Best 10 Flexible Part-Time Working Jobs for Parents [2025]

Hi, I’m CPA Bisho Jit, an internet marketer, entrepreneur, and a proud parent. Like many of you, I’ve struggled to find work that lets me be there for my kids without sacrificing my career. That’s why I get it—parents need flexible part-time jobs that don’t just fit into their schedule but also offer real income.

Did you know that over 70% of parents prefer flexible working hours? It’s no surprise. Whether working from home, setting your own hours, or finding gigs that allow you to balance family life, plenty of opportunities exist.

Here are 10 flexible part-time jobs for parents. These jobs help you earn money while still spending time with your kids. Let’s dive into these options that genuinely work for parents!

Best 10 Flexible Part-Time Working Jobs for Parents

Looking for flexible work that fits around your family life? Here are the best 10 part-time jobs for parents in 2025. These jobs offer flexibility, allowing you to work from home or set your own hours, all while earning extra income. Let’s dive in!

1. Virtual Assistant

A virtual assistant (VA) is a remote administrative assistant. You help businesses and people manage tasks. This includes scheduling, customer service, emails, data entry, and social media management. Best of all, you do it all from anywhere, without stepping into an office. The flexibility is huge because you can do it all from home and decide how many hours you work.

Virtual assistants work on a contract basis for one person or multiple clients. Some virtual assistants specialize in particular tasks, like bookkeeping or social media management, while others are “generalists,” handling everything from email management to project coordination. The key is that it’s remote, and you manage your own time.

Step-by-step process to start a virtual assistant job

• Assess Your Skills: You don’t need to be a tech expert, but being comfortable with tools like Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and task management platforms (like Asana or Trello) helps immensely.
• Create a Portfolio: Even if you’ve never worked as a VA, you can list your experiences related to admin work.
• Sign Up for Job Boards: Create profiles on platforms like Upwork, Freelancer, or Fiverr. You can also search for VA gigs on sites like Indeed or LinkedIn.
• Start Small: If you’re beginning, start with one or two small clients to get a feel for the job. As you get better, you can raise your rates.

When I started as a virtual assistant, I was a stay-at-home parent looking for flexible work. I found my first gig on Upwork, managing a small business owner’s social media accounts. At first, it was tough to manage my toddler and work deadlines.

But I got organized and set boundaries, like working during nap time. Soon, I learned to balance everything well. I had regular clients within a few months, and it grew from there.

2. Freelance Writer or Editor

Freelance writing or editing is a fantastic job for parents because it allows you to work from home and create your own schedule. You can write blog posts, articles, website copy, and even books as a writer. Conversely, editors review and refine written work, ensuring it’s polished and error-free. This job is where creativity meets flexibility, and you can often choose the topics and projects that interest you.

You’ll typically work on a per-project or hourly rate as a freelance writer or editor. The good news is that you don’t need a degree in English or journalism to start. Your ability to write well, understand your audience and research topics effectively matters.

Step-by-step process to start as a freelance writer or editor

• Identify Your Niche: Think about what you enjoy writing about or editing. It could be anything from marketing to parenting or health. Starting with a niche can help you attract more specific clients.
• Build Your Portfolio: Even if you lack paid Experience, write sample pieces to show yur skills. Start a blog or contribute guest posts to get some work samples.
• Sign Up for Freelance Platforms: Websites like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer are great places to start finding gigs. You can also pitch directly to businesses or content agencies.
• Start Pitching: Once you have samples, pitch your services to businesses that need content. Make sure to personalize your pitch to show you’ve done your research on their copany.

I began freelance writing in 2016 while managing my parenting duties. At first, it was tricky balancing everything. Still, I started by writing about topics I was passionate about—such as personal finance and marketing.

My first gig came from a website that needed articles on digital marketing strategies. From there, I slowly built up a portfolio and learned how to manage deadlines while being present for my family. Writing is a full-time gig, and the flexibility has been invaluable.

3. Online Tutor or Teacher

Becoming an online tutor or teacher is a great way for parents to work from home, offering flexible hours while helping others. You can teach subjects you’re passionate about, from math and science to languages and music.

Online teaching fits well into your family schedule. You can tutor kids after school or teach adults English as a second language.

As an online tutor, you’ll guide students through lessons, help them grasp difficult concepts, and assess their progress. For teachers, you might create lessons, run virtual classrooms, and help students achieve academic goals.

Most online teaching platforms like VIPKid, Tutor.com, or Skillshare allow you to choose your own hours and connect with students. You may be required to have a teaching certification for some positions. Still, others ask for Experience or proficiency in a subject.

