Raising a child is hard work, no matter where you are. But being a single parent brings its unique challenges. In a recent Kids Count Data Center report, 34 percent of all U.S. children were living in single-parent households in 2019. Of those, 80 percent were getting raised by their mothers.
If you’re a single mother considering moving abroad, you’re probably wondering how you’ll make ends meet once you get there. Here are a few ideas to get you started on your path to financial freedom:
Start freelancing
Freelancing is a great way to earn extra while working abroad because it gives you the flexibility to work around your child’s schedule. This way, juggling parenting duties and work obligations won’t be as difficult.
Another great thing about freelancing is that you can often work from anywhere, as long as you have an internet connection. You can also choose which projects you want to work on to ensure you’re only taking on work that you’re passionate about.
There are several ways to find freelance work, but one of the easiest ways is to use a platform like Upwork or Fiverr. All you need to do is create a profile and apply for jobs that interest you. Afterward, it’s just a matter of setting your rates and working with clients to get the job done.
Once you have a few clients under your belt, you can build a strong portfolio that will make it easier to find more work in the future.
By freelancing, you can earn enough money to cover your living expenses and have some left over to save for a rainy day.
Start a blog or YouTube channel
Are you creative and have fun sharing your ideas and experiences with others? Then starting a blog or YouTube channel could be an easy way to earn while working abroad. With technology becoming increasingly accessible, creating your online platform is easier than ever.
The good thing about having your blog or YouTube channel is that you can work on it at your own pace and anywhere in the world. All you need is a laptop and an internet connection, and you can quickly start sharing your content with the world.
Of course, building a following takes time and effort, but once you do, you can start monetizing your blog or channel through advertising and sponsorships. You can also sell products or services through your platform to boost your earnings.
With about 4.95 billion active users across the globe, the potential to reach a broad audience is there. So, if you’re looking for a way to make money while working abroad, consider starting your blog or YouTube channel. Who knows, you might end up inspiring others along the way.
Rent out your home
If you own your home outright or have a good amount of equity, renting out your home while you live abroad can be a great way to generate some extra income. Especially since you’re not using it, why not let someone else enjoy it and make some money in the process?
There are several ways to offer your home for rent, but the most common is through Airbnb. You can list your property for free and set your rates with it. You’ll also be free to choose when and how long you want to rent it.
Another option is to work with a local rental company to help you find tenants and take care of the paperwork and maintenance. This way, you can focus on your move and not worry about your property back home.
Renting your home is a great way to make extra money while working abroad. Just be sure to research and work with a reputable company to make the process as seamless as possible. Doing so will give you peace of mind and allow you to focus on enjoying your new adventure.
Export products to your local market
If you’re moving to a country with a booming economy, chances are there’s a demand for products from your home country. So, why not start exporting goods to make some extra money?
The process of exporting is relatively simple, and you can do it even if you’re unfamiliar with the business side. All you need to do is find a reputable shipping provider and balance shipping costs with the potential profit you could make. Suppose you’re a Filipino working in Singapore. In that case, a balikbayan box price from Singapore ranges between SGD 15-18. You can either include the shipping fee in your product price or offer it as a separate service.
The best thing about exporting is that you can start small and gradually grow your business as you gain more experience. Plus, you can quickly make a decent profit with the right products without too much effort.
Moving abroad as a single mother can be daunting, but it can also be an exciting new chapter in your life. With creativity and planning, you can find ways to make money no matter where you end up.
