In Queensland, 24-year-old Kelsie felt compelled to return to work following the birth of her second child, despite wishing to stay home. Similarly, in Western Australia, first-time mum Abby-Rose, aged 25, shared her concerns about single-family income amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis. Both women were keen to remain home with their children but feared financial strain.
Unexpectedly, the rising trend of user-generated content (UGC) emerged as a solution for them. UGC is content created by everyday individuals to promote brands, often in exchange for compensation or products. Specialising in home-based filming of product reviews, Kelsie and Abby-Rose found they could monetize their time without sacrificing family life.
Kelsie’s journey into UGC began after a friend informed her about this lucrative opportunity. She started creating content eight months pregnant, propping her phone on a cardboard box. By the end of six weeks, she secured a deal worth $450 per video, allowing her to earn thousands monthly without returning to traditional employment.
Abby-Rose also took the plunge into UGC after a friend’s encouragement, quickly earning roughly $3,000 a month after beginning just a month post-birth. Both women enjoy the flexibility that UGC offers, enabling them to balance work with family commitments—a major draw to this new line of work.
Yet, while UGC has provided financial relief, both mothers advise others considering this path to tread carefully. They shared three common pitfalls for newcomers: underestimating the effort involved, expecting immediate financial success, and neglecting tax responsibilities. Notably, a 30-second UGC video may take hours to produce, and it can take considerable time for beginners to find paid opportunities.
Kelsie recounted being offered less than $1 per video in one instance, highlighting the variability in pay, while Abby-Rose noted the importance of understanding tax obligations related to gifted items and paid content. Failure to report income could lead to significant financial penalties, especially as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) scrutinises social media for compliance.
As more families in Australia rely on dual incomes—proven by recent statistics showing nearly 73% of couple families with children under 15 now have both parents employed—it becomes increasingly critical for parents to explore flexible options that allow for income generation while being present with their children.
Both Kelsie and Abby-Rose remain committed to their newfound UGC careers, enjoying the income without sacrificing precious family time. Their stories illustrate that, while the UGC path can be profitable, it demands diligence, awareness, and preparedness for the financial nuances that come with it.