If you are a full-time parent who is wondering. On one side there is a stiryou are not alone. With record high inflation, it is estimated that About 50 percent Americans have at least one side gig in addition to a full-time job. To accomplish the end (Even parents making $100k+). But having some extra pocket cash, while a huge bonus, isn’t the only reason many parents look for a side gig.

According to Neha Roachmother, entrepreneur, The authorand founder of Untitled Motherwhich helps parents succeed in the gig landscape, finding ways to stay comfortable in our homes and work from home during the pandemic has led to a cultural re-examination around work and family.

“Remote work opened up a new way of thinking about how people made space for their priorities and their families,” Roach told Scary Mom. “We’re seeing parents — whether they’re working in the traditional workforce, working part-time, or fully focused on being at home — the workforce on their terms. Make room for passion projects as a way to stay connected, or as a practice to tend to personal hobbies and interests outside of family life.”

Balancing a side gig with parenting, plus a full-time career in some cases, can be difficult. The lines between mom and “side hustler” can be blurred, and staying motivated—parenting and laughing—during the ups and downs of it all is challenging. Below, Ruch shares her tips on how to successfully run a side hustle. And Parents

What should you look for in a side gig?

At first, you may be surprised at what exactly you can do or want to do as a side gig. To help make things easier, Ruch suggests that side gigs, of any scale, should exist. Additional your life.

“Ideally, they help you build a skill, develop an interest, or make money,” she says. “Of course, if two of them are ideal, the trifecta is a homerun and a lot In addition to rare, consider how much time you can devote to the task. Building your own business or project is self-directed but also requires a lot of heart and headspace (and sometimes money).”

For ideas, Ruch suggests freelancing or consulting for other businesses is a great way to develop marketable skills. It’s also a great option for stay-at-home parents looking to stay connected to the workforce or for traditionally employed parents looking for other options.

“The gift of this day and age is that there are so many markets for flexible work opportunities, including Untitled Mother, Yet starting among peers is still my first stop,” she says. “Once you say out loud among peers that you’re considering a new idea or interest—for example, But, freelance writing – someone definitely knows someone or somewhere to start. Looking for you.”

But how do you balance parenting with side hustle culture?

Deciding to add something else to the buffet of options you must choose to spend your time on is a big deal at this stage when time is limited. That’s why, Roach says, it’s important to recognize that while the benefits may be obvious, side hustles can also be difficult to take.

“The key here is to know that if you’re choosing to add something to the buffet, you should take something off (at least for now),” she explains. “When I was working on the title of mother-in-law during naps and nights when my kids were young, I actively let go of other expectations of myself. I gave up elaborate meals, freed up bedtimes, and more. Leaned heavily on easy to make or frozen meals, and at the end of the savings day, I could make something with my husband once a day.”

Another important factor, according to Roach, is to really commit to whatever is going on around you.

“If you take it seriously, you can ask other people to do the same,” she says. “If that means you trade weekend mornings with your partner, in the case of two-parent households, with a friend, or hiring paid help, there is no magic time. is – you must put it aside and prepare yourself to have some degree of consistency.”

Ruch also recommends that you consider what the unique success criteria might be for your project.

“Maybe it’s just learning, building a community, or gathering experience in a particular field so you can pivot your career,” she says. “You can look back at this year because you can reset how much time and resources you can put into it. Above all, don’t let your momentum go beyond your goal. Five years. There were times when I was mostly at home with the little ones that I could. Just plant the seeds. mother untitled, But I knew the mission was clear, and I gave it all the time and energy I could until one day, the time was right to grow it into the movement it is today. If you’re in a slow season, remember that small seeds are powerful.”

What are the disadvantages of taking on a side gig as a parent?

Roach acknowledges that the blurred lines between flexible work and home can be both a blessing and a burden. It’s all too common, she says, to try and hold side projects late in family life. “And if that’s the case — that it’s something you’ll be doing during naps or at night — keep your growth expectations in mind so you’re not burning the candle at both ends,” she cautions. “When you’re ready to scale up a project, make sure you invest in yourself by dedicating your time to it. Durable Way for your family.”

That means, Roach says, taking time to care for children without straining the family system. “The main danger in the era of flexible working is that we think it’s just another way of doing everything – doing more without any help,” she says. “Parental protection guaranteed, full stop, and as and when we add more things that take more time, we need to resource ourselves accordingly.”

But Roach also emphasizes that being able to do meaningful work in a way that works for you or family life as well as keeping yourself connected and inspired is powerful. As such, “it warrants a different level of intentionality in managing your time and priorities,” she says. “This means that every week, and sometimes every day, you have to be clear about whether and when the parents or your project will get more attention, and then do your best to be there for everyone. Do it.”