10 reasons you need a side hustle, mama

1. It can provide a much-needed creative outlet.

Let’s face it: Spending your days with a babbling infant and “Baa baa black sheep” playing in the background isn’t always the most mentally stimulating environment. While motherhood comes with a host of responsibilities that challenge your mind, you might miss or crave more creative expression.

A side hustle can be the perfect opportunity to turn your favorite creative hobby (be it knitting, woodworking, or painting) into work you can feel passionate about.

2. It can expand your professional skills.

Even if you’ve worked in an office before, you still may have never learned what it takes to run a business on your own. A side hustle is a great way to dabble in entrepreneurship and increase your knowledge about everything from marketing to web development.

Have a professional skill you’ve always wanted to learn? It’s also the perfect excuse to take a web course or a local class that can provide abilities you’ll be proud to brag about on your resume.

3. It can mean extra money in the bank for emergencies—or a (well-deserved) vacation.

Of course, one of the biggest benefits of a side hustle can be monetary. Whether you’re looking to pay down debt quicker, save for a special expense, or simply want to prepare your savings account for a rainy day, a side hustle can be a great way to supplement your family’s income without the strain of full-time employment.

4. It can help you get involved with causes you believe in.

Passionate about nonprofits that benefit women? Feel strongly about solving a common mama dilemma? Research companies that feel the same way you do and see if there’s a way to get involved.

Whether you’re helping to get cleaner products into the hands of friends and family or providing consulting services to organizations you love, you’ll get the satisfaction of knowing your side hustle is also making a difference.

5. It’s good for your kids to see you working.

Working mamas rejoice: A Harvard Business School study confirmed that there are great benefits for kids to have a mom who works. (It’s a resounding YES, in case you were wondering.)

Not only are daughters of working moms positively impacted, but sons with working moms are more likely to take on an equal share of the housework when they get older. That’s pretty much a win-win for everyone.

6. It can be good for your mental health.

A 2012 study found that working moms were more likely to report happiness, fulfillment, and feelings of personal growth. While working full-time isn’t for every mama, a side hustle can be a lower-key way to stimulate the mind in ways that keep you feeling more balanced and fulfilled.

7. It can be a good resume bridge if you’re not ready to go back to work…yet.

Even if you originally planned to go back to work after your baby was born, things can change when they finally put that squishy newborn into your arms. (We totally get it, mama!) Rather than rush back to work before you’re ready, a side hustle can be a great way to prevent major resume gaps until (and if!) the day comes when you’re really ready to get back to the office.

8. It can diversify your sources of self-esteem.

Hopefully you already know you’re an incredible mama. And while you may feel confident in your ability to manage your household, whip up a fabulous dinner, and keep those tiny people in your house alive and well, it never hurts to have another area of life that makes you feel empowered.

Adding a side hustle can be a great way to remind yourself that your skills extend beyond champion baby swaddler and gourmet grilled cheese maker—just in case you needed another reason to remember why you’re awesome.

9. It can improve your ability to balance your career.

When you’re setting your own schedule, you have a lot more freedom in managing your work-life balance. Learning to straddle the line between a fulfilling career and satisfying family time is a skill set not often taught in an office, but a side hustle can help you learn to toe the line like a pro—especially for if and when you ever want to ramp up your work hours in the future.

10. It can help you build a community that builds you up.

At times, mom life can feel isolating. But a side hustle can be an incredible way to connect with motivated, like-minded people (and even potential mentors) around the world.

EVER , the beauty branch of Stella & Dot, is a social sales company that provides independent specialists around the country the platform to sell clean, award-winning cosmetic and skincare products. When you sign up to be an independent specialist, you’re not only able to create a flexible schedule that works for your family, but you’re also connected to the EVER community, including 24/7 access to training and tools to help your business succeed and a personal mentor who provides one-on-one coaching to help you reach your goals.

(Curious? Learn more about becoming an independent specialist here !) Because when women support other women, amazing things tend to happen.