7 Smart Ways to Start Earning Passive Income for a Slower More Intentional Life
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clearer picture of which options might suit
you, your values, your energy, and the life you actually want to be living. You'll
be able to learn more again through some FREE mini video series I have set up,
diving a bit deeper also, so that you can choose something that aligns with
your passions.
Craig & I (Paula) exploring Margaret River
I want to be totally upfront with this as I think there is a bit of a misconception with how to
earn passive income and it being totally hands off. That is out there of course, if you win lotto
or get a great inheritance however, passive income that you can realistically earn is money you
grow without having to constantly trade hours for it. It doesn’t mean “set and forget,” but it
does mean doing the upfront work and building income streams that keep working, even
when you’re resting, travelling, or simply living life.
It’s a powerful tool for regaining your time, energy, and presence. It’s not about getting rich
quick, it’s about creating a business you are passionate about that supports your life, not one
that consumes it.
Curious what that could look like in real life and not the instagram boss babe version? Let me
show you next up.
Best suited to: Long-term thinkers, independents, future-focused planners
What it is: Invest in property, then rent it out, either short or long-term. A property manager can
handle the day-to-day.
How it helps you: Once it’s set up, it offers consistent income with minimal input. If you’re looking
to slowly step away from your current business, this can be a powerful piece of the puzzle.
Why it matters: It’s a long-term wealth strategy that aligns beautifully with your goals for time
freedom and future security. (And if you’re curious, my husband Craig helps more on this, yes, I’m
giving him a well-earned shout-out!).
Pros:
- Long-term wealth builder – A solid step toward financial freedom and future security
- Consistent income – Once set up, it can provide reliable, ongoing cash flow
- Low day-to-day involvement – Property managers can handle the details, so you don’t have to
- Aligns with slower living – Gives you breathing space while still growing your nest egg
- A beautiful complement to other income streams– Especially if you're gently stepping back from your current business
Cons:
- High upfront investment – It usually requires a decent deposit and lending capacity
- Not risk-free – Property markets shift, and vacancies or repairs can impact cash flow
- Still some responsibility – Even with a manager, you’re the owner, so decisions land with you
- Less flexible than online options – Tied to a location, and less liquid than digital income streams
- Learning curve – Especially around finance, property strategy, and regulations (luckily, Craig’s got this one )
Let’s Keep It Real
These aren’t “get rich quick” schemes. As you can see, the common theme is that they require upfront setup and real, intentional work. They’re sustainable, soul- aligned business models that
grow with you and offer genuine flexibility, purpose, and peace. Like anything worthwhile, there’s
some risk, but most of these options are low risk and within your control, especially compared to
traditional businesses. Property is the exception, as it usually involves a larger upfront investment.
I learnt how to show up and step into this world without needing to be techy,
flashy, or perfect. I will help you learn more structure, support, and clarity, without feeling
burnout.
Right now, I’m focused on one model that aligns with my lifestyle and the things
I’m passionate about. But the beautiful part is, you get to choose your pace. It's
not a one-size-fits-all business model. You get to build something that feels like
freedom to you, and something you’re truly excited about.
Craig & I at Craddle Mountain, Tasmania
You’re a heart-led, deeply motivated person who loves nature, slow living, and the freedom to
adventure. But right now, you’re feeling burnt out, overwhelmed, and unsure how to make a
change.
Maybe you’ve tried outsourcing, scaling, or simplifying it still feels like you’re running on empty,
stuck in a cycle that no longer fits the life you want.
That’s exactly why I created these free workshops-to help you explore aligned, sustainable
income streams that support you, your values, and your lifestyle.
Imagine having the space to breathe again. The flexibility to enjoy slow mornings, beach walks,
or unplanned time with loved ones-while your income starts to grow in the background.
Click below to get started. You can create a life that feels like yours again.
1. Is passive income truly hands-off?
Not always. You’ll need to put in work up front, but the goal is to earn long after the effort is done.
However, my workload now compared to what it used to look like is total heaven and I am so happy
with how my life looks these days.
2. How much money do I need to start?
Many methods like digital products require very little—under $500 in most cases. It also depends on
what you want to invest in to get you underway. I invested in the mentoring I felt I needed to get me
started quickly as I hadn’t done anything like this before. Which was such a small investment
compared to what a traditional brick-and-mortar business looks like.
