Maternity

5 Businesses To Start While On Maternity Leave

Maternity leave gives Mums the right opportunity to start something new because they have the time on their hands. Having a baby is a life-changing event that can dramatically shift your priorities. Some women feel that, with their family set to grow, they have to make big changes to their careers while they can. It could mean having a side job for some Mums and for others, self-employment is a lovely way to work and have quality family time.

Fortunately, today’s technology has opened many doors for Mums to work from home. With just a web connection, you can find jobs and business opportunities that range widely across industries and also garner a pretty decent income. Below are 5 jobs to start while on maternity leave.

Maternity

[Effects of working Mums on their children]

1. Web design

As a new or expectant mum, you won’t have a problem designing websites for clients if you already have the skills. If you don’t, you can take online courses. This is also a great time to learn and get different certifications online.

2. Freelance writing

Writing is another thing that you can do while on maternity leave. All you need is the skills, a computer and internet connection. You would easily get jobs on freelancing websites like Odesk, Elance or Freelancer.

3. Craft making and selling

There are so many things you could learn to make and sell. You could make candles, soap, insecticides, sponge. You can also learn how to make earrings, necklaces, beads, rings and earpieces from home and supply them to jewelry stores around you or sell them on the internet. Remember to be extra careful if you will be dealing with chemicals.

4. Video blogging

You can start vlogging by talking about your pregnancy journey and teach other women what to expect during pregnancy, what to eat or things to avoid. You can also record your process as a new mum. Or you could be a consultant (you have an area of expertise that you can share tips and ideas on)

5. Pastry making/catering

Bake your pastries and supply to shops and supermarkets near you or get contracts from party hosts to supply pastries at their parties. If you have great cooking skills, now is the time to make money from it. You could set up a catering business and offer your services to corporate outlets like restaurants and fast foods, lunch time catering, party catering to mention a few.

Finally, What is that one thing you’ve always wanted to do? What drives you, what are you passionate about? Your maternity leave is a good time to use your skills and talents to make money for you.

Many Mums on maternity have also found business success by identifying niche markets pertaining to their children.

[13 inspiring businesses started by women on maternity leave]

Find something that works for you and do it. Don’t forget to take care of yourself and give yourself time to heal.

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