What Can I Do?

LizD_2

Hi

Sorry, this is another of 'those' posts! I've been trying to up my income for at least a couple of years using ideas from here, but so far, nothing has really worked and I'm pretty stuck now.

I've been ok for money as I've been receiving Maternity Allowance, but this month's payment is my last, so I now need to get some other kind of income. I'm not looking for loads, just something to cover debts and give me a bit of pocket money.

I'm a married, stay at home mum. My husband covers household expenses, but I don't feel it's right to expect him to give me money to spend on luxuries/frivolities.

A 9-5 job isn't an option as anything I would earn would end up going on nursery/childcare fees which defeats the object. Evening/weekend jobs are also out as I can't rely on DH being available to look after our son as he works erratic hours.

I've tried catalogue distribution, party plan etc and couldn't make them work for me. Surveys, mystery shopping and so just aren't worth it for me either. I hate housework and can't keep on top of my own, so I don't think ironing or similar would be good for me either.

I would quite like to start my own business (I have a couple of ideas), but I have no idea about marketing, finance etc. I love making things, but I'm just not a business person. I also don't have any capital and there's no way I could approach a bank for a loan.
I have spoken to Business Link in the past, but didn't find them helpful for what I wanted to do.

Would appreciate any input.

Thanks

billsavings

Is their any work you do like doing ?

jennikitten

It doesn't cost too much to set up a website if you want to test the waters. It doesn't have to be too formal. I know a couple of stay-at-home mums who bake or sell crafty bits via the internet. It's not difficult to promote, particularly with facebook, twitter, word of mouth & many others in similar situations who will link to your website, offer advice etc. Just go for it.

LizD_2

jennikitten wrote: »

It doesn't cost too much to set up a website if you want to test the waters. It doesn't have to be too formal. I know a couple of stay-at-home mums who bake or sell crafty bits via the internet. It's not difficult to promote, particularly with facebook, twitter, word of mouth & many others in similar situations who will link to your website, offer advice etc. Just go for it.

I have had a website in the past, but I'm just rubbish at promoting what I do. I'm just not a sales person and I feel like I'm trying to push people into buying - hence party plan wasn't good for me. I don't do self-promotion!

I have looked on the net for tips for promoting, but haven't found anything that really relates.

Sorry, I know it seems like I'm making excuses, but I know if I can find something I enjoy I'll give it everything I can - just haven't found the right thing yet.

Sixer

You could apply to rate web pages via Lionbridge or Butler Hill (search the forum for details)? I don't have direct experience, but they're from home and seem to be part-time and work the hours you choose.

My friend does website surveys for eDigital Research (search the forum again) - and she earns between £100 and £150 per month doing that, so it's not to be sneezed at. Again, you can do the work at your own convenience. Not sure how the hourly rate would work out though.

lisyloo

You say you love making things.
Is there something you could make fairly cheaply to sell on ebay.
You don't have to be a sales person to sell on ebay, you can get ideas on how to list from other sellers items.
Once you have a listing set up it can be re-used so that's a one-off activity.

Could you make something like personalised birthday cards?
Not sure what things you like to make, but it should be fairly low cost.
Remember that you have to factor in postage, packaging, ebay fees, paypal fees and the occasional loss through disgruntled buyers.

If I was doing it I would make things that I would use myself, then if it's a total disaster you can keep the goods and you've just enjoyed your hobby. I would also pick something you enjoy, so if you don't make a fortune at least you are enjoying it.
Some areas might be competitive so do your research and make sure you can make a profit after fees and postage.

supa-girl

Hi

What sort of things do you make?

I understand it's hard, I am in a similar position as a sahm with 5 children. DH has had a massive cut in income (long story) but it is just not cost effective for me to have a conventional job and like yours, my DH has irregular hours which make it impossible to work in the evnings or at week ends.

The things I have done this year are focus on reducing our costs. I home cook from scrtch to keep the food bills down, I buy most of the kids xmas/birthday presents ahread of time in the sales/from charity shops and I have shopped around for the best deals on utilities etc. It is amazing how much better off we fee for me managing these basic "house keeping" tasks for want of a better phrase.

In the coming year, my next step is to make etxra money. I will do this by decluttering regularly and getting those things on ebay and preloved (it's something I have in the past struggled to find time to do). I also plan to buy some things to sell on - eg in the charity shops there are loads of shorts and T-shirts atm so I am going to buy the "good" ones (boden, next etc) and try to sell them for a bit more in the summer. Likewise with summer games and toys....... I don't have a huge budget for this, nor a lot of storage but every little helps and my "goal" is to pay for our holiday in the summer.

Finally, I am going to have a go at making jewellery. Lots of people do it, but my focus will be on following the fashion trends rather than making what everyone else makes. When I sell it, I will have the magazines etc to show that the stars are wearing similar things. I want to make something a bit different rather than all the beads and bangles that everyone else seems to be selling (I have done a bit of research).

I don't think I will make a huge profit but the thing I do have going for me as a long term sahm is a huge support network of people who are willing to have coffee mornings and things to "launch" me......

it's a work in progress and I intend to do one thing at a time, starting with the decluttering and selling over the xmas holiday.

Think hard - there will be soemthing you can do and even if it does take you out of your comfort zone (I feel a bit like that with the jewellery) you have to keep in mind that your DH probably doesn't want to go to work everyday but he has to because he needs to support his family. I try to see my bit as saying thanks to him and allowing us to have a nice holiday that I have paid for.

SG

patterncat

If you are entrepreneurial you could look at springwise.com for ideas on whats hot and not in the world of new and innovative business ideas.

glowgirl_2

You could try looking at Avon, there is a really good thread on here with reps giving advice, I believe if you went that extra little bit and learned about the products and looked nice yourself you would do really well also this is a bit of an odd one but have you looked at the competitions board on here? All you need is time and a bit of organisation (and a bit of luck!) and you could have a little side line going on and it wont cost you anything while your thinking about other stuff, many people do quite well from a comping habit;)if I can help you with any questions about it just let me know:)

spadoosh

Lol, love how people are using the line 'its not cost effective for me to get a job'. Thats really quite upsetting as someone who work 50 hrs a week on little over minimum wage, trying to save to buy a house and start a family, while covering your maternity/tax credits and dare i say it 'job seekers'!?

Both my parents worked full time whilst raising me and my sister always living on the bread line but never once asking anybody for anything and always being there for us. yet many say thats not possible, obviously different people

Mrs_Money

I'm afraid the harsh facts are that if you have children and cannot command an hourly rate of pay in excess of what childcare for them would cost then getting a job often is not economically viable. Shouldn't be the case but there it is.

Do the maths - if you can only earn £6 or £7 per hour - where do you get childcare for a couple of children for less than that?

It's a different matter if you can earn £10 + per hour. I was once in this position when my 3 children were small. At the time, childcare costs per hour for them were 3 times the hourly rate I could get in most jobs!