Just 10 years ago, people would not have taken the opportunity of working from home using online technology seriously. Although there have been plenty of excellent home-based business ideas using the Internet appearing around that time, people were hesitant and even fearful to take the plunge. Today, however, things have changed. Working from home online is now one of the most convenient ways to earn an income. It’s also the best way to create your own opportunities.
Where to find work-from-home online job opportunities
There are many genuine online work-from-home opportunities. The key is finding one that is a good match to your skills and interests, offers sufficient pay and is legitimate. Some of the best sources of information for online work-from-home jobs include:
Freelancing websites
The majority of the jobs online that you can work from home with are freelance jobs or project-based. Don’t be put off by this. Many of the people who now work at home began as freelancers and project contractors. After being active in the industry for a while, they now enjoy a steady stream of income as a result of building their reputations and creating a good network of contacts.
Freelancing websites offer plenty of job opportunities for those who wish to work from home online. Jobs are arranged by categories such as industry, skill or even location, making them easy to find. Although there are sites that offer this service for free, many charge a small fee. Once you’ve become a paying member, you’ll gain access to job notices or be allowed to bid on projects.
Job websites
Many people looking for work-from-home online jobs tend to avoid the bigger job sites, thinking that they only post permanent or on-site jobs. That’s unfortunate because many of these sites also post freelance or project-based jobs, perfect for working at home. Many opportunities you’ll find on these sites offer good income. Obtaining multiple jobs here is quite possible and is a great way to increase your income. Getting two or three good clients will also help you avoid ‘dry spells’.
Online classified ads
Craigslist is just one example of a website that posts classified ads online. You may find plenty of job opportunities here but don’t just limit yourself; there are others that you can use to search for work-from-home jobs.
Company website
More and more companies are offering project-based jobs and hiring private contractors. Industries such as customer service, computer applications and repair, health, medicine and publishing are quite active in this regard. An advantage here is that although you will not be hired as an employee, you will be assured of a reliable company to work with.
To find work-from-home online jobs being offered by companies, use a search engine and the appropriate keywords or visit company websites. Many of these work-at-home job opportunities are customer service jobs where you will be handling inbound calls. A few examples of these companies include Walgreens, Virgin Atlanta and J. Crew. However, there are others that may be a good match to what you’re looking for, so search carefully.
Choosing your opportunity
Much of the success in a work-from-home online opportunity is dependent on what business or job you choose. Many of the unsuccessful attempts at running a home-based business or working from home are the result of wrong choices. Here are some factors to consider:
A good match
It’s important to find a work-from-home online job that fits your skills, training and interest. If you know how to do your job, you’ll become more productive and excel in your results. Furthermore, you will enjoy what you do.
A job you’re equipped for
The kind of equipment required to perform the work-from-home job available is also an important consideration. Since it’s an online job, you’ll need a reliable computer and fast internet access.
You might also want to check if there are other equipment required in order for you to perform the job. Online medical transcription jobs, for example, will require headsets and a foot pedal to control the recorded file during transcription while a virtual assistant job may call for a fax machine, a printer and a separate phone line.
A legitimate online job opportunity
Probably the most important consideration you should keep in mind is determining if the work-from-home opportunity is a real one. Some job opportunities don’t deliver on their promises while others are downright scams. Others make you put in a lot of effort for very little income.
To avoid failing in work-from-home online job opportunities, make sure they are legitimate. Check company backgrounds, participate in online forums or go to websites that review online income opportunities. That way, you will be able to avoid unnecessary expense or waste your time on a home-based job opportunity that will not give you the results you’re aiming for.