3. Do I need special skills? Nope. Everything can be learned. You just need curiosity, an open mind
and a willingness to start.
4. What if I’m not tech-savvy?
No worries! Lots of tools and mentors exist to walk you through things step-by-step. The tech part
scared me until I started learning the step by step process, which made things very easy and simple
to follow.
5. What’s the first step I should take?
Pick one method that excites you, invest in a course (more info on course options after the
workshops) to help you get to where you need to be, and start learning. Concentrate on that one
step until you master it, and then you can concentrate on something else that excites you and keep
building if you want to. Or just stay on that one thing. There’s no perfect starting point, only
progress!
6. Do I need to be on social media to make this work?
No, you don’t need to be on social media at all. This is one of the biggest myths out there when it
comes to building an online income. You don’t need to post, go live, or build a following if that’s not
your vibe. Many people have built successful online businesses without being on Instagram,
Facebook, or TikTok. The training I followed teaches you how to create systems that work behind
the scenes—quietly, efficiently, and without putting yourself out there online if you don’t want to. If
you're more private or just not into the whole social media thing, that’s totally okay. There’s still a
path forward that fits you.
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"In order to change your life, you need to change your priorities". Mel Robins.
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What Led Me Here – And What’s Possible for You
Hi, I’m Paula, a heart-led, motivated person who loves adventures, being in nature as much as possible and I'm BIG on living with intention. When we launched our hospitality
businesses, I was full of hope that working for ourselves would bring more purpose,
meaning, and independence. We grew them through COVID with strong sales (almost
reaching 100% growth). But rising costs due to COVID and fixed pricing in the franchise
meant profits were limited. Stretched thin and unable to give our café the focus it needed,
exhaustion hit hard.
I found myself constantly stressed, “on” 24/7, and missing the moments with loved ones
that actually matter. Like many women in business, feeling totally burnt out, questioning
whether all the living in overdrive was really worth it.
The Wake-Up Call: Why We Couldn’t Keep Doing Life This Way
Staffing with two busy hospitailty businesses was constantly an issue. We were constantly
full of angst and overwhelmed. I was tired of missing birthdays and special occasions.
Tired of chasing a version of success that left no space for joy. And after losing both sets of
our parents before they made it to retirement, the old model of “work hard now, enjoy
life later” just didn’t sit right anymore.
So, we made a change. We sold the businesses, hit the road in our caravan, and finally
started living our dream of travelling around Australia. Along the way, we (reluctantly!)
took on roles supporting other business owners who needed time off, stepping in to
manage their operations so they could take a well-earned break. It gave us flexibility to
travel, but the truth is, we were still trading time for money. And before long, we found
ourselves facing the same stress and pressures we thought we’d left behind.
Trading Time for Money (Again) and Realising It Wasn’t Freedom
We were settling for life that we didn't particularly want because that's what you're taught
to do right? Trade time for money, live constantly grinding, and overworked to be
successful. That's how it's always been done, right?! Thankfully, I was wrong. There was
another way, and it didn't involve being an instagram boss babe, tech wizard or being
involved in anything scammy!
Discovering the World of Passive Income (Without the Scammy Vibes & Overcoming Doubts & Fears)
This is when I discovered and started researching how to earn passive income that aligned
with my values and passions, and everything shifted.
At first, I was seriously skeptical. All the hype online felt over-the-top, too salesy, and
honestly… kind of gross. I had no interest in being a social media influencer or selling
products to my friends and family. Everything felt so fake and inauthentic — it just wasn’t me.
I was also scared of wasting money on something that might not work. What if I failed?
What would people think? I didn’t feel like I had any special skills, and I was definitely not
tech-savvy (my husband would even joke I’m a bit “technically special”).
But then I found something that felt different. It was values-led, heart-centered, and
aligned with who I am. I slowly started shifting my thinking, because deep down my gut
was asking, what if this does actually works? There was no pressure to be someone I’m
not, no tech overwhelm, and no false promises — just a simple, grounded path I could
actually follow. It was also very low risk and outlay compared to forking out $ 300,000 for
a traditional brick and mortar business that we had already done - twice!
Now, I work from our caravan as we travel Australia and around the world. I’ve built a
gentle, flexible income that flows in the background while I rest, explore, or spend time
with loved ones, mostly outdoors!
