In today’s dynamic economy, side hustles have become an increasingly popular way to generate additional income.
While there’s no doubt women excel in many professional fields and entrepreneurial ventures, the reality is that many women, especially mothers, also face unique situations and challenges. The majority of child-rearing activities and familial responsibilities still typically fall on women’s shoulders. For some, finding flexible income opportunities that accommodate these demands is crucial.
These side hustles for women are specifically designed to offer the flexibility needed to balance work, family, and personal life effectively.
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1. Online survey-taking & user testing
Taking online surveys and participating in user testing sessions can be a surprising source of extra income right from your couch.
Sites like UserTesting, TestBirds, and Userlytics may pay you to share your honest thoughts about websites and apps. The best part is you can do this work from your couch while watching TV, making it a super flexible way to earn extra cash.
Learn More: How to Make Money from Your Phone
2. Virtual assistance
As a virtual assistant (VA), you can leverage your organizational skills and attention to detail to help busy entrepreneurs manage their daily tasks, from email management to calendar scheduling. The beauty of VA work is that you can start with just a few hours per week for one client, and then gradually expand as you build confidence and experience.
3. Freelance writing or blogging
If you have a way with words, freelance writing offers a creative outlet that can turn into a lucrative income stream. Whether you’re crafting blog posts about topics you love, writing product descriptions for e-commerce sites, or developing content for company newsletters, there’s always demand for good writers.
Starting your own blog can also be rewarding, though it requires patience as you build an audience and develop your unique voice.
4. Social media management
Perfect for those who already understand the ins and outs of various social platforms, managing social media accounts for small businesses combines creativity with strategic thinking.
You’ll create engaging posts, respond to comments, and help businesses build their online presence – all skills you might have already developed managing your own social accounts. Many find this particularly fulfilling as it allows them to flex their creative muscles while working with brands they believe in.
Learn More: How to Make Money as a Content Creator
5. College application consulting
For those with experience navigating the college admissions process, helping students craft compelling applications and essays can be both rewarding and profitable.
Parents are often willing to invest significantly in their children’s future, with consultants charging even up to $200 per hour for their expertise. The work is seasonal but incredibly fulfilling as you guide students through one of the most important transitions of their lives.
6. Handmade crafts and art
Whether you’re creating custom jewelry, painting commissioned portraits, or designing unique home décor, selling handmade items lets you turn your creative passion into profit.
With platforms like Etsy and local craft fairs providing ready-made marketplaces, you can start small and scale up as demand grows.
7. Photography
From capturing family portraits to shooting weddings or creating stock photos, photography offers multiple revenue streams for those with an eye for composition.
While building a portfolio takes time, you can start with smaller gigs like headshots or pet photography to gain experience and referrals. Many successful photographers begin by shooting on weekends while maintaining their day jobs, gradually building their client base through word-of-mouth and social media.
Learn More: 21 Quick Money Jobs
8. Fitness coaching or personal training
As a fitness coach, you can help others achieve their health goals while maintaining a flexible schedule that works around your life.
Whether you’re teaching group classes at local gyms, offering one-on-one training sessions, or creating online workout programs, there’s a growing demand for personalized fitness guidance. Plus, the ability to positively impact people’s health and confidence while earning a good income makes this an especially rewarding choice.
9. Meal planning or cooking services
With busy families constantly seeking healthy meal solutions, offering meal planning services or becoming a personal chef can be a lucrative venture.
You might start by preparing weekly meals for a few local families, creating custom meal plans for those with specific dietary needs, or teaching cooking classes from your home.
Learn More: Best Weekend Side-Hustles
10. Virtual travel planning
If you have a knack for finding hidden gems and planning memorable trips, becoming a virtual travel planner lets you turn your wanderlust into income. By leveraging your travel experience and research skills, you can craft personalized itineraries, book unique accommodations, and provide insider tips to help clients make the most of their vacations.
This flexible role is perfect for those who love exploring new destinations, even if just through extensive research.
