Hey Olivia: Realistic Ways to Make Money Fast From Home While You’re Divorcing
Hey Olivia, what are realistic ways to make money fast from home while I’m divorcing? I’m overwhelmed, scared about money, and I need ideas that are actually doable—not scams, not “start a 6-figure business,” just…real help.
Let’s talk about what’s possible right now.
First: you are not lazy or behind. You are in survival mode.
Divorce is a full-time job on top of everything else you already do. Court dates. Paperwork. Emotional whiplash. Kids. Work. Trying to sleep.
So when we say “make money fast,” we are talking about:
Low-lift, low-startup ideas
Things that work around kids and court dates
Options that don’t require a big financial risk
You’re not failing. You’re problem-solving in a crisis. That matters.
Before You Start: 3 Quick Safety Checks
Privacy: Don’t post your full name, address, or divorce details in public groups.
Legal/benefits: If you receive benefits or expect support, ask a legal or financial professional how extra income may affect things.
Time/energy: Be honest about how many hours you truly have this week. It’s better to pick 1–2 small, realistic options than burn out on 10.
We’re building stability, not another stress spiral.
Fastest Money: Sell What You Already Have
This is not a failure. This is resourcefulness.
Start with what’s already in your home:
Gently used clothes, toys, baby gear, furniture, decor
Bundle items (“toddler clothes lot,” “kitchen starter set”) to move things quickly
Use local buy/sell groups and specify “porch pickup / e-transfer only” if you don’t want contact
Think digital too: unused domain names, old cameras, hobby supplies
You’re turning clutter into a little cash cushion. That counts.
Offer “Neighbor Services” From Home
You do not need a fancy website for this. You need one clear post or a few direct texts.
Examples:
After-school homework help on Zoom
Evening or weekend babysitting in your home
Pet sitting, dog walking, litter box refreshes
Simple errands / returns / Amazon package handling
Meal prep, baking, or “soup drop-offs” for busy families
One clear post:
“Hi friends, I’m opening up a few spots for ____ over the next month. Here’s what I offer + my rates.”
You are not launching a brand. You are building a bridge.
Use the Skills You Already Have
Think about what people already come to you for.
Good at writing or editing? → Resume clean-ups, dating profile edits, email polish
Organized? → Virtual decluttering sessions, calendar setup, simple budget spreadsheets
Tech-comfortable? → Setting up phones, backing up photos, teaching basic apps to older adults
Creative? → Simple logo templates, Canva graphics, birthday invites
You can quietly start with friends-of-friends and referrals. Keep it simple. You are not building a whole empire right now—you’re building momentum.
Short-Term Online Work That Can Add Up
These won’t replace a full salary overnight. But they can bring in grocery or utility money.
Virtual assistant tasks (inbox clean-up, scheduling, data entry)
Transcription or captioning
Customer support or chat support roles you can do from home
Moderating online communities or Facebook groups
Tutoring in a subject you know well
If a job listing sounds too good to be true (“$5K/week, no experience!”), it probably is. Look for roles where the work makes sense for the pay.
Protect Your Nervous System While You Earn
Making money during divorce is not just logistical—it’s emotional.
Set office hours for your side work: even 1–2 consistent hours each day
Put your ex/legal drama in a separate mental “drawer” while you work
Celebrate tiny wins: “I made $40 today. That’s phone bill money.”
Remember: every dollar you earn is proof you can support Future You, even if it feels small today
You’re building confidence, not just income.
What to Avoid (I Love You Too Much Not to Say This)
High-pressure MLMs or “coaching certifications” that cost $$$ up front
Gambling, crypto, or anything that feels like a bet
Taking on debt you can’t safely repay
Burning yourself out with four side hustles and no time to sleep
You deserve options that support your stability, not add new panic piles.
You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone
At Fresh Starts, we have:
Free guides and workshops on money and divorce
Experts who understand stay-at-home parent transitions, budgeting, and job hunting
A whole community that gets what you’re carrying right now
If you’re staring at your bank app and crying, that doesn’t mean you’re bad with money—it means you’re going through something huge.
Reach out. Let’s find a few realistic, doable income ideas for your life, together.
