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Have you ever wished that you could work from home? According to
the Bureau of Labor Statistics, over 19 million people worked from
home (either part-time or full-time) in 2001. It’s a growing trend in
our society with the number steadily rising as many people are leaving
the workplace in favor of a work-at-home career.
There are four main ways to make working from home possible:
1. Telecommute for your current employer - Many employers are
beginning to see the benefits of allowing their employees to work from
home. If you have a job that would be possible to do from home ask
your employer to consider it. More and more employers are allowing
employees to telecommute. This is an easy way to work from home while
maintaining the security of a stable career. You must realize, though,
that working from home may limit you in terms of advancing in your
company. It’s important to think through the sacrifices that you may
need to make in your situation to work from home.
2. Telecommute as an independent contractor - There are many
companies that hire independent contractors to do work such as data
entry, transcription and customer service from home. This can be an
incredible opportunity as long as you’re willing to keep track of your
own taxes and aren’t relying on the employer for insurance and other
perks
There are many benefits to the company also, such as lower wages,
not needing to provide insurance, or being able to offer a commission
based position. The company may also choose to hire home workers so
that they do not need to pay for space to house an office full of
employees.
3. Own a direct sales/MLM home-based business - Many times these
types of home-based businesses are overlooked, but they truly can
bring an income and allow you to work from home. However, doing your
research before joining a company is very important. Look for
representatives of the company to speak with and, if possible, try to
find someone who has been a representative for the company, but is no
longer. They may be able to share some of the negative aspects of the
business with you.
Also check with the Better Business Bureau and make sure that the
company that you are considering has a good reputation. You can also
go to websites such as CWAHM.com and sign up to speak with current
work at home moms (CWAHD.com for dads) who can answer your questions
about owning a home-based direct sales/MLM business.
4. Begin your own home-based business - It can seem overwhelming to
start your own business, but if you start small and have a good
business plan it can be a very rewarding decision. You are able to be
your own boss, have a very flexible schedule and work only when it is
convenient for you.
When considering beginning your own business, make sure that you
have found a niche that will allow you to serve customers that no one
else is serving. When I began searching for a way to work from home, I
spent time researching the different work at home websites available
and realized that there was not a place for Christians to network and
help one another work from home. I filled this niche with my website,
CWAHM.com, and the response has been amazing. If you take your time
and find a niche or unique product, you will have a much higher chance
at success.
If you decide to begin your own business, you must also check your
state and city about zoning laws, licensure requirements, etc. Contact
an accountant to find out what percentage of sales you need to set
aside for taxes as well as whether or not you’ll need to make
quarterly tax payments.
Working from home is a big commitment and it can take some time to
get started. It’s important to take the time to research what type of
at-home position will work best for you. If you would like to
telecommute, speak with your employer to see if it is a possibility.
If you are looking into a home-based business, speak with others from
the company or find a niche that you can fill with your own business.
Working from home can be a rewarding choice and it IS possible.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Jill Hart is the founder of Christian Work at
Home Moms, CWAHM.com. Jill is a contributing author in The Business
Mom Guide Book and I'll Be Home For Christmas and co-author of the
upcoming book, Home Based Blessings. Jill has articles published
across the web on sites like DrLaura.com and ClubMom.com. Jill and her
husband, Allen of CWAHD.com reside in Nebraska with their two
children.
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