Zirtual and Fancy Hands offer WA jobs you can do from home.
Bookkeeping
Handling accounts, invoicing, payroll, taxes and other finances for businesses is a task stay at home dads with a head for numbers can consider. You can manage books for multiple clients remotely through accounting software like QuickBooks.
Most bookkeeping jobs require some formal education in accounting or finance. Attention to detail and organizational abilities are a must. Bookkeepers can make $20-40 per hour, with the ability to take on more clients and increase earnings. Sites like Bookkeeper360 connect you with bookkeeping job opportunities.
Content Creation
Creating visual or audio content for the web is another way creative stay at home dads can make money online.
You can start a YouTube channel in your niche, teaching guitar lessons or unboxing toys for kids. Monetize through Google AdSense, affiliate links and sponsorships. Podcasting is another option if you have strong verbal skills.
For visual creators, make money selling stock photos, graphics and videos on sites like Shutterstock and iStock. The key is choosing a niche and creating high-quality, unique content.
Consulting / Coaching
Leveraging your professional expertise to provide consulting remotely is a lucrative option. Sites like Flexpert, Guidepoint and Expertise connect consultants with clients.
Popular niches include business, marketing, executive and life coaching. But you can consult in any field you have qualifications and experience in. Rates range from $50 to over $300 per hour based on your skills and brand reputation. The flexible work model is ideal for stay at home dads.
Blogging
Creating content around your interests and monetizing it through ads, affiliate marketing or selling digital products can be rewarding. Choose a blog topic you‘re knowledgeable about, like finance, travel, food, parenting, health or tech.
Promote your blog consistently through social media, guest posts and SEO optimization. Once your traffic and following builds, add income streams like Google AdSense, sponsored posts and eCourses. While it takes time to grow a successful blog, regular income in the thousands is possible.
Online Reselling
Sourcing secondhand items like used books, retro games and vintage apparel from local thrift stores and garage sales, then reselling them for a profit on sites like eBay is a proven home business model.
You can start small and scale up over time by reinvesting the profits. Social media platforms like Poshmark and Mercari make it easy to find buyers. Knowledge of in-demand niches, good pricing, detailed listings and excellent customer service are key.
App Development
Developing and selling your own apps allows you to turn your ideas into income. Focus on utility app niches like productivity, health, fitness and education or fun gaming apps. Leverage app builder platforms like Appy Pie that don‘t need coding.
Promote your app through social media ads, influencers and optimizing app store listings. Add income streams like in-app purchases and subscriptions. While success requires luck and some business expertise, the potential upside is massive for useful apps that gain traction.
Online Course Creation
Turning your knowledge into an online course is a great way to earn passive income as a stay at home dad. Identify in-demand niches where people are willing to pay for education like cooking, photography, music, yoga or a professional skill.
Create lessons around your expertise and sell through a platform like Udemy or Teachable. Promote through your blog, email lists and social media. Customer satisfaction and positive reviews are key to sales. The initial course creation requires time but can provide ongoing passive income.
Ecommerce Arbitrage
An arbitrage business takes advantage of price differentials to buy products cheap from one marketplace and resell at higher prices on another. For example, finding deals on clearance items locally or sourcing from Chinese sites like AliExpress, then selling on Amazon or eBay for a markup.
You can start this home business on the side with little inventory. As you reinvest the profits to scale while refining your product research and sourcing system, it can become a five-figure passive income stream. But it requires knowledge of sourcing tactics, managing listings and inventory.
Affiliate Marketing
Earning commission by promoting other companies‘ products and services on your website, email list or social channels is an easy way to monetize your online audience as a stay at home dad.
Sign up with affiliate networks like Amazon Associates, ShareASale or CJ Affiliate. Understand your niche audience and recommend relevant products through content like reviews. The key is trust and not overly promotional recommendations. High ticket products or recurring services earn the biggest commissions.
Online Juror
Legal firms hire online jurors to provide feedback on the strength of their case arguments, witness credibility and other trial components. You need to have jury duty experience,Internet access and time to review case materials.
Pay rates range from $20 to $60 per case based on length. While it‘s not a full-time gig, participating as an online juror allows you to make extra money from home flexibly in your free time. Check sites like Online Verdict and eJury to find opportunities.
Ridesharing
Driving for a ridesharing service like Uber or Lyft is an option if you own a decent vehicle. You have the flexibility to choose your driving hours based on when you are available. It‘s a great way to supplement income, especially if you enjoy driving.
Focus on peak demand times like rush hour, weekends and events to maximize fares. Drive safely and offer great customer service to get 5-star ratings. While ridesharing works best as a part-time side gig, the extra income can be useful for stay at home dads.
Summary
The possibilities are endless when it comes to finding a profitable stay at home dad job that offers work-life balance. From leveraging professional skills like teaching and consulting to exploring new avenues like blogging and online courses, the remote work revolution has opened up many fulfilling opportunities.
Focus on your unique interests, skills and abilities. Start small by testing different income streams, then scale up the ones that prove viable over time. The key is finding the right balance and crafting a personalized career that provides both joy and financial security while still letting you be actively involved in your kids‘ lives.