What You’ll Learn in This Article
This article will walk you through some of the same beginner-friendly passive income
ideas that helped me shift from burnout to balance, without the fluff, pressure, or hype.
Just grounded, real options for women who want more meaning to their lives and how
they live them.
I break down what these look like below. These simple truths could change how you
approach working forever.
If you have ended up here, you might be feeling burnt out by the daily drudgery of your
business, staff, overwhelm, anxiety, and pressure. You've built a successful business or
businesses, but your business feels like it owns you, not the other way around.
You’re craving more balance for overall wellbeing, breathing space to do what you want when
you want to, and spending time out in nature, but you’re not quite sure how to make that shift
authentically and realistically. You’re a deeply motivated, heart-led woman who loves
adventures but also runs very busy business or businesses.
You care about living with intention, you're all in on having a growth mindset, helping others,
and creating a life that feels meaningful, not just busy. That’s exactly why I created this article.
I’m breaking down a handful of business ideas that are aligned, authentic, and practical, no
fluff, no hype, just honest insights I wish I had when I started looking for something more soul-
led beyond our hospitality life.
Join my free mini video series on helping you build passive income streams tailored to you and your values. ⬇️
Table of Contents Page
1. From Burnout to Balance: How I Discovered How to Earn a Passive Income That Felt Aligned
2. What Passive Income Really Is (And What It Isn’t)
3. 7 Ways to Create & Earn Passive Income While Still Running Your Business
6. Online Courses or Memberships
7. Online Coaching or Mentoring
8. Ecommerce or niche products in Online Stores
9. YouTube or Podcasting (with Monetisation)
11. Final Thoughts - It's Not Too Late to Redesign Your Life
"Keep in mind, you don’t need a full plan or all the answers right now, just a willingness to
learn and explore a new path that feels more aligned and authentic for you." I will dive in deeper
through the free workshops and emails to continue to fine-tune this with you.
Best suited to: Introverts, helpers, slow-living seekers, aligned communicators
What it is: You share products or programs you genuinely believe in and love yourself. When someone
purchases through your unique link, you earn a commission.
How it helps you: You don’t need to create anything from scratch. You simply show up in a way that
feels good to you, helping others find things that support them. This is especially ideal if you’re
looking to step back from a business that demands your time and energy around the clock.
Why it matters: It’s one of the easiest and most low-risk ways to get started. Many down-to-earth,
authentic women in my community (myself included) began here, with step-by-step guidance, zero
tech experience, and absolutely no desire to be dancing on Reels.
Pros:
- Freedom & Flexibility – Work from anywhere, on your terms
- Aligned Income – Share products you genuinely love
- Scalable & Sustainable – Once set up, it can earn in the background
- Adventure-Friendly – Systems run while you're out living your life
- Great for introverts who don't want to be splashed on socials
Cons:
- Setup Takes Time – Learning what works and building systems
- Consistency Matters – Building trust and authority doesn’t happen overnight; you need to do the reps to get better with this
- Tech Learning Curve – Some backend setup (but it’s learnable, especially with support!)
Best suited to: Creatives, introverts, organisers, thinkers
What it is: Think printables, templates, or ebooks. You create them once, and they continue to
sell on platforms like Etsy.
How it helps you: You can tap into your creativity, organisation skills, or lived experience,
without having to show up daily. It’s a slower, soul-aligned build that runs quietly in the
background.
Why it matters: This option gives you more flexibility and space, allowing you to reconnect with
your energy and values while still bringing in income.
Pros:
- Create once, sell many times – Income continues without daily effort
- Soul-aligned & creative – Use your wisdom, lived experience, or knack for organising
- No need to show up constantly – Perfect for slow mornings, beach walks, and time with loved ones
- Flexible & low overhead – No shipping, no inventory, just freedom
- Builds over time – A gentle, sustainable path to financial breathing space
Cons:
- Upfront effort – Takes time to create something valuable and well-designed
- Marketing required – People won’t find it if you don’t share it (but you don’t need to be pushy)
- Learning curve – Platforms, tools, and tech can feel overwhelming at first (once again, there is support for this)
- Results take time – It’s not instant—but it’s real
Best suited to: Heart-led teachers, sharers, guides, introverted leaders
What it is: Turn your knowledge or passion into a course or community. Record once and offer
ongoing value.
