Real Work from Home Job?

Question:

Are there any REAL at home jobs I can do?

Answer:

Yes, there are real at home jobs, but there are SO many scams that you need to be very careful.  Be particularly leery of any job offers that come to you via e-mail, even those claiming to have your resume from one of the big job sites.  99.9999% of those are scams.

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission lists "schemes" to watch out for - http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/invest/homewrk.htm

And so does the Better Business Bureau - http://www.bbb.org/Alerts/article.asp?ID=436

Telecommuting

Sometimes, a regular office job can be done at least part of the time from home.  It's called "telecommuting" and it can be great for both the employer and the employees.  But, for that to work out the best, you need to actually start with a real job.  Check Indeed.com to see what is listed.

Self Employment Options

Working from home CAN definitely be done. I do it, and I love the freedom. But, it's a Website business I've developed myself and worked very hard at for 10 years. Hard work - full time - not for everyone.  And, of course, it can be done part time, too, in the beginning or permanently.

*  Sell a Product You Make at Home

It sounds kind of corny, but see if there is something you enjoy doing (writing or making something or cooking or...). See the Work From Home Moms posting for more ideas. I have a friend who is very good at oragami - Japanese paper folding - which she sells on the Internet (Craig's List and eBay). She isn't rich, but she makes a fair amount of money every month doing it, although sometimes she's doing it at 2 a.m. to meet a customer's deadline.  Be prepared to put a good amount of effort into finding ways and places to sell your products.  It isn't easy, but it can certainly be done.

*  Start a "Content" Web Site

You could really study what ever it is that interests you, becoming an expert if you aren't yet.  Then, if you can write well, turn your knowledge into a Website that helps or informs other people about your topic. Don't expect it to be a get-rich-quick idea.  It takes time and a lot of work, but it can be done!

There are Websites on the most amazing things - training parakeets, crocheting afghans, making wine out of weeds or fruit, etc. - but there are lots of people across the world who are interested in those topics, even if just for a few hours. Keep looking for new variations of whatever it is your Website is about, something new and unique, the latest products, the latest news, and put it on your Website. Eventually, you'll attract attention (draw attention to it yourself, to help) and advertisers. Or create ebooks instructing people how to do it, once you've developed a reputation, and sell them to your Website's visitors.

Think Martha Stewart, on a much smaller, more focused scale.  She started out with a home redocorating project in her own house.  That turned into a series of books, which let to appearances on TV, and the rest is history.  Of course, not everyone has Martha Stewart's talent and drive, but you probably don't want to have an business on that scale, either.

---

Comments

[Judith Tramayne]

You definitely told the truth in this post. An Internet business is like any other business.

You don't have the costs of a brick and mortar store but you do have to work at building traffic to your site. No traffic, no income.

This is done through Search Engine Optimization and Article Writing. Another great way to drive traffic to your site is by learning how to make RSS Feeds.

But I digress, making a product like ebooks is a great way to stay at home and make money.

And if you don't like to write, you should consider making an audio of what you know and sell it.

It's probably better than writing a book because everybody and their sister have MP3s and very little time to read.

It simply takes a little imagination and before you know it, you'll be the CEO of your own company on the Internet.

[WAHM Tara]

Working from home is possible. I have done it for over 8 years with great success.

I started off with a work at home job, and ended up with a home based business.

With hard work and determination, working from home can be a great way to make money and enjoy life!

[WAHM Tara]

Working from home is possible. I have done it for over 8 years with great success.

I started off with a work at home job, and ended up with a home based business.

With hard work and determination, working from home can be a great way to make money and enjoy life!

[jburrtucaz]

I've done both the self-employed thing and the business opportunity things from home with varying degrees of success. The most difficult part has always been staying focused because there are so many things that can distract you from working.