July 25, 2006

I need some income but I want to stay home . . .

money tree.jpg
James and I have been trying to think of a way for me to make a little money without really having to go back to work (you're totally laughing at me now, right?) I mean, who wouldn't want an income and not have to work? But seriously, I don't mind spending some time on something when Olivia is napping or playing. I don't have a lot of time really. James isn't pushing anything, but I want to contribute, so here are the things I am considering, along with my thoughts on them:

-- working part time for dad doing accounting
(I have been doing this and will continue to occasionally, but it takes more time than I have)

-- childcare
(I have been asked to watch a little Korean boy (too cute!!) 4 days a week. James doesn't want me to because he thinks it'll take time away from Olivia since it's constant)

-- selling something like Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, etc.
(Who am I kidding? I couldn't sell a car for $5! This soooo isn't for me)

-- prostitute
(I think I've gained too much weight though) :-)

-- write a book
(I have some ideas and I was an English major, but I don't think I'm that good. I could look for a freelance job, but they are hard to come by)

-- day trader
(ok, before you fall out of your chair laughing, this is the most likely one. We want to set aside some money each month and let me play around with it. I think I could do this, even if I don't do so well the first few months)

I will definitely be staying home with Olivia, but it'd be nice to find something that gives me a bit of money each month, but still allows me a lot of time with my daughter. What do you think of these ideas? (excluding the prostitution one of course!) LOL!

Posted by Hannah at July 25, 2006 01:14 PM
Comments

Wow, trading.
One of my friends takes care of another child in addition to her own. I think she's found it to be a good experience. The two kids play with each other, helping in the socialization process.

Posted by: shokufeh at July 25, 2006 01:45 PM

Having watched other people's children myself, I would say that one should be crossed off of the list. While I agree with the above post about being helpful to your child's socialization process, we all know that you will never love another child as much as you do your own. For me, I saw the other children being there as getting in the way of my time with my own child. I love other people's children but I even found myself feeling jealous that I didn't have time to spend alone with my own baby. I'd go for the prostitution myself but I'm in the same physical condition. But hey, some guys are into that!

Posted by: Jenn at July 25, 2006 02:52 PM

It sounds like babysitting that little boy would be a great opportunity! Olivia would have a playmate, and you would get experience with what little boys are like. haha :) What about selling things on eBay? I know of a few people who have made that a "side job." What about the freelance travel agent job that you mentioned when you were pregnant? You could still try that!

Posted by: Lisanne at July 25, 2006 02:53 PM

I was thinking of something you can do inhouse that is not much time. Can you do medical transcribing or part time ad sales? Those are inhouse jobs which don't require too much time. Good luck.

Posted by: Ani at July 25, 2006 03:02 PM

Why not apply your teaching experience and do some tutoring? I know a woman who helps one or two students a few afternoons a week in her home while her baby is napping.

Posted by: Arin at July 25, 2006 03:38 PM

When I quit teaching I will definitely be babysitting another child or two. I think it's a great option as long as you're not easily stressed.

Posted by: Chas at July 25, 2006 06:11 PM

What about Creative Memories? It totally rocks. You could easily get started if you consider all the other new mommies that you know - and EVERYONE should be treasuring their child's memories. For me the photography is working well, since I'm doing mostly young kids and babies - it's easy to take the bubby with. When it's a shoot that I can't take him with - then grandpa is always available and lives around the corner. Since it's quite a well paying thing, I don't have to do more than 3 or 4 shoots a week to make a fair bit, leaving me with plenty of time for the bubby. I had been considering day care - (as it is the bubby will be starting two mornings a week with a group from next month 8am to 12noon)but after reading an article called "The death of motherhood" which talks about how children should have their moms available until they're 3 at least - I've shelved the idea of returning to full time work permanently. The bubby will do two mornings a week - which is good for him to play with other kids and then I can set up regular time slots for 'work'. If I start to get really busy then I will up it to 3 mornings a week. I can't bring myself to do more than that at this stage. He will be at 'nursery school' from 2009 anyway which is 8-12h30 Monday to Friday - and I'll have plenty of time then to be as busy 'mornings only' as I want. I totally understand your wish to contribute. I just wanted to let you know (as husbands often forget - believe me I KNOW!) that you are already making an INCREDIBLE contribution to your household. infinitely more valuable than money could ever be. It might not feel like much now (at , but when you have a self-confident, well mannered, achieving child on your hands - you will see the effect that your time has had on your beautiful baby girl :)

Posted by: Valkyrie at July 26, 2006 02:15 AM

I agree with Valkerie. a friend of mine just started that and she is doing so well

Posted by: Melany at July 26, 2006 08:25 AM

I did a complete double take on "prostitute". Funny!

How about a pet sitter or dog walker? Around DC, a good pet sitter is as hard to find as a good babysitter.

Posted by: Christina at July 26, 2006 10:34 AM

I vote for taking care of the little boy. I'm sure Olivia would love it!

Posted by: bethanie at July 26, 2006 02:02 PM

I think you should substitute!

Posted by: Rebecca at July 26, 2006 02:07 PM

I could send you info on Stampin' Up!... you get an instant 20% plus a volume rebate when you sell so much... and you can also earn a cruise... and it covers rubber stamping, scrapbooking, and using the items for other crafts... www.stampinup.com

Posted by: Shannon O. at July 28, 2006 07:30 AM