How to Start

1. Choose a platform: Sign up for tutoring platforms like VIPKid or iTalki, or start your own tutoring business by advertising your services on local community boards and social media.
2. Set Your Schedule: Pick hours that work best for you, whether evenings or weekends, when the kids are asleep or at school.
3. Market Your Skills: Highlight any certifications or Experience you have, even if it’s just helping your kids with homework!

I know a fellow parent who turned her love for math into a successful online tutoring career. She started tutoring in the evenings after putting her kids to bed. It wasn’t long before she built a steady client base and offered group lessons. For her, the key was consistency and making the most of her free time.

4. Customer Service Representative

Customer service jobs are great for flexible work-from-home options. They are a perfect fit for parents seeking part-time work. With more companies offering remote positions, you can assist customers, resolve issues, and provide excellent service—from the comfort of your home.

As a customer service rep, you’ll answer calls, emails, or chats to assist customers with their issues. These can range from helping with technical problems to processing orders or answering questions.

Many companies offer remote customer service roles, often with flexible hours. Some require you to be available during specific hours, while others offer more flexibility. Training is typically provided; many jobs allow you to work with customer service software from home.

How to Start

1. Search for remote customer service jobs on Indeed, Remote.co, or FlexJobs.
2. Highlight any past experience in customer service or communication. Even if your Experience is just as a parent handling everyday questions, it’s a good skill to emphasize.
3. Apply for positions that align with your schedule. Some jobs may even allow you to work split shifts, which can be helpful if you’re managing other responsibilities.

Real-Life Experience: A friend of mine became a customer service representative while balancing her kids’ schedules. She worked flexible hours, which made it easy to manage pick-ups and drop-offs at school. She shared that setting up a dedicated workspace to avoid distractions was the key to success.

5. Data Entry or Transcriptionist

Data entry and transcriptionist jobs are fantastic for parents who want to earn money on the side while having the flexibility to work when they can. These roles typically involve transcribing audio files or inputting data into systems, and the work can be done at your own pace.

Data entry jobs involve entering information into spreadsheets, databases, or systems, while transcriptionists convert audio recordings into written documents. These roles are often project-based, meaning you can choose how much or how little work to take on.

Many companies hire remote workers for data entry and transcription. You’ll often be given tasks with clear deadlines, but the actual work can usually be done during the hours that work best for you.

How to Start

1. Search for jobs on freelance platforms like Upwork or sites dedicated to these roles, such as TranscribeMe or Clickworker.
2. Create a profile and showcase your typing speed or transcription accuracy if you have any previous experience.
3. Sart with smaller tasks or projects to build your reputation and gain Experience.

A parent I know started transcription work after their child slept. They mentioned that having a quiet, distraction-free environment was essential for maintaining productivity. Over time, they increased their income by taking on more complex transcription projects.

6. Social Media Manager

As a social media manager, you can work with businesses, brands, or influencers. You’ll manage their social platforms, grow their audience, and engage with followers—all from home. This could be the perfect fit if you’re savvy with Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok.

A social media manager is responsible for creating content, scheduling posts, interacting with followers, analyzing performance metrics, and developing strategies to increase engagement. You’ll work with clients to represent their brand online and help them build a presence across various platforms.

Most social media managers work remotely, offering flexible hours. Depending on the business size, you’ll typically work with multiple clients or focus on one. Social media management tools like Hootsuite, Buffer, or Canva are essential to streamline the process.

How to Start

1. Build your skills: Familiarize yourself with social media marketing tools and platforms. If you’re not confident, take an online course in social media management.
2. Create a Portfolio: Even if you haven’t worked professionally as a manager, share examples of your social media accounts or create mock campaigns for fictional brands.
3. Start Networking: Join groups on LinkedIn or Facebook for social media professionals, or look for job postings on freelance sites like Upwork.

A friend of mine started as a freelance social media manager by offering her services to local businesses. Her first client was a small bakery, where she helped grow their Instagram following by posting engaging content. Soon, she had more clients and could work full-time from home. Her success grew because she had a good eye for design and knew how to engage an online audience.

7. Babysitting or Childcare at Home

Babysitting or childcare from home is an ideal part-time job for parents with children. This job lets you watch other children while earning an income, and you can set your hours based on your availability.

Babysitting or childcare services involve looking after other people’s children in your home, whether after school, during weekends, or while parents are at work. You’ll be responsible for feeding, entertaining, and ensuring the kids’ safety in your care.

Babysitters or childcare providers typically set up a safe and fun environment at home, often offering playtime, homework help, and snacks. You can either sign up for a babysitting agency or advertise your services locally. You may also be able to watch multiple children at once to maximize your earnings.

