Here is an interesting quiz from the U.S. State Department. It’s a nice little self-assessment called “Is Telework For You” and it asks some great questions that can help you determine if you and your job are a good fit for telecommuting. If you want to start working from home, this quiz is a good starting point. Check it out!
Oct
11
Posted by : | On : October 11, 2010
Could you, would you, accept a lower salary in order to be able to do your job from home? It’s an interesting dilemma for people who have traditional office jobs that can be done from home. How do you approach your employer and what do you say when they ask if you are willing to take a cut in salary to telecommute? Before answering the question too quickly, take some things into consideration:
1. Is it going to cost your company more or less to have you working from home? Often there can be a cost saving for the employer because many telecommuters provide their own equipment and supplies for their home office.
2. Is it going to cost you more or less to telecommute? Take into account savings on transportation, work clothing purchase and maintenance, fewer lunches out. Also look at your costs such as equipment: computer, printer, paper, extra phone line, special phone equipment, and anything else you will have to provide as a telecommuting employee.
3. Tax benefits? Check with your accountant to see if you will be able to qualify for a home office deduction. This can be a benefit to you for working from home, but you have got to make certain that your home office qualifies and that you follow the IRS rules to the letter. Always check with your tax adviser.
4. Productivity. Will you be able to get more done by telecommuting? Be prepared to explain to your employer exactly HOW you will be more productive, then be prepared to back it up once you start telecommuting.
5. Your mental health. How much is it worth to you to be out of the office and working in your home? Is it more convenient? Calming? Getting you away from office drama? Less stressful? Will you gain the added flexibility you may be seeking?
When it comes down to it, is it worth it to you to earn less as a home-office worker? Can you negotiate with your employer for other benefits in lieu of a higher salary? Expect your employer to try to lowball you, but that doesn’t mean that you have to accept it right off the bat. You can and should negotiate in order to make your telecommuting a win-win situation for you and your company.
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Jun
06
Posted by : | On : June 6, 2010
One company that hires telecommuters is UHaul. They are looking for home agents making $8/hour. No college degree required and all training and work is done from your home office. The job is with their sales and reservations department, which is a 27/7 operation, so it looks like there would be opportunities for all kinds of schedules. See the job ad on the Uhaul site.
Jul
31
Posted by : | On : July 31, 2009
While talking with people about telecommuting, I come across a good number of folks who don’t have decent internet access. Maybe they live in outlying areas that don’t have DSL or Cable available. Well, I just found out about satellite internet providers. Maybe I’m behind the times on this, but it never occurred to me to look at this option. I mean, really – dial up can drive a person crazy. Do you all remember the early days of AOL and waiting…waiting…waiting for pages to load. There are still people who have to deal with that!
Even in remote areas, you can get some great satellite internet deals. Equipment can be leased or purchased and the monthly fees are reasonable. Some of the deals right now even include rebates. There are a variety of speeds and price options. Check it out and see if satellite internet is available where you are.
Having high speed access makes it easier to find telecommuting positions and finally there is an option for people who don’t live in areas with DSL or cable! Get speeds 20 to 50 times faster than dial up. Think of the productivity increase! Satellite is faster, it’s reliable and easy to use. It could work for you!
Sep
10
Posted by : | On : September 10, 2008
This looks like a good one!
Technical Support Agents are wanted for Accolade Support / Tier 3 Support, a growing 100% US Based call center services provider. We provide support for some of the largest brand names in the USA . If you’re looking to start working from the comfort of your home, while being part of a winning team and a growing company, this is the opportunity for you.
Skills required
- Must be able to provide technical support for ISP connectivity issues, and basic PC troubleshooting
- Must have a friendly and professional tone on phone calls.
- Must have strong attention to detail and a solid work ethic.
- Must be able to multi-task in a fast paced environment
Other Requirements
- Must be 18 or older and have the legal right to work in the United States
- A criminal background check is required
Equipment and Environmental Requirements
- A quiet environment to take calls. No barking dogs, neighbors blaring stereos, street noise, or other noise sources.
- 1ghz or higher PC with Windows XP or Vista with administrator rights.
