How can you monetize your time away from the usual 9-to-5 career and business world when you are on maternity leave?
Between the family visits, nesting habits, and sleepless nights, maternity leave can have mothers feeling like they have little control over their time. There may even be the added stress of having a reduced income, depending on the terms of maternity leave. Fortunately, today’s technology has opened many doors for moms to work from home.
But with just a web connection, you can find job and business opportunities that range widely across industries and also garner a pretty decent income. Consider a few of the following options for business ideas for women to undertake whilst on leave—and maybe even beyond!
1. Run an Etsy shop
For crafter moms out there, Etsy offers a great platform from which to sell your work. A wide range of products can be sold, from knitted clothing to handmade jewelry to unique pottery. One the best aspects about this route is that you don’t have to adhere to a set schedule. You can create and sell your products on your own timeline. And with mailing and craft supplies set up at home, you won’t be obligated to leave the house.
2. Transcribe medical records
If you’re seeking part-time work that is a little more predictable, computer-based, and will help you get a foot in the door of the medical industry, medical transcription is an excellent choice. You’ll likely need to have some training, but there are some relatively short programs out there (and most are done from home). You will learn how to code for medical conditions, type more efficiently, and work with health professionals.
3. Design websites
No computing background? No problem. Web design is one of many fields that can be learned from the comfort of home in a reasonably short amount of time. You can gain the skills you need to build gorgeous websites with amazing graphics. You can even learn how to go about monetizing your skills and getting started in the world of freelancing.
4. Run a home babysitting daycare
Seeing as you will essentially be running a one-infant daycare center around the clock, consider expanding your horizons once things settle down post-birth. Chances are that it won’t be difficult to find clients, especially if you’ve delved into the parental network that is birthing classes, prenatal yoga, or visits to your local park.
5. Become a transcriber
If you are a good typist, there are openings in transcribing services, and an increasing call for them means the opportunity to set up your own business. They take in recordings from businesses, media, conferences, events and other areas, and then return a transcript. The great thing about transcribing is that the payment for each piece is higher is the turnaround is shorter – times range from an hour to a week.
Though many of these ideas don’t necessarily relate to motherhood directly, many moms on maternity have also found business success by identifying niche markets pertaining to their children. Examples include mothers who have begun teething jewelry businesses, boutique children’s clothing lines, and products to encourage sleep in fussy babies. The creativity has been remarkable, and has made the lives of many parents a little bit easier along the way.
