This is the ultimate roadmap for modern parents who are trying to make money from home while still having time for their kids. I’ve been there. This isn’t some boring step-by-step manual, it’s a full breakdown of how to get started working online as a parent.
Hey there lovely parents! As a gay dad who has experience in remote work and a is still maintaining a lively household, I’ve learned that working from home with kids is amazing, especially when you're trying to save money.
Working from home allowed me to save a ton on childcare expenses, and it also opened the doors to all kinds of professional opportunities and brand deals.
So buckle up and join me on this guide as we explore the ultimate roadmap for parents stepping into online work.
What if I told you that you could land a remote job with zero experience, all while you're wearing your comfiest sweatpants? Sounds too good to be true, right? it’s 100% possible.
When I first started working from home, I thought I'd need some fancy degree or a résumé packed with experience.
But there are plenty of remote jobs out there that don’t require prior experience, and some of them are perfect for busy parents like us.
So, where do you start? Here are six solid work-from-home jobs that you can dive into today, no previous experience needed:
✅ Virtual Assistant – If you’re the kind of person who loves making to-do lists and organizing chaos, this is for you. Businesses need help with emails, scheduling, and admin tasks, all things you’re probably already doing at home!
✅ Data Entry Clerk – If you can type and follow instructions, you can do this job.
✅ Customer Service Representative – Got a friendly voice and some patience (which, as a parent, I know you do)? Many companies hire remote customer service reps to answer questions and help customers.
✅ Social Media Manager – If you spend more time on Instagram than you’d like to admit, why not get paid for it? Businesses need people to manage their accounts, post content, and engage with followers.
✅ Writer – Love telling stories or explaining things in writing? Whether it’s blog posts, website content, or product descriptions, there’s always demand for good writers.
✅ Proofreader or Copyeditor – If typos make you cringe, this job’s for you. You’ll be reviewing and polishing up content to make sure it’s error-free.
Want a deeper dive into even more side hustles that are perfect for stay-at-home parents? I actually wrote a whole guide on this! Check it out here: **11 Easy Side Hustles for Stay-at-Home Dads.**
So you’ve picked your online hustle, awesome! But now comes the fun part: actually figuring out how to do it. That’s where a good course comes in.
Now, I know what you're thinking: “Ugh, courses? Aren’t those expensive and super boring?” Trust me, you've never been so wrong.
I’ve already done the heavy lifting for you and reviewed some actually worthwhile ones.
Some are quick and straight to the point (great for busy parents), while others go deep into all the details. You do you, grab what fits your learning style.
One Peak Creative has some killer courses that break down exactly how they skyrocketed to success, and how you can do the same. Here are my top picks:
📌 The TikTok & Reels Creator Course – Perfect if you want to master short-form videos and finally understand why the algorithm does what it does.
📌 Content Creator Academy – Covers everything from branding to engagement strategies, basically, how to look like you actually know what you’re doing online.
📌 Video Ad Academy – Want to make money with video ads? This one’s got you covered.
📌 The Art of Hooks Creator Course – Ever wonder why some videos suck you in immediately? This course teaches you how to hook viewers in the first few seconds.
📌 Comfy on Camera – If the thought of talking to a camera makes you sweat, this course will help you look natural and confident (even if you're in pajamas).
I went through all of these and shared my thoughts here: [Full One Peak Creative Course Review (Find Your Peak)]. Check it out if you want the inside scoop.
If you’re like me and prefer learning while lying back on the couch, TSM Media’s Part Time Creator Academy is a great option. It’s bite-sized, super actionable, and easy to watch from your phone. I even did a full review of it here: Honest Dad Review: Part Time Creator Academy Course (2025).
This step isn’t exactly rocket science, no one’s asking you to build a spaceship here. But if you’re serious about getting clients and making money online, you do need some sort of online presence.
If freelancing is your thing, setting up an Upwork profile is a great start.
But if you're more of a networking type? LinkedIn is your best friend.
Want to showcase your work visually? A simple portfolio website could do the trick. The goal? Make it stupidly easy for people to see what you do and why they should pay you for it.
✔ Make It Look Legit – First impressions matter. Use a clear, professional-looking photo (no car selfies, please) and write a bio that actually sounds like you.
✔ Pack It With Skills – If you know how to do something, list it. Don’t be shy. But also, don’t lie. The last thing you want is to land a gig and then realize you have zero clue what you're doing. That’s an awkward conversation.
✔ Show, Don’t Tell – Got past work, even if it’s personal projects? Add it! People trust proof more than promises.
✔ Keep It Updated – If you pick up a new skill or complete a cool project, slap it on your profile. You never know who’s watching!
Now, this one’s a no-brainer, but it needs to be said, because the last thing you want is to land a sweet gig and then realize you have no way to get paid.
That’s like ordering takeout and forgetting your wallet. awkward!
You could stick with whatever payment method you already use, but let’s be real, some of them have ridiculous fees, annoying transfer delays, or just don’t work well for international payments. Just let me save you some trouble.
💸 Wise (formerly TransferWise) – This one’s pretty known if you're dealing with international clients. Low fees, fair exchange rates, and super easy to use.