How to Start

1. Create a Safe Space: Set up a comfortable area for kids, with toys, games, and space for activities.
2. Advertise Your Services: Use local platforms like Craigslist or Facebook groups to offer babysitting or childcare services. You can also sign up for platforms like Care.com or Sittercity.
3. Set Your Rates: Babysitting rates vary based on your location and Experience. Starting with competitive rates can help you attract your first clients.

A mom in my neighborhood started babysitting after her kids went to bed. She began with one family and gradually took on more kids. It wasn’t long before she had a regular group of children to look after, and she was able to set her hours to work around her family’s needs.

8. Selling Handmade Products or Crafts Online

If you are passionate about crafting or creating, selling handmade products online could be a great way to turn a hobby into a business. Whether it’s jewelry, knitted scarves, or custom home decor, the demand for unique, handmade items continues to grow.

Selling handmade products online involves creating items by hand and listing them for sale on platforms like Etsy, Shopify, or your website. You can sell anything from art and jewelry to clothing and furniture.

You’ll create, photograph, and list products online. Setting up an online store is simple, and many platforms offer tools to help you manage your inventory and sales. Marketing your products via social media can help increase visibility and attract more customers.

How to Start

1. Choose Your Craft: Whether into knitting, painting, or jewelry making, decide on the products you’ll sell. It’s important to pick something you’re passionate about and good at.
2. Set Up Your Shop: Platforms like Etsy or Shopify allow you to set up a store with little hassle. Include clear photos and descriptions of your products.
3. Market Your Products: Use social media like Instagram or Pinterest to showcase your creations. Engage with your followers, and consider offering promotions to get initial sales.

I know a mom who started selling handmade candles on Etsy. At first, she only made a few at a time, but as her business grew, she expanded her product line and even began offering custom candle scents. She used social media to connect with potential customers and build a loyal following. Now, her side hustle has become a full-time income, and she can even hire other parents to help with production.

9. Delivery Driver with Flexible Hours

Being a delivery driver gives you the freedom to work when you want, making it a great option for parents seeking part-time work with flexibility. With companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Amazon Flex, you can choose your hours and deliver food, groceries, or packages right from your car.

Delivery drivers pick up and drop off items for customers. Whether it’s food from a restaurant or packages from a warehouse, you’ll be responsible for getting orders to the right place on time. The flexibility of this job allows you to decide when and how much you want to work.

Most delivery services use an app to connect drivers with orders. You’ll choose your deliveries, pick up the items, and then drop them off at the customer’s location. You’re paid per delivery, and your earnings depend on the number of deliveries you make and tips you receive.

How to Start

1. Sign up for a service: Download the Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Amazon Flex app and sign up as a driver.
2. Get the required gear: Depending on the service, you may need a reliable car, a phone, and insurance.
3. Start Delivering: Once approved, you can begin accepting delivery orders at your convenience. The app will show you the delivery route and how much you’ll earn.

Real-Life Experience: A friend of mine began working as an Amazon Flex driver during the evenings after his kids went to bed. Initially, he used the extra income to pay off debt, but within a few months, he made enough to consider it a regular part-time job.

The best part? He could choose to work when he felt like it, giving him the freedom to be there for his family.

10. Pet Sitting or Dog Walking

If you love animals, becoming a pet sitter or dog walker can be fulfilling and flexible. With platforms like Rover and Wag, you can offer your services to pet owners who need someone to care for their pets when they’re away or take their dogs for walks.

What It Is: Pet sitters and dog walkers care for pets while their owners work or travel. This includes walking dogs, feeding them, and sometimes staying with them overnight. Some pet sitters even offer additional services like administering medication or grooming.

You’ll take dogs for walks or provide pet sitting services in your home or the pet owner’s home. Pet owners use apps like Rover to find sitters and walkers, and you set your rates based on your services.

How to Start

1. Sign up for a pet-sitting platform like Rover or Wag, or advertise locally for your services.
2. Set your rates and decide on your services, such as dog walks, overnight stays, or playtime.
3. Build Trust: Good reviews are crucial, so make sure you provide excellent care for the animals in your care.

A fellow parent in my neighborhood started dog walking as a side gig. What began as an occasional walk for a friend’s dog turned into a full-fledged business. Now, she has regular clients and even offers boarding services. Best of all, she gets to spend time with dogs, and her kids love it too!

How to Pick the Right Job for Your Lifestyle

Choosing the right flexible part-time job depends on your lifestyle, skills, and the amount of time you can commit. As a parent, it’s important to find a job that fits your schedule and aligns with your interests and goals.