11, Wedding or event planning
Starting as a wedding or event planner allows you to combine your organizational prowess with your creative vision to create unforgettable celebrations.
You can begin by coordinating smaller events or assisting established planners before taking on full weddings, charging either by the hour or a percentage of the event budget. While the work can be intense during peak seasons, the joy of bringing someone’s dream event to life can make it incredibly fulfilling.
12. Graphic design
From creating logos for small businesses to designing social media graphics, graphic design offers endless opportunities for creative expression and income.
With tools like Canva making design more accessible, you can start with basic projects while building your skills with more professional software. One strategy for success is by specializing in a specific niche, like branding for female entrepreneurs or designing for the wellness industry.
13. Resume writing & career coaching
Helping others land their dream jobs by crafting compelling resumes and providing career guidance can be both profitable and deeply satisfying.
Drawing from your professional experience, you can help clients identify their strengths, polish their personal brands, and prepare for interviews.
14. Pet sitting services
For animal lovers, pet sitting combines the joy of spending time with furry friends while earning extra income.
Whether offering dog walking services, overnight stays, or regular check-ins for traveling pet owners, you can build a loyal client base in your neighborhood. The flexibility to set your own schedule and rates can make it an easily enjoyable side gig for women.
15. Closet organization and decluttering
Put your organizational skills to work by helping others transform their cluttered spaces into functional, beautiful areas that bring them peace.
Professional organizers can charge between $50 to $100 per hour, making this a lucrative option for those who find joy in creating systems and order. Many clients can even become repeat customers, seeking help with seasonal organization or moving into new spaces.
16. Language tutoring
Whether you’re fluent in a second language or skilled at teaching English to international students, language tutoring offers flexible earning potential from anywhere in the world. Online platforms like iTalki and Verbling connect tutors with students globally, allowing you to set your own rates and schedule.
17. Notary Services
Becoming a notary public requires minimal startup costs yet provides essential services to your community. Beyond basic document notarization, you can specialize in loan signings for real estate transactions, which typically pay between $18 and $31 per hour. The ability to travel to clients’ homes or offices during evenings and weekends makes this an ideal complement to a full-time job.
Learn More: Best Side Hustles
18. Airbnb experience host
Share your passion for local culture, cuisine, or crafts by hosting unique experiences for travelers. Whether you’re leading food tours through hidden neighborhood gems, teaching traditional crafts, or guiding photography walks, you can create memorable experiences that showcase your expertise.
Setting your own schedule and pricing allows you to balance this creative venture with other commitments.
19. Professional home staging
Transform empty houses into inviting homes that help properties sell faster and for higher prices. This creative business allows you to blend interior design skills with marketing savvy, working closely with real estate agents and homeowners. Starting with a few key pieces of furniture and decor, you can gradually build your inventory as you establish relationships with real estate agents in your community.
If none of these side hustles work for you, check out a variety of options on the MoneyLion app, like Swagbucks! Find side gigs designed around your time.
It’s Time to Hustle
The best side hustles for women blend flexibility with the opportunity to leverage existing skills and passions.
From creative ventures like photography to service-based work like virtual assistance, these side gigs can start small and grow alongside your schedule and goals.
Whether you’re seeking extra income or exploring a new career path, there’s a perfect side hustle waiting to match your unique talents and lifestyle needs.
FAQs
How much money can I realistically make from a side hustle?
Income varies by hustle type and time invested. While online surveys might earn $100-200 monthly, specialized services like consulting or event planning can generate $1,000+ per month once established. Most side hustles start small but grow with experience and client development.
How do I balance a side hustle with a full-time job?
Choose a hustle that naturally fits your schedule. Many options like virtual assistance or freelance writing can be done evenings or weekends. Start with 5-10 hours weekly and scale up as you develop better time management systems.
Do I need special certifications or licenses to start these side hustles?
Most creative and virtual service-based hustles can start with existing skills. However, some roles like notary services, personal training, or financial consulting require specific certifications or licenses. Take the time to research requirements for your chosen field before starting.