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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Nov
11
Posted by : | On : November 11, 2008
My local news station did a story on work from home opportunities tonight. It’s nice to see working from home becoming a viable option for more and more people. There are so many jobs that can be done from home. I truly hope more companies begin to recognize this. Check out the article on the 9News website, and check out this cool blog of a work from home mom they featured!
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!
Dec
18
Posted by : | On : December 18, 2007
Self-employment gives you the flexibility to control your time. By choosing self-employment or independent contractor (IC) work, you give yourself the ability to set your own schedule and only take on projects that work for you.
Be creative! Think about the things you love and the types of things you choose to do with your time, then try to find a project or business around that. You’ll haven enthusiasm for your work and your clients will love the results.
Remember when you are self-employed that you must set aside a good amount from your earnings for tax purposes. I highly recommend consulting a tax professional for advice specific to your situation. Not only will you find out how much you need to set aside, but you will also get information about the things you can and cannot deduct on your taxes. Most importantly – do NOT let the tax issue scare you away from great opportunities. Turbo Tax is a fantastic software that can walk you step by step through the process of filing your taxes as a self-employed person.
TurboTax Deluxe Federal with E-File 2007
Sep
01
Posted by : | On : September 1, 2007
It’s growing SO fast, you have got to check it out!!
Do you love to save money online?
I love to save money, so this was a no-brainer for me. All the local coupons, the thousands and thousands of online shops, gift cards. It’s not about changing what you buy – it’s about saving on what you already buy and use.
It was just amazing when I pre-enrolled for FREE and logged in to see the savings available to me in my area. Places I shop, eat, see movies and more were all there.
INCREDIBLE travel discounts! Even 50% discount lift tickets to a ski resort my husband enjoys! A little math and it was easy to see that the savings for us would far outweigh the small cost to participate in this program. It literally pays for itself…..then it pays YOU!
- WAYS TO SAVE:
- Discount Card – use at thousands of shops!
- Grocery Coupons – valuable printable coupons!
- Cash-back shopping online with THOUSANDS of popular retailers
Do you love to earn money online?
Share the savings with others and you can earn a stream of income from the comfort of your own home in your spare time. Make money online – work at home with our automated system. This is a fantastic opportunity for work at home parents or those who want to work from home.
We have something for you whether you just wand to save LOTS of money on the goods and services you already buy, or you want a home-based business with unlimited potential.
- WAYS TO EARN:
- Retail Bounuses
- Residual Income
- Infinity Bonuses
- Generational Bonuses
- Bonus Pools
Aug
26
Posted by : | On : August 26, 2007
I’m always searching online for news and information about working from home. Here’s an interesting article I found:
Jan
07
Posted by : | On : January 7, 2007
…well, perhaps a few days late but close enough!
Currently working full time outside the home in a job I enjoy with a non-profit that’s near and dear to my heart. I’d like to get back home full time eventually, but for now I’m all about earning extra cash to put in savings and getting FREE stuff!
I’ve resolved to keep track of my work-from-home adventures here and see where we end up at the end of the year!
Today, I joined a new (to me) “pay to read emails” program called Inbox Dollars. You get paid to read emails. Pretty simple. Or so it would seem. We shall see.
My favorite “paid to read” site is MyPoints. I’ve gotten SO many gift certificates from them over the past couple years. Email me if you would like a referral to MyPoints. It’s totally free and they ROCK! When you sign up and refer people, you get 100 points for each referral!
My latest project is getting ready to re-launch my website – EclecticWAHM.com. The old site is still up, flaws and all. I should be able to put up the new site shortly.
So, starting off the year, here’s a brief accounting of where The Eclectic WAHM stands:
- Requested a check from Survey Savvy for $8 yesterday and already have another $2 in there today. In the past several weeks, I suddenly have 30 referrals on there too – when they start taking surveys I’ll be very happy!
- Just requested a $10 check from Opinion Outpost. That was EASY. Couple surveys and badabing…cash. Happiness!
- Cashed out yesterday for a $5 Amazon.com gift certificate from Lightspeed Panel. Take online surveys and earn cash and prizes. Sign up today and be entered into a $5,000 Sweepstakes. I still have 330 points, so 200 more to go for my next $5. It’s easy with them for it to add up.
- Currently have 1,470 points at MyPoints. I’m saving up for something cool. Don’t know what yet.
- Currently have $6 at Testspin and waiting to be credited for around $8 more. You can cash out there at $10 for Amazon.com gift certificates. Testspin is one of my favorites. They don’t have a referral program, sadly…but still – the $$ adds up quickly and I got hundreds of dollars from them last year.
So there you have it. I’m sure I’ve forotten something…but it’s bedtime.
Can’t wait to check my email in the morning for more cool surveys!!
The Eclectic WAHM