Something is appealing about a side hustle – especially if it enables you to never go back to a job.

Ever. Intrigued?

As an expat family, you know the story; you live it. A life lived far away from family and natural supports. You have young children. No grandparents, aunts, uncles – no babysitters. You are facing a  single income situation; not just for a year or two like your naïve pre-baby self-thought. A good daycare for two or more children can cost more than your salary (even with a university degree… I know, its crazy).  When they enter school is not the endpoint; school hours are not business hours. In regards to the early school years – how does your employer feel about five days over two weeks, differing alternate weeks? Plus there are assemblies, class trips, SCHOOL HOLIDAYS… the list goes on. Without the help of a retired grandparent or other family support, it falls to you and your partner to be there for everything. On one income. For a decade. At least.

What?

What if there was an option? What if you could have a side hustle? That could generate income. Without taking you away from your family? Something you could do online, at home, when you have the time? And what if it could one day have the potential to become a full-time income, with very part-time hours?

Sounds too good to be true? I thought so.

According to Forbes, everyone should have a side hustle. In addition to reducing your stress, it will give you more freedom and make you happier. It does not have to be a full-blown business on the side. However, it could become one.

But first, what is a side hustle? A side hustle is considered a secondary revenue stream to your primary role. That role could be paid employment, or it could be that of an at home parent or a carer. Pretty much anything could be a side hustle opportunity. However, I am explicitly addressing online flexible opportunities, which create freedom, not restrict it. Blogs, eCommerce, direct sales, network marketing,  online coaching, virtual assistant, affiliate marketing, social communities, eBooks, and digital media are all examples of flexible online opportunities that have the potential to be very profitable.

While this might sound intriguing, for a parent of small children, particularly with limited family support, it also must sound crazy! How could it possibly be a solution to take on more work? Start your own business? When looking after your children is already running you down? With a budget already so stretched, there is no room for the start-up costs?

If this is you, then continue reading for ;

7 Reasons Why a Side Hustle Gives Busy Parents More Freedom and Less Stress

 

1. Freedom to follow your Passion

Whether you are working at a traditional business full time or part time, or are a stay-at-home-parent, a side hustle will allow you to follow your passion. With virtually unlimited online options available, pick something that inspires you, which you are passionate.  If your love is health and wellness, you can jump into that space. If it is travel, fashion, beauty, or personal development; the options are all out there. When you are working at something you are passionate about, it brings you joy and fulfillment to share that with others.  It is this passion that will draw others to you.

2. Freedom of Time

To work where you want to and when you want to. At home. In a café. Travelling. While they are sleeping. While you’re sleeping (but that is another topic entirely – watch this space!)! On the computer, tablet, or even on your phone. An online side business goes where you go. And when you don’t want it there you can put it away and enjoy being in the moment. This freedom can allow you to be where you need to be when you need to be there. A side hustle can do that.

 

3. Freedom of your Finances

Going from two full-time incomes to support two people, to one, or one and a half salary to support three or more people can leave us in a stretch. The expenses are going up, as are the number of people. This single fact can but an enormous stress on families; particularly if extended family is not close enough to help. Those neighbours who do not have to pay for childcare because a grandparent is available? That’s amazing! But if like me you don’t have that option either, keep reading.

Even if it starts small, a side hustle provides the opportunity for even just that little bit of extra income each month. That little bit might make a difference. I did for me.

4. Freedom of Health

All too often as parents, when we are short on time and short on resources, our health and wellbeing that is the first to deprioritized. Although this might be temporary, it can have a lasting effect. Exhaustion, depletion, lack of sleep, poor diet, and insufficient exercise can be the hallmark of a parent of young children. How can a side hustle help this? While it might seem counterintuitive that taking on a new project will give you more time to focus on yourself, it could. It could allow you the additional funds to provide yourself with some attention, guilt-free. Or, getting back your health and wellbeing, while sharing your story, could be your side hustle!

5. Freedom to Travel

Are you tired of needing to ask permission to take some time off to attend your grandmother’s 90th birthday or your best friend’s wedding? Or just can’t afford the trip with kids and a single income?

A side hustle could give you the time freedom to do these things, and even give you an income while doing so. On vacation, and receiving a pay cheque – if you are over your 2 – 4 weeks per year?  Whenever you need the time to travel, or want it? An online business can come with you, and potentially only require a few hours a week of your attention.

6. Freedom of Opportunity

Whether you work at it full time, part time, or very part-time, a side hustle can be an opportunity with virtually endless potential. It might be something you start in the moments of your week when you can fit it in. It might in time earn you that little bit extra that makes a difference. And it might become your economic freedom. When you make the shift from dreaming of a different future to taking action, you become an entrepreneur. You have become proactive instead of reactive. That is when opportunities start coming your way, in ways you might not have expected.  So step into the side hustle – create a story of your own.

7. Freedom of Movement

Lastly, but certainly not least, a side hustle will give you freedom of movement. You might be living here now, but maybe not forever. You might go home. You might want to travel with your family. You might want to go back for an extended visit. You might NEED to go home. Or somewhere. This reality might have held you back from investing time and money into a bricks and mortar business, or following the career of your dreams. But with an online side hustle, you can take your business anywhere that has an internet connection.

Starting a side hustle might seem like an unreasonable amount of extra work to a parent of a busy family. But if you are living an expat life it might be the answer.  Away from your supports, a side hustle could give you the freedom to have it both ways – be here and live the life of your dreams, and go home when you want or need to.  And your business will always be there for you.

Find your freedom.

Are you’re an expat looking for a change? Or a parent wanting to work from home? Do you NEED a side hustle? Click the button below; we would love to hear from you.