How to Make Money on Maternity Leave in Canada 2023

Maternity leave is a crucial time for new mothers to bond with their newborns, recover from childbirth, and adjust to the demands of parenthood.

However, the prospect of living on a reduced income during this time can be daunting for many families.

Fortunately, there are several ways for new mothers in Canada to supplement their income while on maternity leave.

In this article, we will explore some of the best ways you can make money while on maternity leave as a Canadian new mom.

So continue reading to find out how you can take advantage of your maternity leave in Canada!

Table of Contents

What is Maternity Leave?

Maternity leave refers to a period taken off from work by a female employee to give birth to a child and recover from the physical and emotional demands of childbirth.

The primary purpose of maternity leave is to provide new mothers with an opportunity to bond with their newborns, adapt to their new role as a parent and regain their physical and emotional strength.

Maternity leave is also a legal entitlement in many countries, and its duration and terms vary depending on local laws and company policies.

During maternity leave, employees are entitled to full or partial salary or equivalent benefits.

In some countries, the duration of maternity leave is regulated by law and typically ranges from several weeks to several months.

Maternity leave is essential for the well-being of mothers and their children. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety and promotes better physical and mental health for both the mother and the child.

How to Make Money on Maternity Leave in Canada

There are several ways you can supplement your income as a new mom while enjoying time with your new baby.

Here are some of the best ways you can make money on maternity leave in Canada:

1. Sell Unused Stuff

Most new parents find themselves with an excess of baby gear, clothes, and other items that their baby has outgrown or no longer uses.

There are several online platforms that allow for easy and convenient selling, such as Facebook Marketplace, Kijiji, and eBay.

To get started, gather all of the items that are no longer needed, take high-quality photos, and write detailed descriptions.

Be honest about any wear and tear or defects, as this can help build trust with potential buyers.

Overall, selling unused items is an easy and effective way to make money while on maternity leave in Canada.

It’s a win-win situation: you get to declutter your home and make some extra cash in the process.

LEARN MORE: Best Household Items to Sell For Quick Cash in Canada

2. Become a Proofreader

Becoming a proofreader can be an excellent way to make money on maternity leave in Canada.

With the increasing demand for high-quality content, businesses and individuals are always in need of professional proofreading services.

As a proofreader, your job will be to ensure that written documents are free of grammatical errors, spelling mistakes, and inconsistencies.

To become a proofreader, you need to have excellent writing and communication skills, a good eye for detail, and an ability to work independently.

You can start by creating a portfolio of your work and offering your services to small businesses, bloggers, and authors.

Also, you can join freelance platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer to find clients.

The pay for proofreading services can vary, but typically, you can expect to make around $20 to $25 per hour.

With maternity leave, you can work from home and create your schedule, making it a flexible and convenient way to earn extra money.

3. Take Online Surveys

Companies and market research firms conduct surveys to gather feedback on products, services, and consumer preferences.

By participating in online surveys, you can earn money that can help cover your expenses during your maternity leave.

To get started, you can sign up for legitimate survey websites like Swagbucks or Survey Junkie. These sites will match you with surveys based on your interests.

Some surveys may take only a few minutes to complete, while others may take longer. The more surveys you complete, the more money you can earn.

While taking online surveys may not make you rich, it can be a convenient and flexible way to earn extra money during maternity leave.

With a little effort and patience, you can make some extra cash without leaving your home.

4. Offer Freelancing Services

Freelancing allows you to work from home, set your schedule, and choose the projects you work on.

This is especially beneficial for new moms who need the flexibility to care for their newborns.

Some popular freelance services you can offer include writing, graphic design, social media management and web development.

To succeed as a freelancer, you need to build a strong portfolio, market your services effectively, and deliver quality work on time.

You also need to price your services competitively while making sure you earn a fair wage.

Overall, freelancing offers a great opportunity for you to earn a decent income while staying at home with your newborn.

5. Rent Out Your Spare Room

Renting out your spare room is another excellent way to earn some extra money while on maternity leave.

Not only can it help you cover your expenses, but it also allows you to meet new people, share your home and learn about different cultures.

With the high demand for affordable housing in most cities, many people are looking for short-term rental options.

This means that you can make some extra cash by renting out your spare room to tourists or professionals who are in town for a few weeks or months.

You can list your room on various platforms such as Airbnb. This way, you can get bookings from travellers who are looking for affordable, safe and comfortable accommodation.

With Airbnb, you can also set your price, and the platform handles most of the details such as communication, and reviews.

When renting out your room, you should ensure that your space is clean, well-furnished and comfortable.

6. Become a Virtual Assistant

With the rise of remote work, many businesses and entrepreneurs are seeking virtual assistants to handle administrative tasks, such as email management, bookkeeping, and appointment scheduling.

As a virtual assistant, you can work from home, set your hours, and choose the types of tasks you want to take on.

However, to become a virtual assistant, you will need to have good organizational and communication skills, as well as proficiency in software programs like Microsoft Office.

To find virtual assistant work, you can search for job postings on websites like Upwork, Freelancer, and Fiverr.

As a virtual assistant, you can earn anywhere from $17 to $25 per hour, depending on your experience and the types of tasks you handle.

Overall, becoming a virtual assistant can be a flexible and rewarding way to make money on maternity leave in Canada.

With the right skills and determination, you can build a successful career as a virtual assistant and continue to earn income even as you care for your new baby.

7. Sell Your Unused Gift Cards

Many expectant mothers receive gift cards from family and friends as presents, but sometimes they end up being for stores or restaurants that they don’t frequent.

Instead of letting these gift cards collect dust, you can sell them to make some extra cash.

There are several online platforms in Canada where you can sell your unused gift cards.

For example, websites like CardSwap allow you to upload your gift card information and sell them for a percentage of the card’s value.

To get the most money for your gift cards, it’s important to research the market and find out how much they’re worth.

Some cards may have a higher resale value than others, and it’s also important to factor in any fees that the selling platform may charge.

8. Teach an Online Course

Another great way to make money while on maternity leave in Canada is to teach an online course.

This is a great way to share your expertise and knowledge while working from home.

You can choose a topic that you are passionate about and create an online course using platforms such as Udemy, Teachable or Skillshare.

The first step is to identify a topic that you can teach with confidence. You can use your experience and skills to create a course outline and develop engaging content that will keep your students interested.

Once you have your course content ready, you can set a price for your course and start marketing it.

Teaching an online course allows you to earn passive income while on maternity leave as the course continues to sell even after it has been created.

RELATED:

Final Thoughts on How to Make Money on Maternity Leave in Canada

Making money on maternity leave can provide a steady source of income and help with childcare expenses.

As you can, there are various ways you can make money on maternity leave in Canada that can provide financial security and stability for your growing family.

However, the key is to leverage your skills, and take advantage of the available options.

Hopefully, now that you are done reading this article, you can easily make money on your next maternity leave in Canada.

Facebook X (Twitter) Email WhatsApp Pinterest