9 best jobs for stay-at-home mums

Thank goodness for tech, right? Working from home isn’t new but it’s more accessible than ever. And for mums who are the primary carers of their children, that can be a game changer. Whether you're chasing extra income or looking to ease back into the workforce, there are heaps of options out there for mums.

You can choose what works for your energy levels, kids' schedules, and day-to-day rhythm. Do you prefer something flexible you can squeeze into nap times? Great. Want more structure while the kids are at school? That works, too.

In this guide, we’ve grouped stay-at-home mum jobs based on your family’s routine. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider, which roles suit your schedule, and where to find real opportunities that work for your lifestyle.

What to consider before choosing a stay-at-home job 

Time and flexibility are everything when you’re working from home with kids. Before diving into job listings, think about your setup. Are your little ones home with you full-time or in care? Do they nap regularly or keep you on your toes? Are you solo parenting, or do you have support?

Your child’s age and your daily responsibilities will shape how much time and energy you can give to work. Starting small is okay; being a mum is already a full-time job. We’ve broken it down into three stages to help you plan around your current season of life.

Early childhood: Infants to toddlers at home 

At this stage, you’re juggling unpredictable naps, feeds, and all the random moments, sometimes all at once. One day might feel manageable, the next completely off track. Your days don’t follow a fixed structure, and that’s expected. Flexibility is everything right now.

• Best for: Jobs you can do in your own time, like freelance writing, data entry, or virtual assistant work.

• Why: With little ones at home, your day can change in a blink, so you need work that lets you jump in and out when it suits you. Asynchronous roles mean less stress and more freedom to work around your baby’s needs.

• Tip: Prioritise jobs that give you a deadline and let you choose when to get things done. Skip those who expect you to be online at set hours or in regular meetings.

Mid-childhood: Toddlers to preschoolers in part-time care 

With kids in daycare or preschool part-time, you’re finally getting a few solid blocks in your day –  maybe 3 to 5 hours at a time. That said, there’s still laundry, meals to prep, and errands to run, so the rhythm’s not fixed.

• Best for: Flexible jobs with light structure, like customer service, marketing support, or online tutoring for kids. for example 

• Why: These roles give you just enough structure to stay connected with a team or manager without interrupting your rest times. You can focus during core hours and then wrap up once the kids are home.

• Tip: Be realistic about how much you can do. Leave buffer time for unexpected messes, daycare calls, or a quick coffee break.

Bigger kids: School-aged children with extracurriculars 

With the kids off at school and involved in other activities, you finally have blocks of time to sit and focus. It’s the most consistent stretch you’ve had in years.

• Best for: Part-time or full-time jobs with more structure. Examples are tech support, sales, or project coordination. for example  

• Why: You’re in a better position to take on jobs that need a steady routine, ones where being online at the same time each day is required. This makes it easier to build momentum and feel part of a team.

• Tip: Still, life happens – school holidays, random sick days, or after-school runs. Aim for a role with some wiggle room and keep your work hours realistic for your week-to-week routine.

Stay-at-home jobs for every stage of motherhood 

Let’s look closer at the stay-at-home jobs that might work for you. We’ve grouped these by life stage, and every listing links to active openings on SEEK. If something sounds right for you, you can click through and apply.

Jobs for mums with infants or toddlers at home

1. Data entry operator
   ⁠This role usually involves entering or updating information into online systems or spreadsheets for businesses. It's repetitive and detail-focused work, great for those who like structure, and can stay focused for short periods. You’ll likely work with customer records, invoices, or survey data.
   Salary: $25–$35/hour
   View jobs
2. Virtual assistant
   ⁠Virtual assistants help business owners or busy professionals with admin support. That could include managing emails, scheduling appointments, organising files, or doing light research. Many roles offer flexible work hours.
   Salary: Varies depending on client or project
   View jobs
3. Freelance writer or editor
   ⁠Freelancers get hired to create or edit content like blog articles, product descriptions, social posts, or website copy. If you’re good with words and have an eye for detail, this can be a creative and flexible job option.
   Salary: Varies depending on client or project
   View jobs

