SAVE FOR LATER
Standing at the kitchen counter, staring at the stack of bills next to my kids’ field trip forms, I felt that familiar squeeze in my chest. Between rising prices and growing children, every month seemed to demand more from our family budget. The nine-to-five world wasn’t built for moms needing both income and flexibility – especially when classroom parties and sick days pop up without warning.
What changed everything? Discovering that U.S. companies were actively seeking remote workers – not overseas teams, but moms like us who needed real income with true flexibility. After months of research and personal experience, I’ve found positions offering $14-18 per hour to start, with legitimate companies that understand life with children. No more choosing between being there for your kids and helping with the family finances.
Also See: Work-from-Home Jobs with No College Degree Required
Making Money From Home (The Real Story)
The path to working from home has changed dramatically. While social media might show overnight success stories, the reality looks different. Starting pay typically ranges from $14-18 per hour, but consider this: no commuting costs, no expensive work wardrobe, and no childcare during school breaks.
A current remote position might fit your life if you:
- Need flexibility around school schedules
- Want to be home when your children are
- Have basic computer knowledge
- Can find 2-4 hours of quiet time daily
What You Actually Need to Start
My biggest worry when starting? The cost of setting everything up. Good news – you likely have most items already:
Your Basic Setup:
- Computer (any from the last 5 years works fine)
- Internet connection (what you have now probably suffices)
- Quiet corner (even a bedroom desk works)
- Simple headset ($20-30 at most stores)
No need for a fancy home office or expensive equipment. Many moms on my team work from kitchen tables or converted closet spaces. The key is finding a spot where you can focus during work hours.
Also See: 30 Real Stay at Home Mom Jobs – Earn $1,000 or More!
10 Legit Companies That Really Hire Moms
Through trial and error, I’ve found several companies consistently offering legitimate opportunities. These include:
- Alorica: Monthly hiring, flexible schedules perfect for school hours
- Kelly Services: Administrative work you can do while kids are in school
- U-Haul: Year-round positions with steady hours
- Pearson: Great for former teachers or education lovers
- Telus: Remote customer service and tech support positions worldwide
- Conduent: Business process services with flexible schedules
- Appen: Project-based work evaluating data and content
- Concentrix: Customer experience and tech support roles
- Amazon: Virtual customer service and tech positions
- Google: Remote opportunities in various tech fields
Unfortunately, there are a lot of bad guys taking advantage of people who are trying to make a living. My advice is to watch out for positions that:
- Promise unusually high pay
- Ask you to pay for training
- Want you to purchase specific equipment
- Use personal email addresses
Your Step-by-Step Plan
When I started looking for remote work, I wish someone had given me a clear plan. Here’s yours:
Week 1:
- Choose your quiet workspace
- Test your internet speed (most companies require 10Mbps)
- Set up a basic desk area
Week 2-3:
- Update your computer if needed
- Practice basic typing skills
- Create a schedule around your family’s routine
Week 4+:
- Apply to 3-5 positions weekly
- Complete required assessments promptly
- Prepare for video interviews
A Note About Sick Days and Family Emergencies
One of my biggest worries starting out? What would happen when my little ones got sick. Most remote companies understand family situations – they’re often why moms choose remote work. Here’s how to handle those unexpected moments:
During Training:
- Let your trainer know immediately if you need to step away
- Ask about make-up sessions (most companies offer them)
- Keep training materials handy to catch up during quiet moments
Once You’re Working:
- Build a backup plan with your supervisor
- Many companies allow you to:
- Make up hours later in the day
- Swap shifts with team members
- Use flexible PTO for longer situations
- Keep activities ready for children who need to stay home
Pro Parent Planning:
- Save a few vacation days for unexpected illnesses
- Create a quiet activity box for sick days
- Set up a backup workspace (like a laptop tray) for monitoring sick children
Most moms find their first position within 3-6 months. During training (usually 2-4 weeks), you’ll need more dedicated time. Plan around school hours or when you have help with the children.
I started this journey sitting at my kitchen table, wondering if working from home was possible. Today, I help other moms find their path to flexible income. The journey takes patience, but the reward of being there for your family while contributing financially makes it worthwhile.
Starting small is perfectly fine. Even part-time hours can add up to school supplies, family activities, or that emergency fund you’ve been wanting to build. The key is taking that first step.