- High speed internet connection (DSL / Cable or higher speed)
- Non-voip telephone land line with no call waiting or voicemail. If you have voicemail you must be able to turn it off or set it to pickup after 10 or more rings.
- Noise cancelling headset.
Please email resumes to hr-tech@tier3support.com Please use “Tech support agent” as the subject line for your email. Submissions without this subject line will not be reviewed. No phone calls please.
For those who may be concerned about ‘Work at home scams’. We charge no fees at all, and have been listed on ABC’s, “Good Morning America” and several other media outlets as a legitimate work at home company.
Aug
23
Posted by : | On : August 23, 2008
Odesk.com is a good place to look for freelance jobs from home. It’s free to join, no fees. Make your profile and start applying for jobs. They have job listings in Web Development, Software Development, Administrative Support, Writing, Graphic Arts & Design, Networking & Information Systems and Audio/Video Multimedia.
Here’s the direct link to their job search page. http://www.odesk.com/jobs/ Check them out!
Apr
08
Posted by : | On : April 8, 2008
I’ve worked several at home jobs with legitimate companies – they DO exist contrary to what some may say.
If you’re looking for a work from home JOB (not a home based business), there are lots of companies who hire for call center type positions. And don’t listen to the nay-sayers who say work from home and telecommuting jobs are all scams or that there aren’t real jobs. There are. You just have to know where to look and how to avoid the scams.
Do NOT pay for a list of jobs or pay to get a job. There are a few of the legitimate companies that, after you have qualified for the job, ask you to pay for a background check if you will be handling sensitive information like credit cards. It’s usually $20-$30 and from legitimate companies is a legit fee to pay. Other than that, there is no reason or need to pay anything if you just want a job. Some of the call center jobs, you are an independent contractor (IC) and some you are an employee.
If you want to start a home based business, there will be fees involved and business expenses. There are many legit business opportunities out there in direct sales, multi-level and network marketing. There are great companies to work with, but having a business isn’t for everyone.
For info on jobs, you can check out this comparison chart from RatRaceRebellion.com – it shows a huge list of companies, their requirements, pay, where they are etc. http://www.ratracerebellion.com/CS_Comparison.html
Also, check out the telecommuting forums at WAHM.com and WorkPlaceLikeHome.com
And here’s my huge list of work from home companies.
Read up on telecommuting, home businesses and various ways to work from home at The Eclectic WAHM Bookstore!
Good luck!
Mar
05
Posted by : | On : March 5, 2008
There are so many folks on Yahoo Answers asking “are there real, legit work at home jobs?” Of course we know there are many legitimate telecommuting jobs available, yet there are so many answers insisting this is not true. There are also many answers, giving links to affiliate programs and MLM/Network Marketing opportunities.
Now, I believe that MLM/Network Marketing is absolutely a valid option for many people, but when someone wants a JOB, that isn’t what they are looking for. It’s frustrating to so many who do simply want a job – they want to trade hours for dollars and get a paycheck. There’s nothing wrong with that, and I feel bad when those folks are overwhelmed with home business opportunities.
I take folks at their word. If they ask about jobs, I give them information about jobs. If they ask about home businesses, I give them information about home businesses.
Why some people feel the need to completely ignore the actual question being asked is beyond me. People just want honest answers, and that’s what they deserve.
Bottom line on Yahoo Answers, you’ll find a lot of good information on there, a lot of irrelevant information and some downright scams. Everyone must do their due diligence when seeking home employment. There ARE good jobs out there and I wish you all the best in finding one that suits your needs!
Jan
10
Posted by : | On : January 10, 2008
So you’re ready to take on the adventure of working from home? Here are some things I’ve learned through years of various experience working telecommuting and freelance jobs.
Get organized to write your resume and cover letter.
For your resume:
List of all jobs you’ve had (include any freelance work) and dates you worked there
List of software programs you’ve worked with
List of accomplishments at jobs
List of references – at least 3 people you’ve worked with or know you well and you know will speak highly of you if asked.
Here are some free basic resume templates you can use with Microsoft Word.
For your cover letter:
Start with a basic template you can customize for each employer. Give a quick introduction and highlight the skills you have that make you a fit for the job. Employers go through hundreds of cover letters, so make yours short, sweet and to the point. If you have little experience, highlight the qualities you have that make you a good candidate.
