Devoted to WAHMs -Work at Home Moms

The other day I was a bit miffed by some of the suggestions Randy Duermyer threw out in his article. “Ten Home-Based Business Ideas for Moms.” I’m positive it wasn’t Randy’s intent to stereotype, but I was a bit offended by some of the choices.

I think what offended me most was that many of the choices were rather….unskilled. Most moms have skills, we just put them aside to take care of our families. I spent twelve years in publishing and four years in accounting before becoming a freelance writer. Most moms spent four or more years in college, with another decade on the labor force.

Here are some of MY home-based business ideas for moms. Most of them are specialized; some of them don’t require formal training.

• Real Estate Staging – If you know something about interior design and even real estate, you might want to look into staging. Thanks to all of the home improvement shows out there, this has become big business. Staging requires a designer to “stage” a house and make it presentable for selling. To get your start, introduce yourself to some local realtors.
• Legal Advice – Those who are qualified may be able to dispense legal advice. Many people need questions answered, but don’t want to visit or pay for a lawyer.
• Bookkeeping – Lots of small businesses prefer hiring a home-based bookkeeper to balance the accounts every month over keeping an accountant on retainer.  I know of several moms who are doing well bookkeeping on a contract basis.
• Tax Advice – I know a mom who makes a killing at tax time putting her accounting skills to use. She does taxes for lots of her friends and neighbors.
• Writer – Some moms earn a little here and there writing for places such as Associated Content, while others query $1 per word markets. Yours Truly makes a decent living as a full time blogger. If you have a way with words, this is the perfect work at home opportunity.
• Web/Blog Design – I know a couple of moms who worked for web design firms before having children, and now do design work on a contract basis. One of them has a salary rivaling her husband, an accountant.
• Nutritionist – If you have a background in health and nutrition, why not counsel families about proper eating habits?
• Personal Trainer – One of the preschool Moms keeps workout paraphernalia in her mini-van and travels to her clients’ homes while the kids are in school.
• Concierge – This is a job for someone who doesn’t mind driving around town. Plenty of busy people don’t have time to run their own errands and wouldn’t mind paying someone to pick up their dry cleaning or drop off some library books.
• Tutor – If you have a background in education, consider tutoring. Plenty of kids need a bit of extra help, and it’s a great way to earn some money.

These are just a few suggestions. Moms are talented, business savvy individuals capable of muti tasking. Whether you sell baked goods or give music lessons, there are jobs for all of us.