10 Extra Money Makers for OFWs

About eleven years ago, I went abroad to be with my OFW husband as a dependent. I was 4 months pregnant with our first child then and didn't really plan on applying for work. A friend told me that I should learn some valuable skills which I can use to make money part-time or at least just to keep myself busy and not get bored in the house. You see, where I am, I literally just stay in the house when my husband is at work. I only get to go out when with him.

Anyway, I didn't do any part-time work until recently when I started doing online freelance writing and some virtual assistant jobs. But let me share with you my list of 10 extra moneymakers that OFWs or their dependents are doing here, in the Middle East, part-time or even full time. This is just based on my observation and personal opinion.

1. Babysitting - There are many Filipino couples here who are both working. If they have children, they usually look for and hire babysitters to take care of their children while they are at work. Children from other nationalities also like Filipino babysitters. So, this can be a good way to earn some, that is if you like taking care of little children. Income: 500 sr per child per month (average)

2. Daycare/Preschool - There are others I know who have started daycare or preschool in their house especially those who have a  background in education. They accept more kids and take care of them and even teach them basic preschool lessons. Other children go there for after school care. Income: 500 sr per child per month (average)

3. Tutoring - Some also offer tutorials on academic, voice, guitar or piano lessons for kids. This is usually just 1-2 hours per day. Some are just on a weekly basis.  Income: 200-300 sr per child per month

4. Teacher Assistant - Many schools, both Philippine and foreign schools, accept teacher assistants for their preschool students. This usually takes more than 5 hours of work a day, 5 days a week. But the income is more: 1,500+ sr per month

5. Hair and Beauty services - If you have some haircutting skills and other beauty care services like manicure, pedicure, etc, you can earn from this skill too.  Income from haircut is usually 25-50 sr per person. 

6. Sewing customized clothing - If you know how to sew, this can also be a good way to earn. Many parents like the school uniforms of their children to be custom fit. When schools have special programs, parents look for someone to sew their children's costumes. Income: custom sewing excluding cloth minimum is 20-30 sr per piece.

7. Selling cooked food or baked goodies - This is what many housekeepers and even nurses do. They pack cooked viands and snacks and sell them. Others bake cakes on a per order basis. I know a family who cooks siopao and sells them in schools and bakeries. There are also others who do catering for gatherings and earn a lot more.

8. Selling load, gold and other stuff - You thought that selling e-load is only popular in the Philippines. There are also those who sell mobile loads here and earn some. I know some housewives get a chance to sell gold and pieces of jewelry and get a commission on sales.

9. Blogging - I've noticed from blog hopping that there are many expats who blog. Some do it just as a hobby but in time they also get to earn some.

10. VA Jobs - This is what I do now to earn from home. I accept some VA jobs as my time allows. I have created profiles on oDesk Upwork and Freelancer.com and sometimes I get invited by employers to do some work. Other times, I bid on jobs and get accepted.

There are many ways of earning. If a person can only pinpoint and see what talents or skills he has, he can earn some extra cash.