I started working from home seven years ago, when my youngest daughter was born. I couldn’t handle the idea of putting her in day care, so I investigated every single work-from-home opportunity I could find. So many of them were scams, but a few weren’t, and I still do them to this day. Here’s my list of the eight jobs you can do from home…
Photo Credit: Lucas Bernal
If you’re a journalist, copywriter, or blogger, there’s no real reason you can’t work from home, especially with the internet at your disposal! You can research, conduct interviews, write, and send for editing from home, as long as you have a bunny-quick internet connection, a good cell phone, and (of course) the right research sources. Take your own photos to sell with your articles, too! Or be a photog on your own, to shoot sports, kids, weddings, and more!
Photo Credit: makmaksan
You can write code and/or design under a deadline and on budget. Why should you have to go into an office? If you have a client update meeting, throw on your pressed khakis and a polo shirt (if you’re a guy) or a pair of skinny jeans and a cute top (if you’re a gal) and go! But other than that, you ought to be able to work from home, as long as you have the right software and a good internet connection.
Photo Credit: alternative018
With the right technology (e-mail, calendar, PowerPoint, and a good phone) there’s no real reason why you can’t be an administrative or executive assistant from home. Book travel, update calendars, set appointments, answer calls, create presentations, deal with correspondence… you can do all of it from home!
Photo Credit: Cláudia*~Assad
The Purple Heart is a charity here in the States that benefits injured military veterans. They pick up used clothing and household items and sell them at thrift stores. The pick-ups are scheduled by phone, and the schedulers all work from home. The schedulers get a list of addresses in the neighborhoods where the Purple Heart trucks will be in two weeks, and they simply call and make sure residents put their bags and furniture on their porches. Schedulers are paid per successful pick up, and it’s for a very good cause!
Photo Credit: windchains
Some companies still use good old-fashioned data entry people to update huge lists of data by hand. They prefer to use independent contractors who work from home, and they pay per item correctly and accurately entered. For freelance data entry jobs, check out elance.com or getafreelancer.com.
Photo Credit: orgutcayli
Do you have a flair for ad or print design? Then connect with a good, reputable local printer and maybe a small ad agency and pick up quick design jobs! All you really need is a cell phone, the right design software, and a speedy internet connection.
In most states, including Michigan, where I live, you must be licensed to provide in-home day-care to ANY child who is not your own. The process is relatively simple and fast, so if you enjoy working with children, and have an extra room that could be turned into a play area, then you may want to consider opening a day care!
Photo Credit: lomokev
Let me start by saying that you should never, EVER, pay to register with a mystery shopping company. They will pay YOU! For a list of reputable, legitimate companies to shop for, visit the Mystery Shopping Providers Association at mysteryshop.org and apply with all of the ones that have shops to do in your area. I’ve been a part-time shopper for seven years, and I even teach a class at my local parks and rec!
With the power of the Internet, there’s no real reason you have to leave home to make money! None of these require buying anything, like make-up or plastic food containers… Try a few of these and see what you think… is there one you like best? Or is there a job I’ve left off my list? Please let me know!
Top Photo Credit: purplelime