Being a stay-at-home mom is an around-the-clock job that requires a lot of hard work.

Except its not really a job in that you cant quit or take vacation.

There are no sick days, and you dont get paid.

A daughter hugs her mother after receiving a birthday gift on her birthday.

Aubrey smiles at her mother after blowing out her birthday candles. Silcott is going to Withlacoochee Technical College for medical administration. “When I’m done and I have a stable career, it’s going to help them in the long run because I’m going to be more financially stable,” Silcott said. Tina Russell/The Penny Hoarder

(Unless you count snuggles, smiles and unconditional love as payment.)

Dont let it all overwhelm you.

Our team has compiled alist of creative waysyou can fatten your bank account this week.

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This is a long list, so dont get overwhelmed.

Well keep it updated as offers changes or expire.

The 20-week, mid-career internshipspay about $20 to $25 an hour.

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In addition, FlexJobs listseight companies that offer return-to-work programs, including PayPal and IBM.

Thats whereThe Pregnancy Pausecomes in.

Another way to fill a gap on your resume is the tried-and-true approach ofdoing volunteer work.

Check out itswork-life balance guide.

Werkprovides a job board for companies that offer flexible work options.

However, job seekers must payan annual membership fee of $48to get access.

Worrying about your childs care can be all-consuming.

Its great to have an employer who cares about those concerns.

And its even better whenyour company provides employees with child care-related assistance.

TheParenting in the Workplace Institutehelps working moms createinfant-at-work programsat their offices.

The institute maintains alist of companiesthat welcome employees to bring their young babies into work.

Your path may very well turn out completely different from what you thought itd be.

But dont let the bumps in the road break you.

Your children are watching and looking to you to set a good example, so dont give up!

Nicole Dow is a staff writer at The Penny Hoarder.

It was a struggle, but shes extremely grateful to be where she is now.

It sounds appealing right?

Check it out here!