💰 WealthSimple – If you’re in Canada (like yours truly), this is a solid option. It’s great for managing money and investing, so you can grow that hard-earned cash.
I’ve personally used both and never had an issue, so you really can’t go wrong. Set up your preferred payment method now, and when that first paycheck rolls in, you’ll be very glad you did.
Now for the fun (and slightly nerve-wracking) part, actually getting jobs. You can have all the skills in the world, the best profile, and a rock-solid payment setup, but if you’re not putting yourself out there, your inbox is going to stay very quiet.
The good news? There are tons of platforms designed specifically for online work. You just need to find the right fit. Here are a few of my go-to spots:
🚀 Upwork – One of the biggest freelancing platforms out there. Great for everything from writing and design to admin work and coding.
🎨 Fiverr – Perfect if you want to offer specific services at set prices. Think of it like a digital marketplace for your skills.
💼 LinkedIn – Not just for corporate types! Tons of remote jobs get posted here, and networking is chef’s kiss for landing gigs.
📋 Freelancer – Similar to Upwork, with a mix of one-off projects and long-term contracts.
🔎 Indeed – Great for finding remote jobs with companies rather than freelance gigs.
✔ Apply Smart, Not Just Fast – Don’t spam your résumé everywhere. Take a few extra minutes to personalize your applications, it really makes a difference.
✔ Network Like You Mean It – Join online groups, comment on posts, and connect with people in your industry. Jobs often come from who you know, not just what you know.
✔ Don’t Get Discouraged – Rejection happens. Keep applying, keep tweaking your approach, and before you know it, you’ll be landing work left and right.
Some people ask me, what's the best things about working online? my answer will always be " You call the shots ". There’s no rule that says you need to work a strict 9-to-5 (and let’s be real, kids don’t care about office hours anyway).
This is a side hustle, not a second full-time job, so you get to set your own schedule. Maybe you’re a night owl who loves working after the kids go to bed, or maybe early mornings with a cup of coffee are your sweet spot. Whatever works for you, roll with it.
🍼 Nap Time = Work Time – If you’ve got little ones, capitalize on those naps. Even an hour here and there adds up!
🌙 Night Owls, Rejoice – If your brain kicks into high gear after bedtime stories, late-night work sessions can be great.
🌞 Early Birds Win Too – Waking up an hour before the chaos starts? Pure productivity gold.
👨👩👧👦 Communicate With Your Partner – If you’ve got a partner, set clear “focus hours” where they take over so you can knock out work distraction-free.
📅 Use a Planner – Whether it’s Google Calendar, Notion, or an old-school paper planner, mapping out your week can keep you sane.
📌 Trello – Think of this as your digital bulletin board. Great for organizing tasks, tracking projects, and visually laying out what needs to get done.
📝 Notion – This is my ride-or-die for everything, work tasks, grocery lists, even planning out family schedules. Super customizable and weirdly fun to use.
📅 Google Calendar – If it’s not on my Google Calendar, it’s not happening. Set reminders, block out work hours, and color-code everything for max efficiency.
📑 Todoist – Perfect for those who love simple, check-off-the-box-style to-do lists.
🚀 RescueTime – If you’re wondering where all your time actually goes, this app tracks your screen time and helps you cut out distractions (ahem, endless Instagram scrolling).
Now you’ve got the skills, the setup, and the gigs are rolling in, here's my advice to you don’t stop there!
The online world moves fast, and if you want to keep growing (and keep those paychecks coming), you gotta keep learning.
The beauty of working online is that there’s no ceiling. Some people start out with a simple side hustle and, before they know it, they’re making way more than they ever did at their old 9-to-5. More money, more flexibility, more time for family? Yes, please.
📖 Keep Learning – Take new courses, read industry blogs, and stay updated on trends. The more you know, the more valuable you become.
💡 Expand Your Skillset – If you're a writer, learn SEO. If you're a virtual assistant, pick up some social media skills. Little upgrades = bigger paychecks.
🌎 Network – Join online communities, engage on LinkedIn, and connect with people in your industry. Opportunities come from who you know as much as what you know.
🎯 Diversify Your Income – Don’t rely on just one gig. Try different platforms, offer new services, or even start your own thing. You never know what could blow up!
The people who succeed at this long-term? They stay curious, stay consistent, and keep pushing themselves. Keep growing, keep improving, and who knows? You might just turn this side hustle into your dream full-time job.
And there you have it guys! Working online as a parent isn’t just some far-off dream, I promise you it’s totally doable, and it can give you a life with way more freedom and flexibility.
The trick is figuring out what works for you and just being as consistent at it as possible. Maybe you're picking up a new skill, making connections left and right, or just soaking up that extra time with your family.
Whatever it is, stay at it and keep learning. The online world is packed with opportunities, and you’ve got everything you need to grab them.
So roll up those sleeves, and let’s make this happen. Your work-from-home journey is just getting started, and I can’t wait to see where it takes you. Here’s to success, more family time, and a whole lot of fun along the way! Cheers!
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