Being a stay-at-home dad is a full-time job in itself, but it doesn’t mean putting your career on hold. With remote work and flexible schedules now more common than ever, it’s possible to balance family life while earning a decent income from home.
There are loads of working options that you can fit around your parenting routine to choose from, including part-time side hustles that require less time and commitment, and even a full career change.
In this article, we cover 15 of the best flexible jobs for stay-at-home dads to help you find a role that fits around your family life and commitments while still having the flexibility to earn a decent income in any spare time that you get. Let’s take a look!
Why Choose a Flexible Job?
We all know that 9-to-5 jobs aren’t always compatible with parenting duties, and the beauty of flexible jobs is that you’re often in control of your own hours, workload, and environment. This means you can work early mornings, evenings, or even during nap times without sacrificing your time at home with the kids.
Flexible jobs also give you the chance to ease back into the workforce, build your confidence, and develop new skills all on your own terms.
15 Best Flexible Jobs For Stay-At-Home Dads
Looking for a job that fits around family life? Below, we’ve rounded up some of the best flexible jobs for stay-at-home dads. Each role comes with a quick explanation, plus the key pros and cons to help you decide which one works best for you, starting with the role of a virtual assistant.
1) Online Personal Trainer
As an online personal trainer, you can create custom workout plans, host virtual sessions, and help clients achieve fitness goals from the comfort of your home.
OriGym’s online personal trainer courses are an excellent way to get qualified and kickstart your fitness career, all from the comfort of your own home, with the added benefit of staying close to your family
Pros of being an online personal trainer | Cons of being an online personal trainer |
Help others improve their health | Requires fitness certification |
Set your own hours | May need to build a client base from scratch |
Work from home or anywhere | Competitive field |
2) Virtual Assistant
Virtual assistants support businesses by handling admin tasks such as scheduling meetings, responding to emails, and managing databases. You can work for a single business or take on multiple clients.
Pros of being a virtual assistant | Cons of being a virtual assistant |
Work from anywhere | Can be repetitive |
Set your own hours | Requires organisation |
High demand across industries | May need to juggle multiple clients |
3) Online Tutor
Online tutoring allows you to teach students in subjects you’re confident in—from maths and English to science or music. Platforms like Tutorful or MyTutor are great places to start.
Pros of being an online tutor | Cons of being an online tutor |
Rewarding and impactful | Set hours during student availability |
Good pay per hour | Need subject knowledge |
Work from home | Can be competitive |
4) Data Entry Clerk
Data entry involves inputting information into spreadsheets, systems, or databases. It’s a straightforward job that’s great for those with attention to detail.
Pros of being a data entry clerk | Cons of being a data entry clerk |
Easy to start | Repetitive work |
Minimal experience needed | Can be low pay |
Remote opportunities | Tight deadlines possible |
5) Transcriptionist
Transcriptionists convert audio files into written documents. This job requires good listening skills and fast typing.
Pros of being a transcriptionist | Cons of being a transcriptionist |
Work independently | Can be time-consuming |
Set your own pace | Needs strong grammar and accuracy |
Lots of freelance platforms | Audio can be hard to understand |
6) Bookkeeper
If you have a background in finance or accounting, bookkeeping for small businesses is a great option. You’ll manage records, expenses, and invoices.
Pros of being a bookkeeper | Cons of being a bookkeeper |
Stable, ongoing work | Requires qualifications or experience |
Can charge premium rates | Seasonal workload spikes |
Work from home | Must keep up with regulations |
7) Social Media Manager
Help businesses manage their Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn profiles. You’ll schedule posts, respond to messages, and analyse engagement.
Pros of being a social media manager | Cons of being a social media manager |
Creative and fun | Constantly changing trends |
High demand from small businesses | Can be time-consuming |
Flexible hours | May need design/content skills |
8) Freelance Writer
Writing articles, blog posts, or website copy for clients is a great flexible gig. If you’ve got a way with words, you can earn from your laptop.
Pros of being a freelance writer | Cons of being a freelance writer |
Work from home | Inconsistent income |
Set your own deadlines | Need to pitch to clients |
Plenty of niches | Requires strong writing skills |
9) Blogger
Starting your own blog can eventually generate income through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links. It takes time, but it can be rewarding.
Pros of being a blogger | Cons of being a blogger |
Total creative freedom | Slow to monetise |
Flexible schedule | Requires marketing knowledge |
Build your personal brand | May involve upfront time investment |
10) Web Designer
If you’re skilled in coding or design, building websites for small businesses or individuals is a great remote-friendly job.
Pros of being a web designer | Cons of being a web designer |
High earning potential | Requires technical skills |
Creative work | Can be deadline-driven |
Work from anywhere | May need client management skills |
11) Recruiter
Help companies find talent by sourcing candidates, conducting interviews, and managing job listings. Many roles are now fully remote.
Pros of being a recruiter | Cons of being a recruiter |
High demand | Pressure to meet targets |
Great for people skills | Can be competitive |
Commission opportunities | Irregular hours at times |
12) Customer Service Representative
Work for brands from home answering customer queries via phone, email, or chat. Great for dads who enjoy helping people.
Pros of being a customer service representative | Cons of being a customer service representative |
Entry-level roles available | Set shifts required |
Work from home | Dealing with upset customers |
Opportunities in many sectors | Repetitive at times |
13) Proofreader
If you’ve got a keen eye for spelling and grammar, proofreading documents for businesses, authors, or academics could be a good fit.
Pros of being a proofreader | Cons of being a proofreader |
Flexible workload | Can be slow to start |
Detail-oriented work | Requires high accuracy |
Remote-friendly | Irregular income initially |
14) SEO Specialist
SEO specialists help businesses get seen on Google. You’ll work on keyword strategies, website content, and analytics.
Pros of being an SEO specialist | Cons of being an SEO specialist |
High demand | Technical knowledge required |
Can be done remotely | Constant algorithm changes |
Great for analytical minds | May need copywriting skills too |
15) Photographer
You can work locally doing family photoshoots, weddings, or events, or sell your work as stock photography online.
Pros of being a photographer | Cons of being a photographer |
Creative outlet | Equipment can be expensive |
Flexible scheduling | May involve weekend work |
Build your own brand | Seasonal income fluctuations |
Kickstart Your Flexible Career in 2025
There are more flexible jobs for stay-at-home dads than ever before, whether you’re after remote admin work, creative freelancing, or a complete career shift. The right job for you will depend on your skills, interests, and how much time you have to commit, but there’s something out there for every dad.
Start by thinking about what you enjoy and what fits into your current routine. Many of these roles require minimal start-up costs or training, so you can ease into work without overwhelming your schedule. You’ve already mastered multitasking as a parent, now it’s time to use those skills for your next big step. Good luck!