Queensland mum Kelsie, 24, didn't want to go back to work after giving birth to her second child but felt she had no choice.

More than 4000km away in WA, first time mum Abby-Rose, 25, felt the same way.

Both wanted to stay home with their children but worried their families would struggle on a single income; a common fear in the cost of living crisis.

Neither expected user-generated content (UGC) would be the solution.

READ MORE: The rise of user-generated content, and how this new social media side hustle works

UGC is digital content created by everyday people to promote products or services, usually in exchange for free products or a fee.

The booming social media side hustle allowed them to make money filming product reviews and unboxings at home without sacrificing time with their children.

"I've been paid to go out, eat food and hang out with my friends, or have a date night with my partner," Kelsie told 9news.com.au.

"I never in a million years thought that I would be doing that."

She and Abby-Rose are making thousands and don't plan to return to traditional jobs.

But they have a serious warning for other Aussies hoping to jump on the bandwagon, one that could cost you thousands if you don't heed it.

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