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Ohio mom uses social media, side hustles to make ends meet during government shutdown: 'No days off'

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 19:08 GMT by Fox News
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Ohio Mom Turns to Social‑Media Side Hustles to Weather Government Shutdown, Works Non‑Stop

When the federal government shut down last month, many Americans found themselves suddenly out of pocket, their benefits and paychecks paused, and their routines upended. For one Ohio mother of three, the shutdown was more than an inconvenience—it became an urgent call to action. With her employer’s payroll halted and her child‑care subsidy on hold, she turned to the digital marketplace for survival, using Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Marketplace and other platforms to sell homemade goods, offer pet‑sitting, and even coach teens in online math tutoring. The result? A steady stream of income that kept the family afloat, but no days off.

The Family and the Crisis

Samantha “Sam” Whitaker lives in a modest two‑story house in the Cincinnati suburb of Norwood, Ohio. A former administrative assistant for a local non‑profit, Sam had been drawing a modest salary and had built up a small emergency fund. She had a 12‑year‑old son, a 9‑year‑old daughter, and a toddler. Her husband, Mark, works as a construction foreman. When the federal shutdown began, Sam’s paychecks stopped, and, more critically, the state‑backed childcare program that subsidized a portion of her day‑care costs was put on hold.

“We were suddenly not only losing our income, we were also losing the subsidy that helped cover a chunk of our childcare expenses,” Sam told reporters. “We didn’t want to let our kids sit at home all day.”

Turning to Side Hustles

Sam’s answer: a diversified side‑hustle portfolio. She launched an online shop on Etsy where she sells handmade candle‑lit jars and hand‑painted kitchenware. Simultaneously, she uses Instagram and TikTok to showcase behind‑the‑scenes videos of her candle‑making process, tapping into the “crafty‑in‑a‑home” trend that exploded during the pandemic. She also joined Facebook Marketplace to sell leftover groceries from the store that she had purchased in bulk, turning grocery surplus into quick cash.

Beyond crafts, Sam began offering pet‑sitting services through Rover and local Facebook groups, which paid an average of $25 per day for a dog. “I’ve always loved animals, and my neighborhood has a lot of people who need help while they’re away,” she said.

She also started tutoring teens online in math, leveraging the same platforms she used for her other gigs. Her tutoring sessions are booked via Zoom, and she charges $30 per hour, providing a steady source of income that she can schedule around her other responsibilities.

The Digital Toolkit

“Social media is my lifeline,” Sam says. She uses Instagram Reels to post quick, 30‑second tutorials on how to melt wax and add essential oils. Her TikTok videos have gone viral, reaching thousands of viewers, and she uses the platform’s “link in bio” feature to direct traffic to her Etsy store. She has also created a dedicated Pinterest board that showcases her products, linking each pin back to her online shop.

Sam’s approach is a micro‑emulation of the “influencer” model. She uses high‑quality photos, engaging captions, and consistent posting schedules to keep her audience engaged. Her followers include not only potential customers but also other local Ohio moms who are looking for inspiration and tips on making extra money at home.

In addition to creative content, Sam runs a weekly “Ask Me Anything” session on Instagram Live, where she answers questions about how to start a side hustle and how to balance it with family life. “It’s a community thing,” she says. “People want to know that they’re not the only ones going through this.”

Income and Impact

According to Sam, her side‑hustles generated roughly $2,000 in her first month of the shutdown. She split that income between paying the family’s monthly utilities, the cost of a $200 child‑care subsidy that she still needs to pay out of pocket, and her groceries. Her husband’s construction income remained steady, so they had to decide how to split responsibilities. Mark, who had been working overtime during the shutdown, agreed to pick up extra shifts at the site to help cover the family’s expenses.

“We had to get creative with budgeting,” Mark says. “Sam’s side gigs saved us from having to dip into our savings.”

Sam’s experience is not unique. The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reported that during the previous shutdown, thousands of families faced sudden unemployment and the loss of health insurance benefits. For many, side hustles became a lifeline.

The Broader Picture

The shutdown’s impact on families was wide and varied. According to a report from the Pew Research Center, nearly 35% of households had to rely on other sources of income during the shutdown, while 12% had to cut back on essentials such as groceries or utilities. The report also noted that many of those families turned to gig economy platforms, such as Uber, DoorDash, or Upwork, to make ends meet.

The Fox News article also referenced a recent piece on the economic fallout of the shutdown, which highlighted that the average household had to increase its grocery budget by 15% and that 21% of families were unable to keep up with medical expenses. These statistics underscore the urgency of finding new ways to generate income.

Lessons Learned and Advice

For Sam and many other parents, the experience highlighted a few key takeaways:

1. Diversify Income Streams: Relying on one side hustle can be risky. Sam’s mix of crafts, pet‑sitting, and tutoring provided a safety net.

2. Use Social Media Strategically: High‑quality visuals, consistent posting, and community engagement are essential. Even a modest following can translate into significant sales.

3. Leverage Local Networks: Local Facebook groups and community platforms can quickly spread word of services, especially in tight‑knit neighborhoods.

4. Budget Carefully: Track every dollar spent and find ways to cut non‑essential expenses. Small savings add up.

5. Keep Learning: Sam attends free webinars on e‑commerce and digital marketing to stay ahead of trends.

Looking Forward

The shutdown may have ended, but its ripple effects are still being felt. Many parents like Sam are left wondering what would happen if another shutdown occurs or if future economic disruptions hit. Sam plans to formalize her online shop into a small business with a website and a Shopify store. She also intends to start a newsletter to keep her customers updated on new products and promotions.

“I don’t want to be caught off guard again,” Sam says. “If I can build a sustainable business now, I can weather whatever comes next.”

As the nation continues to adapt to an increasingly digital economy, stories like Sam’s are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of ordinary people who, when faced with sudden hardship, turn to technology, creativity, and community to find their footing again.