The Best Side Hustle for Stay-at-Home Parents? Virtual Assistant Services

SPONSORED BY NEEDTOBEMARKETING

THE MAP - THE TOOLS - THE GUIDE
By Shelly Leroux · May 20, 2025

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Hey there fellow side hustler,

Let me tell you a little story.

Somewhere right now, there's a parent wiping peanut butter off the wall, double-tasking dinner and math homework, while their brain whispers, “I miss being sharp. I miss feeling accomplished. I miss earning my own money.”

Sound familiar?

If you're a Stay-at-Home Parent who’s ever found yourself longing for something more—more flexibility, more mental stimulation, more financial breathing room—while still being fully present for your family, this newsletter is for you.

Because what if I told you… You’re already qualified to start something that can do all of that?

No need for a degree. No need to clock in at a cubicle. No need to sacrifice your home life to earn money from home.

Welcome to the world of Virtual Assistant Services—a side hustle that’s tailor-made for people just like you. Organized, dependable, multitasking wizards who’ve been managing a mini-household corporation without a CFO, HR department, or coffee breaks.

This isn’t one of those “get-rich-quick” gimmicks or a job that requires you to become someone else. It’s simply a smarter way to use the talents you already have—and finally get paid for them.

Today, we’re going to walk you through what Virtual Assistant Services are all about, what it takes to run a successful VA hustle, and how to build it step by step—from your kitchen table, between soccer drop-offs and snack time.

It’s your time. Let’s help you own it.

👇 First up: Let’s see if this is your kind of magic…

What If You Could Turn Nap Time into Billable Hours?

Let’s talk about something most Stay-at-Home Parents don’t hear often enough: you’re already running a high-pressure, multitasking, deadline-driven job—it's just called parenting. And while you may not list “CEO of Chaos” on your LinkedIn profile, the skills you're using every single day are more than transferable. They’re marketable. And they’re in demand.

If you’ve ever dreamed of contributing financially to your household without sacrificing the time and presence your kids need, Virtual Assistant Services might be the perfect side hustle for you. Whether you're a master of calendars, a wizard with words, or someone who can organize chaos with one hand while holding a toddler with the other—this niche is calling your name.

Virtual Assistant Services (VA services for short) have exploded in popularity over the last decade. Businesses—especially small ones and solopreneurs—are realizing that they can’t do everything alone. They need help. But they don’t always need full-time employees. Enter the Virtual Assistant: a flexible, remote, contract-based professional who helps keep the gears turning behind the scenes.

This isn’t about being someone’s secretary—it’s about becoming a behind-the-scenes operations partner. A good VA can handle everything from managing inboxes and booking appointments to helping with social media, customer support, and light project management. You don’t need a fancy title to do this work. You just need solid skills and the right structure.

For starters, you’re in control. You choose the hours, the clients, the tasks, and even the rates. That flexibility is priceless, especially when your daily schedule revolves around snack time, play dates, or pickup lines.

But there’s more:

Virtual Assistant Services also offer the kind of career development that doesn’t require climbing a corporate ladder or sitting in endless Zoom meetings. Instead, you grow through client work, networking, and word-of-mouth referrals—all from your kitchen table.

You’d be surprised how much of what you already do qualifies as VA-level expertise. If you can manage a family calendar, coordinate carpools, budget for groceries, or communicate clearly and tactfully—you’re already halfway there.

Here are just a few core skill sets that shine in this niche:

If you have a background in admin, customer service, marketing, teaching, or management—bonus! But many successful VAs come from non-traditional paths and build thriving businesses on the back of grit, organization, and empathy.

Starting rates vary widely depending on your experience, niche, and the types of services you offer. Newer VAs may start around $20–$25/hour, while experienced specialists can earn $40–$60/hour or more. With just 10–15 hours per week, many Stay-at-Home Parents find they can add $1,000–$2,000+ per month to their household income.

And if you want to take it full-time down the road? That path is absolutely available. Many VAs go on to hire subcontractors, create agencies, or transition into consulting and coaching.

The beauty of VA work is that it doesn’t require a huge startup cost or formal training. If you’ve got a laptop, an internet connection, and a willingness to learn a few key systems, you could be market-ready in just a few weeks. Many parents start by dedicating a few evenings or weekends to setting up their foundation—and then building as they go.

Pros:

Cons:

AI tools are transforming the Virtual Assistant landscape—but not replacing it. In fact, AI can actually enhance your services. Need to draft emails faster? Organize tasks smarter? Automate follow-ups? AI can help you save time and serve your clients better. The key is knowing how to integrate AI into your workflow—not fearing it. VA work that blends human warmth with tech savvy is more valuable than ever.

You’ve just scratched the surface of what Virtual Assistant Services can offer. Now that you know the why, it’s time to explore the how. In the next section, we’ll walk through the essential tools, resources, and mindset shifts you’ll need to confidently launch your VA side hustle—no MBA required. Let’s turn your natural talents into a business built around your life, not the other way around.