Jobs for mums with toddlers to preschoolers in care

1. Customer service representative
   ⁠This role involves helping customers via email, chat, or phone, usually for online shops or software companies. You’ll answer questions, solve issues, and sometimes process returns or update orders. It's ideal if you’re a good communicator and like helping people.
   Salary: $25–$35/hour
   View jobs
2. Online tutor
   ⁠Online tutors run short sessions with students needing extra help in reading, writing, or basic maths. You’ll work one-on-one or in small groups using video chat or learning tools. If you’ve got teaching experience or just love helping kids learn, it’s a rewarding gig.
   Salary: $30–$50/hour 
   View jobs
3. Remote marketing support
   ⁠Support marketing teams by planning social media posts or organising content calendars. You may also help with newsletters, reports, or admin tasks. A good pick if you’re creative and organised.
   Salary: $25–$35/hour
   View jobs

Jobs for mums with school-aged kids

1. Technical customer support representative
   ⁠Provide tech help to customers via phone, email, or live chat – usually for internet, phone, or software companies. Training is generally offered, so you don’t need to be a tech whiz from the start. You’ll help troubleshoot issues and guide customers through fixes.
   Salary: $60,000–$75,000/year
   View jobs

2. Sales consultant
   ⁠This job involves calling potential or existing customers to discuss products or services. You’ll answer questions, offer solutions, and work towards weekly or monthly sales targets. If you enjoy chatting and have a persuasive streak, this could be a strong earner.
   Salary: $80,000–$120,000/year
   View jobs

3. Project or admin coordinator
   ⁠Coordinate projects or day-to-day tasks for marketing, events, or business teams. You might help schedule meetings, update task trackers, or follow up with suppliers or clients. This role is great if you’re detail-oriented and love keeping things organised.
   Salary: $65,000–$95,000/year
   View jobs

There’s a job that can fit your life and your family

Everyday looks different for mums, and that’s exactly why there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to working from home. The best stay-at-home mum jobs are the ones that line up with your energy, time, and family routine.

Maybe you only have short windows between naps and snacks, or maybe school drop-offs give you a longer stretch to focus. Either way, there’s a job out there that can fit in with your life.

You don’t have to jump into something huge straight away. Start small, gain confidence, and adjust as your family’s needs shift. With so many stay-at-home mum jobs in Australia today, you’ve got more flexibility than ever to shape your path.

Start with what feels doable now, and give yourself permission to grow from there.

FAQs

What’s the best work-from-home job if I only have 2 to 3 hours daily?

Look for flexible, project-based roles like freelance writing, data entry, or virtual assistant work. You can pick them up during nap time or after the kids are in bed.

Can I find flexible remote jobs that don’t require me to be online at specific times?

Yes! Many roles, like content writing, admin support, or data entry, let you work to a deadline rather than a schedule.

What skills do I need to start working from home as a stay-at-home mum?

Basic computer skills, strong communication, time management, and the ability to work independently are key. Bonus if you have experience in admin, writing, or customer service.

How do I explain a career break on my resume if I’ve been focused on parenting?

Be honest and confident. Present your career break in a way that highlights what you’ve learned (organisation, multitasking, resilience) and connect your learnings to the role you’re applying for.

Can I take online courses to qualify for remote jobs while raising kids?

Absolutely. Sites like Coursera, Udemy, or TAFE offer flexible admin, marketing, writing, and tech courses. You can learn on your own time and boost your confidence while you’re at it.

How can I prepare for a remote job interview?

Treat it like any other interview – just from home. Make sure your background is tidy, your tech works (camera, mic, internet), and you’ve researched the company. Dress smart, smile, and prepare examples that show how your skills can transfer to the role.

What equipment or setup do I need to work from home?

At the very least, you’ll need a reliable laptop, a strong internet connection, and a quiet space to work. Some jobs might require specific software or a headset. A comfortable chair and desk setup will also make a big difference.