1. Evaluate Your Schedule: Consider how much time you can dedicate to work each week. If you have young kids or other responsibilities, picking a job with flexible hours is essential.
2. Assess Your Skills: Think about your skills and what you enjoy doing. Do you have a knack for organizing? Consider becoming a virtual assistant. Are you a pet lover? Dog walking or pet sitting might be a great fit.
3. Consider Your Earnings Goals: Some jobs, like delivery driving, can offer you a steady income stream based on how many hours you work. Other jobs, like selling handmade crafts or freelancing, may take a little longer to build up a steady flow of income.
4. Look at Long-Term Potential: Some flexible jobs may have growth opportunities. For example, if you start as a virtual assistant, you could eventually scale your business by hiring others and offering additional services.
5. Trial and Error: If you’re unsure which job is right, try a few part-time ones. One job is a perfect fit, or you may prefer to combine a couple of flexible jobs to meet your needs.

Ultimately, the best flexible job is the one that fits your current situation, aligns with your passions, and provides you with the flexibility you need as a parent. With the right balance, you can create a work schedule that works for you and your family.

Tips for Balancing Parenting and Part-Time Work

Balancing work and parenting is never a walk in the park, especially when juggling the demands of part-time jobs and raising kids. But with a bit of planning, some creativity, and a dose of patience, it’s possible to do both—and even thrive. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help you manage both worlds:

1. Set Clear Boundaries

When you work from home or have a flexible schedule, it’s easy for the lines between work and family to blur. Setting clear boundaries is essential to protect both your work time and family time. If you work from home, designate a space where you can focus and avoid distractions. Tell your family when you need to be uninterrupted and when to shift gears to family mode.

I learned this the hard way. At first, I could juggle work and household chores simultaneously, but it was a disaster. After a few “oops” moments—like accidentally sending an unfinished email to a client or getting caught up in a work call during snack time—I realized setting boundaries was a game-changer. Now, when it’s work time, I give my full attention to that, and when it’s family time, I’m fully present with my kids.

2. Use a Planner or Scheduling App

Staying organized is a must when you’re balancing part-time work and parenting. A planner or a scheduling app can help you track your work tasks and family commitments. Schedule breaks, meals, and quality time with your family, just as you would your work-related tasks.

An app like Google Calendar or Trello can work wonders. I use Trello to manage my work tasks and my family schedule. It helps me visualize my day—whether focusing on work or running errands with my kids. The key is staying realistic about what you can accomplish in one day and leaving some flexibility for the unexpected because life with kids can be unpredictable.

3. Involve Your Kids in Your Work When Possible

Kids love to be involved and feel included, so why not use it to your advantage? Depending on your work, you can involve your kids in some aspects of your job. For instance, if you’re a freelancer, you could have your kids help with creative tasks, like brainstorming ideas or picking out colors for design work. If you’re an online tutor, your kids could help you organize materials or test out new learning games.

It’s important to set limits. This approach helps you feel less like you’re switching between “work mode” and “parent mode.”” Plus, it’s a great opportunity to bond with your kids and teach them about work and responsibility.

4. Embrace Flexibility, Not Perfection

One of the best things about part-time work is the flexibility it offers. But with that flexibility comes the need to let go of perfection. Not every work task will be done in record time, and not every parenting moment will go according to plan. And that’s okay.

When I started working part-time from home, I was fixated on being perfect in both my work and my role as a parent. I wanted to nail every project and have my kids perfectly entertained and happy all the time. But after a while, I realized that flexibility is key to making it work. Adjust and move on if something doesn’t get done in the time you thought it would. You’ll get it done when you can, and your family won’t hold it against you for not being perfect.

5. Ask for Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for help—from your partner, a friend, or even a babysitter. Parenting and working part-time can sometimes be overwhelming, and knowing when to lean on others is essential. If you need a few hours of quiet to focus on work, ask for help with the kids. It’s okay to admit you need a hand, and it’s better to ask for help than to overextend yourself.

When I first started working part-time, I struggled with asking for help. But once I realized how much it impacted my ability to focus and succeed, I began reaching out. A little support goes a long way, allowing you to take a step back and recharge when needed.

6. Prioritize Self-Care

Lastly, don’t forget about taking care of yourself. Getting caught up in the hustle of parenting and work is easy, but you need to make time for yourself, too. Whether taking a walk, reading a book, or enjoying coffee in peace, self-care is essential for staying energized and focused.

A few months into balancing my work and kids, I realized I wasn’t leaving any time for myself. I was running on empty, and it showed. Once I started scheduling time for my well-being, I found that I was more productive in my job and my role as a parent. Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s necessary.

Conclusion

Balancing part-time work and parenting is no easy feat, but it is possible with the right mindset and approach. By setting clear boundaries, staying organized, involving your kids when you can, and embracing flexibility, you can manage both with grace. Remember to ask for help when needed, and don’t forget to prioritize your own self-care. You can successfully juggle both with a little effort and create a fulfilling balance that works for your family.

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