Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Ask Crystal: How Can I Start Working From Home a Few Hours a Week With My Skills? and more...

Throughout the year, I’m regularly answering questions on money and/or budgeting. If you have a question you’d love for me to answer in an upcoming post, please submit it here. This week's question is: “I’ve been looking into part time work ...
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Intentional finance. Intentional family. Intentional business.
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Ask Crystal: How Can I Start Working From Home a Few Hours a Week With My Skills?

Throughout the year, I’m regularly answering questions on money and/or budgeting. If you have a question you’d love for me to answer in an upcoming post, please submit it here.

This week’s question is:

“I’ve been looking into part time work that I could do from home as supplemental income for our family. My husband and I both work full time, we have two kids (one that has special needs), and we’re trying to get out of debt. I would love to find something I could do from home a few hours a week to help with this. I love to read, and have skills in proofreading and editing, so if I could find something along these lines, that would be great. I’ve done some research, and, honestly, it’s hard to know where to begin looking. I want to make sure
to go with something that is legitimate, but am struggling to find the right thing. I just wondered if you have any insight on this?” -Carey M.

You Can Start Earning Money from Home

I’m so glad you reached out, Carey! First, I just want to say I totally understand where you’re coming from. So many moms find themselves exactly where you are: juggling multiple responsibilities, wanting to make a little extra money, and unsure where to begin.

The good news? You absolutely can find something flexible, fulfilling, and legitimate. And, based on what you shared, you’re already more qualified than you think!

Let’s break this down a bit.

You Don’t Need to Have it All Figured Out — Just Start!

It’s completely normal to feel unsure at the beginning. There are so many options, and it’s hard to know what’s legit. But, if you can give yourself permission to start small and take one step at a time, you’ll begin to see doors open.

You mentioned that you enjoy reading and have proofreading and editing skills. That’s a fantastic foundation! There are entire industries that rely on people with an eye for detail and a love for language:

  • Freelance proofreading and editing
  • Transcription
  • Virtual assistant work (which often includes content or email proofreading)
  • Blog or social media content reviewing

All of these are roles you can do from home and scale up (or down) depending on your availability.

Start with What You Can Do (Not What You “Should” Know)

You (or someone else who’s reading this) might be thinking: I don’t have formal training. Who would hire me? But here’s the thing: Many work-from-home opportunities don’t require a fancy resume.

They require people who are:

  • Reliable
  • Communicative
  • Organized
  • Willing to learn

That sounds like you, right?

In fact, in my Work-From-Home Blueprint course, we talk about how so many women disqualify themselves before they even begin. But the skills you’ve used to raise a child with special needs, to manage a household, and to work full-time are all marketable skills. They show you’re responsible and attentive to detail, and that you can handle pressure. Employers love that!

Be Strategic With Your Time

Because your time is so limited, focus on options that are flexible and don’t require a major time commitment upfront. Some ideas to explore:

  • Join freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, or ProofreadingServices.com to offer your editing skills
  • Reach out to bloggers or small businesses who may need part-time editing or proofreading help
  • Look for transcription work from companies like Rev, Scribie, or TranscribeMe
  • Consider starting a side hustle proofreading self-published authors or online course creators (there’s a growing need here!)

You don’t have to commit to 20 hours a week. Even just 3–5 hours can help move the needle forward financially.

Want a Clear Step-by-Step Plan?

If you’re not sure where to begin (or what’s even out there), I highly recommend checking out my course:
The Work-From-Home Blueprint: Your 30-Day Plan to Land a Remote Job or Launch a Home-Based Business.

It’s designed specifically for women like you who are busy, resourceful, and looking for something real. Each day offers bite-sized lessons (15 minutes or less), simple action steps, and real encouragement. Whether you want to find remote job listings, set up your own freelance gig, or finally start something you’ve had in your heart for years, this course gives you the tools and the confidence.

The fact that you’re being intentional about your next step? That’s a beautiful sign of hope.

You don’t need to have it all figured out today. You just need to start. Even if it’s messy. Even if it’s small. That’s how all the best journeys begin.

I’m cheering you on every step of the way!

Have you started to earn money from home? We’d love to hear about your experience in the comments!

FREE LIVE WORKSHOP

Yes, You Can Earn From Home

How to Start — Without a Degree, Experience, or a Huge Following.

   
 

Looking for a work-at-home job?

Have you ever dreamed of working from home… but felt completely stuck before you even got started?

Maybe you’ve had thoughts like:

  • “I don’t have a degree or a standout resume.”
  • “It’s been years since I was in the workforce… who would even hire me?”
  • “I don’t want a boss, but I also don’t want to start a business from scratch.”
  • “I need to earn extra income… but I don’t even know where to begin.”

If any of that sounds familiar, I want you to know: you’re not alone — and you’re not out of options.

In fact, I created something just for you.

Yes, You Can Earn from Home: A Free Live Workshop

I’m teaching a free workshop next Tuesday called Yes, You Can Earn from Home. It’s all about helping you take that first step, even if you feel like you’re starting from scratch.

Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom, a woman in transition, or just craving more flexibility, this is for you.

In just 60 minutes, I’ll walk you through realistic, doable strategies to help you start earning from home without needing a degree, years of experience, or a huge social media following.

This live workshop is happening on Tuesday, August 12th, and there are two times to choose from. Hurry — spots are filling fast!

👉 Save your spot for the free workshop now!

Here’s what we’ll cover in the free workshop:

✔ The truth about working from home (and what most people get wrong)
✔ Why you don’t need a fancy resume or business background
✔ The three most practical paths to earning from home and how to choose the one that fits your life
✔ Real-life examples from women who’ve started small and seen big results
✔ The biggest mistakes to avoid when you’re just getting started

I’ll also share a new program I’ve created for women who want even more step-by-step support and I’ve carved out time for a live Q&A on the workshop so I can personally answer your questions.

This is your invitation.

If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unsure, or discouraged, please know: you don’t have to have it all figured out. You just have to start.

And this free workshop could be that very first step.

👉 Click here to reserve your free seat!

And if you can’t join us live? No problem at all! Sign up anyway, and I’ll make sure you get the replay afterwards.

FREE LIVE WORKSHOP

Yes, You Can Earn From Home

How to Start — Without a Degree, Experience, or a Huge Following.

   
 
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