How it helps you: Instead of repeating yourself or trading hours for client calls, your course works
while you rest, explore, or take that long-overdue holiday.
Why it matters: It gives you freedom and fulfillment, while helping others grow.
Pros:
- Heart-centered & personal – Share your journey and wisdom in a way that feels deeply human
- Low overhead, low barrier to entry – Start with just your experience and a Zoom link
- Perfect first step – Gain confidence, clarity, and refine your process for future digital offers
- Flexible structure – You choose your clients, your hours, and your boundaries
- Deeply fulfilling – Create real transformation in people’s lives without burning out in the process
Cons:
- Still trades time for money – Not passive (yet), so can affect your schedule
- Emotional energy – Requires presence, holding space, and managing boundaries
- Can feel scary at first – Putting yourself out there, especially if you’ve never coached before
- Not scalable on its own – But a beautiful stepping stone to more sustainable income
Best suited to: Empaths, connectors, nurturers, experienced guides
What it is: Offer your guidance, life experience, or business knowledge in a one-on-one or small group
format.
How it helps you: This can be a stepping stone into more passive models. Many women start with a
few aligned clients, then build evergreen (create once and keep inspiring people with a set and forget)
content from their process.
Why it matters: It’s heart-centered and personal, and perfect if you want to make an impact without
the overwhelm of scaling a traditional service-based business.
Pros:
- Heart-led & personal – A beautiful way to make a real difference using your lived experience
- Low startup costs – No products or inventory—just your time, wisdom, and presence
- Flexible & intentional – You choose when, where, and how you work with clients
- Great stepping stone – Helps you refine your process to eventually turn into a digital product or passive offer
- Deeply fulfilling – Connects you with soul-aligned humans who truly value what you have to share
Cons:
- Still trades time for money – Not fully passive (yet), so it can impact your schedule
- Requires showing up – You’ll need to be present and hold space, which can be draining if not managed
- Can feel vulnerable at first – Especially if you’re new to putting yourself “out there”
- Boundaries matter – Without them, it’s easy to over give or burn out again
Best suited to: Creative visionaries, values-driven product lovers, minimalists
What it is: Sell physical or digital products in a curated online store. Think wellness goods, van
life gear, or slow living essentials.
How it helps you: You can automate your store with dropshipping or small-batch fulfilment,
freeing you up to focus on living, not logistics.
Why it matters: You get to combine your values and lifestyle with income, without needing to
“hustle harder.”
Pros:
- Aligned with your lifestyle – Sell products that reflect your values (think wellness, van life, slow living)
- Creative & meaningful – Curate or design something that feels purposeful, not just profitable
- Automated options – Use drop shipping or fulfilment services to avoid handling stock
- Scalable – Can grow gradually without needing a team or storefront
- Blends passion with profit – A way to share what you love while creating income
Cons:
- Upfront setup time – Designing, sourcing, and setting up your store takes energy
- Learning curve – Platforms, product photos, pricing—it’s a lot at first
- Customer service still exists – Even with automation, occasional questions or issues pop up
- Marketing required – Just like anything online, you need a strategy to get eyes on your products
Best suited to: Storytellers, teachers, creatives, extroverts, and comfortable introverts
What it is: Create valuable content that gets monetised through ads, sponsorships, or affiliate links.
How it helps you: You build once, and the content continues working for you, long after you’ve hit
“publish.”
Why it matters: You don’t need to go viral. You just need to be authentic. This is a beautiful long-
term strategy if you love storytelling, sharing, or inspiring others.
Pros:
- Long-term impact – Your content keeps working for you long after it’s published
- Authentic connection – A beautiful way to share your story, values, and message with heart
- Multiple income streams – Monetise through ads, sponsorships, affiliate links, or digital products
- Perfect for storytellers – If you love talking, teaching, or inspiring, this can feel natural and fun
- Low barrier to entry – You don’t need to go viral—just be real and consistent
Cons:
- Slow build – Growth takes time and consistency before income flows in
- Requires showing up – Especially early on, you’ll need to be visible and available
- Tech learning curve – Editing, uploading, thumbnails, audio, can feel a bit overwhelming at first
- Needs a plan – Without a strategy, it’s easy to burn out or get discouraged
- Not fully passive (at first) – But content can become evergreen and income-generating over time