How to Start a Freelance Business as a Work-at-Home Mom

Becoming a work-at-home mom is a dream many mothers share. Whether you are a corporate mom, a stay-at-home mom, or a single mom, there are endless opportunities to make an impact from home while spending time with your children.

Now, let’s discuss the journey to becoming a work-at-home mom, with a focus on virtual assistant work. This can range from general tasks like managing phone calls and emails to more niche roles like a Pinterest manager, podcast manager, or social media manager. Starting as a general virtual assistant allows you to gain a variety of skills, while the numerous opportunities available provide ample room for growth and specialization.

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Discover Your Gifts and Monetize Them

To begin, grab a pen and paper and draw a line down the middle. On the left side, list your passions – the things that light you up and you would do for free all day. On the left side, list the things you’re passionate about—the activities that bring you joy and that you would do for free if you could. Don’t hesitate to include any interests, even if they seem trivial, like scrapbooking.

On the right side, list your hard skills. Don’t downplay your abilities, especially if you’re a stay-at-home mom who feels like there’s a gap in your resume. Recognize that motherhood teaches valuable skills, such as managing a household or handling a family budget. Consider whether you have a knack for platforms like Pinterest or if you’re a podcast enthusiast. 

There’s nothing you cannot learn. Your background and education don’t limit you, as demonstrated by my own journey from studying culinary arts and nutrition to owning a podcast management agency. Give yourself a break, and dare to dream big—anything is possible.

Analyze Your Work History

Take a moment to reflect on your past work experiences and identify the skills you’ve learned. For example, if you excelled in customer service, write it down. Your goal is to have 5-15 items on each side of the column. After completing this exercise, circle 3-5 items on each side that resonate with you the most. Then, try to find intersections between your passions and your skills.

Work-at-home Mom Opportunities

There are countless virtual assistant opportunities available, such as social media management, Pinterest management, podcast management, online business management, bookkeeping, and more. Don’t let the word “manager” intimidate you – mindset is key in this journey.

Hone your skills as a Work-at-Home Mom

Once you have identified your area of interest, start gaining more skills. There are numerous online courses and resources available to help you learn. Start by watching YouTube videos to get an idea of what the role entails. Remember, growth requires patience and a willingness to learn.

Begin Working with Clients

Initially, you might work for a lower rate or pro bono to gain experience and build your portfolio. Consider working with one or two clients, like a local church or business, to refine your systems and processes. Keep in mind that it’s common to pivot and find your niche as you gain experience in the virtual assistant space.

Becoming a work-at-home mom is an achievable goal, with virtual assistant work offering endless possibilities. Your mindset plays a significant role in your journey, so stay positive and open to learning new skills. With the right attitude, you can create a fulfilling and flexible career that allows you to be present for your family while making an impact from home.