Side Hustles for Caregivers: Using Technology and Networking to Find the Right Gig

Caring for a senior loved one doesn’t always allow you to try new things or go on new adventures. Have you ever considered a side gig? It’s an opportunity to do something brand-spanking-new and get paid for it. Here are a few tips to get you started, courtesy of Certified Homecare Consultants.

What’s Right For You?

When choosing a side gig, take your personal strengths and weaknesses into account. For example, if you’re quite strong, grocery delivery could be a good option. On the other hand, if you’re uncomfortable spending time with strangers, driving a rideshare might not be the best route. Additionally, as a caregiver, you’re uniquely qualified for certain jobs like babysitting.

Take this opportunity to look for a job you’ll truly enjoy. Factor in your interests. Perhaps you’ve always loved writing — you can become a freelancer. If you’re an animal lover, you can offer pet care services. Look for something that will accommodate your lifestyle; you may even find something you can do while caregiving like pet sitting.

Perks: More Than Just Money

There are many perks to starting a side hustle. They include:

• Extra cash in your pocket
• Saving more money
• Paying back debt more quickly
• Getting to explore other interests and opportunities

As you get to work on your new gig, you may discover even more perks like connecting with new people, honing new skills, new ways to connect with your loved one (think: having a dog that you’re pet sitting provide joy and comfort), or finding that you enjoy the challenge of two jobs.

How Tech and Networking Can Help You Find Work

Many side hustle opportunities will be found online and through phone applications. Websites like Indeed are a great place to start, especially if you aren’t particularly phone-savvy. Do keep in mind that eventually, you’ll have to improve your phone skills in order to keep up with the most recent apps and opportunities; some won’t be as accessible online.

Ask around to see what kind of side gigs your friends and family use. Even if they don’t have experience themselves, they may know people who can provide insight. As you listen to the pros and cons of each job, keep your personal needs and interests in mind. One person may love taking online surveys, but if you’re looking to get out of the house more, it might not be a good fit for you.

Online Marketing

Advertising your services is key to a healthy side hustle. Post to social media websites using these tips from vFairs. Neighborhood social sites like Nextdoor can help you zoom in on your closest potential customers. Additionally, you can create a page for your services on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

You want a social media presence, but ultimately your online success will depend on having a strong website. ClickFirst Marketing notes that writing blogs is a great way to drive traffic to your website, especially if you post it on social media. Better yet, condense the information into an infographic. This allows readers to absorb the content more quickly. Use an engaging template to create an infographic quickly and free of charge to help spread the word.

Self Care: Making Yourself a Priority

Being a caregiver as well as a side gig entrepreneur gets chaotic. Take care of yourself. Give yourself YOU time every day. Read a book, snuggle up with your pet, play a game on your phone, take a nap; do whatever relaxes you. If your side hustle is your way of relaxing, that’s great, but it’s still important to completely separate yourself from all forms of work every day.

Side hustling as a senior caregiver will come with its challenges. Consider the perks as well as your interests and use technology to your advantage. Find an online social media presence and engage visitors with unique content like infographics and blogs. Start-up may take some extra elbow grease, but give it time and soon you’ll find your flow.

Certified Homecare Consultants guarantees, as we always have, that your home care, home health care, or hospice business will achieve successful licensure and accreditation using our startup program. We also provide you with everything you need to operate your business and are here to answer any questions you might have until the day you decide to sell your business, or your children inherit it. Call 877-327-7242.