When you hear the words ‘maternity leave’, you think of cuddles, walks with the pram and essential bonding time. While this is true, in the real world, sometimes maternity leave can leave families financially stressed.
Many new parents look at ways to make money on maternity leave while also being able to receive SMP or maternity allowance. It is possible to bring in additional income by either starting or continuing, with a side hustle.
We look at the rules concerning maternity pay and sideline businesses. We also explore some possible new ventures which can bring in some extra money while being a stay at home mum.
Further reading
- Can you work a second job while on maternity leave?
- Start a business with no money – our guide on low cost business ideas.
The Rules on Making Money When on Maternity Leave
When you first take a look at the rules on making money when on maternity leave, things can seem a little complex. However, the rules are simpler than they appear.
While on maternity leave you cannot:
- Continue working for another employer, if you do then your maternity pay will end. This is also the case once the baby is born.
- Take on a second job where you are employed.
While on maternity leave you can:
- Go to your place of work for a maximum of 10 days as part of ‘keeping in touch’ days.
- Continue with a self employed venture.
- Set up a new sideline to bring in some extra income.
10 Maternity Leave Side Hustle Ideas
Currently, scratching your head wondering what possible side hustle you can start up while juggling new parenthood?
We share our top 10 best ideas for making extra money on maternity leave:-
1. Sell Stuff
One of the quickest and stress-free ways to make a little cash is to sell items. These can be things you have that you no longer need or things you purchase to sell at a profit.
All you need is an eBay account (alternatives are available) and the ability to post items out to the buyer.
2. Make Things To Sell
A little more time consuming perhaps, but this one is great if you have a hobby you can earn cash from.
You could set up a business to make candles cards, jewellery or sell cross stitches. These crafty items sell well and you could also sell them at local markets.
What To Make:
- Jewellery
- Cards
- Wedding Invitations
- Wedding Favours
- Sweet Bouquets
- Soap
- Gifts
3. Do Some Baking
Perhaps not ideal if you are trying to reach pre pregnancy weight, but making and selling cakes can be pretty lucrative.
You might need to set up some business must haves to go forth with this such as registering with your local council and obtaining a food hygiene certificate.
What To Bake:
- Birthday cakes
- Wedding cakes
- Biscuits
- Brownies
- Cake gift boxes
- Millionaire’s Shortbread
4. Answer Online Surveys
You can make money simply by doing online surveys. Granted, the amount may be little but it will all add up if you sign up for quite a few. These can be done in your own time, at home and at a pace to suit you.
Top Tip: For any surveys do not use your personal email because you will get so many emails in your inbox. Instead, set up one purely for use in the online surveys.
5. Cash Back Sites
These are a genuine way to earn some rewards and are well worth signing up for.
It means each time you purchase through the cashback link, you will receive a commission as well as the cashback site.
6. Do A Bit Of Blogging
Why not set up a blogging site while home with your baby or you can blog for someone else?
Blogging is very popular and if you find a niche that you are passionate about, then the blogs often write themselves.
7. Freelance Writing
Now, this probably won’t suit everyone but if you like a bit of writing and have a vast knowledge of topics it might suit you.
You can download apps such as Upwork and Freelancer to find work. They do take a percentage of your earnings so be warned.
8. Keeping In Touch Days
For the 10 keeping in touch (KIT) days, your employer can pay you while you also still receive your maternity pay.
These days should be agreed upon beforehand and whether you do 1 hour or 8 hours, this counts as a day either way.
9. Dog Walking
Such a sought after profession at the moment, you could consider starting a dog walking business. This is a servoce that so many people need.
Since life has gone back to some sort of normality post pandemic, many people need someone reliable to walk their pooches. It is also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air to keep those baby blues in check.
10. Ironing
Already drowning under vests and sleep suits? Then why not add other people’s laundry into the mix and open an ironing business?
Choose how much you take on, the rate of pay, and do it while the baby sleeps or is content. It is surprising how many people rely on ironing services.
See Also: I want to start a business but have no ideas – our guide on how to get your thinking cap on, and all the legalities of starting up!
Things To Remember With Side Hustles
Once you have decided on your niche and are running ideas over, it is important to remember a few things.
- Check your contract first. Some employers may have a clause preventing you from working for anyone else. This can include freelancing and is worth a discussion with your boss first.
- Also, check your contract for anything regarding self employment. Some contracts state you cannot be self employed while working for them.
- Don’t forget to declare your extra income. You need to register with HMRC if you decide to set up a self employed gig.
Now Go Out and Make That Extra Cash!
Sometimes it can feel like you lose a little bit of yourself when you are on maternity leave. Your world suddenly revolves around a tiny person who is entirely dependent on you.
To help keep you grounded, taking up a side hustle can give you focus on something other than motherhood. It is also a great way to meet new people and earns some extra cash during what can be a stressful time for some.
Spend some time thinking about what will work best for you and try to play to your strengths. If you enjoy crafting and can create good quality products then get selling. If you make a mean chocolate fudge cake, then get baking. You need to base your decision on your circumstances and the time you have available.
Just be sure you thoroughly read your contract and look out for any potential clauses. Some employers prevent their employees from doing self employed work.
You never know, your little sideline venture might end up being the best thing you ever did. Maybe it will even pay enough to become your main job. Life is short, those opportunities should be grabbed while they are there. Being on maternity leave is a unique time you will never get again, use it to your potential.