Find companies who hire telecommuters.
There are many online sources to find work at home job listings. Because there is such a demand for telecommuting jobs, con artists from all over the world have made it their mission to use that desperation to prey on unsuspecting newbies to the online work at home world. So before you start your search – a word of caution: Totally check out a company, business or individual who wants to hire you. Ask a lot of questions. Make sure it’s legitimate before you give up your personal information or before starting any work.
Avoid scams by using common sense. Be wary if: they offer a lot of money for a little work, they ask you to use your personal bank account to make transactions for the company, they ask you to receive packages and re-ship them. These are just some of the scams out there. Get to know others who work from home and share information.
Now – back to the search!
Use all the regular job search portals like Monster, Careerbuilder, HotJobs, CraigsList and enter search terms like telecommute, work from home, virtual office, home office, independent contractor etc. Connect on work from home forums like WAHM.com and WorkPlaceLikeHome.com with other people who are both searching for work and those who are currently working from home.
I found job listings, now what?
Find out about the companies with which you want to apply. Hiring managers appreciate when a candidate has taken the time to understand what a company is about and the type of people they want to attract. Check out the company website, read the mission statement, look for links that include information about their customers, ask around to see if other people have had experience with the company.
Next, write down some questions you have for the person who interviews you. Remember, your time is worth something and you are interviewing these companies as much as they are interviewing you.
Follow the Instructions
This is KEY to getting the job. Each job listing or lead you find should have some sort of contact instructions. Whatever they ask, do that. If the ad says email for more information, then email for more information. If it says go to their website and complete the online application, do that. Follow their instructions to the letter and the chances of your application getting the attention it deserves go way up!
Follow Up
Once you’ve followed their instructions on how to apply first you need to relax! These things can take time. Give it a week at least before a brief follow-up email or phone call. Again – follow instructions! If the ad said “no phone calls,” do not call them. Some companies take the time to send “regrets” to everyone who applies, some don’t. If you follow up and don’t hear back, just put it on the back burner.
Getting the Interview
Ok, they liked your resume and cover letter and called you for an interview. Be prepared. Make sure to be on time – verify the time zone of the person who will be calling you. Have your questions ready, have your resume and cover letter in front of you, then just have fun. Let your personality show through over the phone. They can hear a smile in your voice, and employers love that!
After the Interview
Send a quick “thank you” note to the person who interviewed you. Always good to make a good parting impression as much as the first impression!
Most Importantly……if you’re new to working from home, spend a LOT of time researching, reading and learning. There are many experienced home-workers out there who share great information. Listen to their success stories and learn from their mistakes. Ask a lot of questions. Sooner than you realize, you’ll have your first telecommuting job!
Dec
21
Posted by : | On : December 21, 2007
Self-employment is such a blessing in that way. You do gain more control over your life and most importantly your time. There is no one secret to finding the right opportunity to work from home. There are so many ways to earn a living that don’t have to be tied to commuting and the 9-5 grind.
Over the years I’ve done a combination of working outside the home and working from home and I’ve discovered that for me, that’s what works best. From home I’ve worked for small businesses doing administrative work, in advertising, call center work, web design, writing and more. For me, owning my life means choosing the work I want to do, participating in activities that interest me and having the flexibility to spend time with my family.
Up until recently, I was working outside the home in a job I loved. Sadly, my position was eliminated. Immediately, I found a great company where I am able to telecommute and work a schedule that suits my family’s needs. It was actually perfect timing with the holidays. Tomorrow is the kids first day of winter break and I’m able to be home with them and not pay for childcare or ask family to babysit over the next three weeks.
It’s also giving me more time to blog and to explore opportunities for earning an income from home. Currently my work consists of: IC for a marketing company from home, freelance marketing and web design from home, singing with a professional caroling group, and supervising events at a swanky ballroom. Sometimes it seems like a lot, but I’ve been able to schedule my time in a way that works for me.
Working from home is a wonderful thing. I like not having all my eggs in one basket and being able to choose work I truly enjoy. I’m feeling very blessed this Christmas! I hope you are blessed, too!