Working From Home: How to Find and Keep a Job

Finding a job where you can work from home may seem  like a dream, but these opportunities are more common than you think. Imagine not having to deal with commuting and being able to work from the comfort of your own home. Here are a few jobs you can find, how to find them, and how to keep them: [Also See: 50 Home Based Business Ideas]

Transcriptionist

Transcriptionists are an asset in many industries and are common in the medical and education field. Simply listen to a recorded lecture or conversation and then type it out so it can be read. You’ll need to be attentive and understand accents or muffled speech. You can find trancriptionist positions available on the company’s website or job search sites, like Indeed.com.

Virtual Assistant

This job entails everything an assistant does without sitting in the office. You’ll be booking travel arrangements, answering e-mails and phone calls, maintaining a calendar, and all other administrative duties. Just like a typical assistant, you’ll need to be organized and maintain communication with whomever you’re assisting. The International Virtual Assistant Association is a great resource for questions and for training.

Writer

It’s not only professional writers who can get paid to write. If you’re an expertise in a field, many publications are eager to get your thoughts on a given topic. Start out by pitching local newspapers, magazines, or online publications about topics you think would be a good fit. To be a writer, you need to have excellent grammar, spelling, and a knack for explaining things well. You can also search for freelance writing opportunities on sites such as JournalismJobs.com.

Blogger

If you’d rather write for yourself instead of for someone else, start a blog. The money you make will be much less steady, but there is opportunity to earn cash. Once you start a blog, contribute regularly, and build an audience to get advertisements that pay. Starting a blog is also a great way to break into contributing to other places as well. Start a blog for free using WordPress or Blogger. [Check out How I Make Money Online for free guide to help you start a blog]

Translator

Knowledge of another language can land you a position as a translator. Just like with being a transcriptionist, many industries need a document, lecture, or speech translated for them. You’ll need to have a firm grasp of the language being translated and be a great listener. You can find translator positions, as well as other freelance positions, on the site Elance.

Online Teacher 

Most community colleges and universities offer online classes and need teachers to instruct them. It takes persistence and creativity to keep an online class engaging and to keep the students entertaining. You will have to have the required teaching requirements for that college which can include a Masters degree or extensive work in the field you are teaching. You can find  opportunities by searching individual school’s website.[Also See: How To Make Money with Online Teaching]

Childcare Provider

This is a perfect position for parents looking to stay home to take care of their own children. Previous childcare experience or a degree in education is a great bonus for the job. There is a lot that goes into regularly caring for other’s children. You’ll need to safety proof your house and get CPR certified. Each state and country has different regulations on at-home childcare and may require classes and getting a license. Search for opportunities on SitterCity or through other local community outlets.

Tips for Finding a Job at Home

Most job search engines, as well as Craigslist, offer a telecommuting option to search for positions where you can work from home.

Spend time  networking online. Put time into developing a fantastic LinkedIn profile. Through e-mail or LinkedIn, reach out to previous contacts in your field to see if they are aware of any work from home positions.

Create a profile on Odesk and Elance and check them out on regular basis for gigs you might qualify for.

Read the job description carefully. Some positions may require you meet periodically so be sure the location is somewhere you can travel to.

Beware of scams. Since the idea of working from home is so appealing to many, there are an abundance of fake jobs. These jobs may promise earning top dollar with little work. Any job that requires you to pay a fee or asks personal information about your banking or credit cards information may be a fraud. Do thorough research on any position before applying to reduce your chances of getting hacked or becoming a victim of Identity Theft.

Be prepared for the unique circumstances of working from home. Some things you may need are a great internet connection, a large amount of minutes on your cell phone, access to a fax machine, a printer, and scanner. There’s a good chance you may also need a web camera so you are able to interview through Skype or be involved in meetings.

Tips for Keeping a Job at Home

Working from home can be easily distracting. Have your work area be in a home office or designated area that will limit temptations.

Don’t mix personal time with business time. Checking personal e-mail accounts, talking on the phone to a friend, or dealing with family issues is all going to cut into your work. Keep boundaries. Let your family and friends know just because you’re working from home, doesn’t mean you are not working.

Keep track of what you’re doing. You might feel like you’ve had a hard day at work, but then you may realize that you spend half of the day doing laundry, paying bills, and straightening up.

Get ready for work every morning. Even though you’re working from home, sitting around in your pajamas is going to make you mentally tired. Grabbing a cookie every 10 minutes is going to make things difficult as well. Give yourself a lunch breaks and other breathers, but stay on task.

Take time every week to get out of the house and socialize with others. Having no contact with other people can cause anxiety. If you break up your time alone, you will be able to work better.