How to Build a Remote Income Stream as a Single Mum
As a single mum of three, I know all too well how working a traditional 9-5 office job is not only soul-crushing, but actively hostile to the needs of parents — especially single mums. I understand the debilitating stress of juggling a commute, job, childcare, feelings of perpetual misery and exhaustion, and trying to muster the energy just to brush your teeth at the end of the day — all while knowing one more sick kiddo day or a heartless leadership decision could end it all anyway.
I was recently laid off from my federal job after return-to-office (RTO) mandates were rolled out — which were bad enough going from a telework arrangement (once-a-week in-office) to being in the office full time with a 2-hour daily commute. At first, I was able to “make my own hours” by coming in at 7 a.m. and leaving at 3 p.m., but the nail in the coffin came when my agency mandated all employees had to be at their desks from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. without exception.
This — combined with the commute — made it literally impossible to keep my toddler in daycare during the required office hours. I couldn’t comply, so I was terminated.
These callous, intentionally punitive mandates have destroyed work-life balance for federal workers — and for single parents, it was a veritable job death sentence.
So I decided, fuck it, I’m moving to Albania with my kids. =]
Over the years, I’ve cultivated a mix of skills, certifications, education, and experience that allowed me to work in tech remotely, freelance, run a business, and work in real estate. Now I leverage those skills to earn a 100% remote income, spend more time with my children, and (hopefully) avoid an early grave caused by financial stress and work-related misery.
🧠 Mindset and Reality Check
Being a single mum is, I’m convinced, the hardest job on the planet. It’s stigmatized, punished, and made fun of — and all the weight of it falls on mums, while single dads get praised and absentee fathers get away with murder (ours, lol).
I’ve lived several versions of the single mum life — most of which were toxic and slowly killing me. I spent decades (my oldest is 16) in a state of cortisol and chronic fatigue, navigating toxic relationships with baby daddies, trying to cover every bill alone, and feeling guilty for not giving my children the magical life they deserve.
I worked constantly and paid others to raise my children. I smoked. I drank too much. I never did anything for myself. It left me completely empty.
Now, I’ve created a life where I can finally breathe and focus on healing — myself, and my relationship with my kids.
Is it still work? Yes. Time management, self-discipline, and new skills are required. But of all the single mum lives I’ve lived — this is by far my best.
Give yourself permission to imagine a life working remotely, earning enough to support your family, learning new things, and building income at your own pace. Or channel your inner Ricky Bobby and go fast.
The point is: Yes, it’s possible. And no, we’re not doing toxic, hustle-until-you-die culture anymore.
💼 Real Remote Income Options (That I’ve Actually Done)
🏡 Real Estate Appointment Setting
I got my real estate license in 2017 and worked as an Inside Sales Agent then Sales Manager. I managed CRMs, called/text/emailed leads, and set appointments. I made a percentage of the commissions — sometimes 5–20% — without ever leaving home.
Cost to Start: ~$100 for the exam + $200–$400 for courses + local/state board fees
Pro Tip: Some teams hire non-licensed VAs (especially overseas). Some will even sponsor your licensing.
Income Potential: $40K–$100K+ depending on deal flow and commission splits
🧑💻 Freelancing
I’ve created websites, managed projects, run Google/Meta ads, handled nonprofit donations, and done Photoshop for big-name clients.
Cost to Start: Free
Income Potential: $500–$5,000+ per website. Six figures is absolutely doable.
📍 Google Business Page Management
Have you ever searched a business and seen no website, bad reviews, or incorrect hours? That’s a service gap you can fill — offer to clean up, update, and grow their Google Business profile.
Cost to Start: Free
Income Potential: $200–$1,000/month per client; scalable to $100K+ if you manage multiple
🧑💼 Virtual Assistant Work
I’ve worked as a VA managing websites, SEO, and private blog networks. It’s versatile and flexible.
Cost to Start: Free
Income Potential: $15–$50/hour as a beginner, up to $100K+ with multiple clients
🏋️♀️ Fitness & Wellness Coaching
I’m certified through AFSA and have trained military service members for PT tests. Group and online coaching are huge opportunities.
Cost to Start: ~$300+ depending on cert
Income Potential: $50–$300/hour; group programs = scalable to $100K+
🧃 How to Get Started With No Time or Money
Facebook Groups: I got my first website gig from an inclusive local church looking for someone to create a new website. Just respond to posts!
Your Personal Network: I landed a high-paying Photoshop gig from a Facebook friend who posted that they needed help.
Google Business Pages: Offer free trials or barter (e.g., website in exchange for car repairs).
Indeed: It’s the only platform I’ve actually had luck with. (Tip: Stay away from LinkedIn if you're looking for short-term gigs or actual interviews.)
Don’t rule out bartering: Value isn't always cash. Trade what you’ve got for what you need.
🕒 My Remote Routine Example
Since moving to Albania, I haven’t set an alarm once. I naturally wake up early (like 5 a.m.) because I actually love my life now.
Mornings: I work for an hour or two before my toddler wakes up, then we head to the beach or park.
Midday: We stay indoors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (sun is strong here). She naps 1–3 p.m., which is my deep work window.
Evenings: She sleeps by 9–10 p.m., and I’ll work a bit more depending on U.S. client time zones.
Pro tip: Use blue light glasses to protect your sleep if you work late — these are my favorite.
🧠 Resources & Tools I Use
YouTube – Endless tutorials for everything
Reddit – For troubleshooting and real-world advice
Western Governors University (WGU) – A flexible, affordable online university that’s perfect for single mums. Pro tip: if you’re in school, apply for scholarships! That’s FREE money — I received $12,500 in private scholarships in one year alone, and WGU offers plenty too.
👉 Here’s my referral link if you’re thinking about applying. You’ll get a discount on the application fee, and I’ll get credit for referring you 💛
Udemy – Great for learning skills affordably (and free with WGU!)
🧾 Conclusion
I’ve lived every kind of single mum life there is. I’ve suffered through the stress, abuse, burnout, and guilt. And now — I’m living in paradise, working from home, and building a business I believe in.
You don’t have to know everything. You don’t need to be perfect. You just have to start.
🌱 Rise to the occasion.
💻 Learn as you go.
💪 Trust yourself.
👶 Take care of your babies.
You can have the life you dream of — without sacrificing your health, your joy, or your kids in the process.
Get it, girl.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something, I may earn a commission — at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I truly love or use myself.
