Working From Home

[Bondservant]

Do any of you actually know anyone that works from home? I see so many jobs for data entry at home, and this is what I do in the workplace, it would be ideal. I am so sceptical by nature, and I don't know how reliable these work from home jobs are.

If you know someone who works from home, what do they do? Are they happy with it & does it provide a stable income?

I would love to be home when my son gets out of school and love the idea of working at home, but I don't want to get "schemed" either.

[Caring-lady]

I would be leary about those ads. Also the ads to become a Virtual Assistant or Court reporter are usually they want you to buy training.

I would encourage you to become creative - like an entrepreneur. I have done many things over the years. Although qualified to do office work, I have chosen not to work daily right now. I have done many things such as clean offices on the weekends; teach Conversational English to new immigrants for a small fee; done invoicing for a small business; home daycare and afterschool care; helping the elderly get to their appointments and with errands through a local senior's company - casual job to name a few.

I don't make that much but I like being creative and flexible with my time. I don't think getting into "home sales" is a good thing as people hate when their so called friends pressure them.

[Bondservant]

I am leery of those ads. If it sounds too good to be true in propably is. Right?

I don't have a very creative side, I like to do the follow through and completion of ideas, not the actual beginning. I like your idea, I am a scaredy cat and really want something I know will bring in a steady paycheck...

[Caring-lady]

Don't all women.

My most dependable side jobs were home daycare and office cleaning.

Actually home daycare was sometimes iffy.

There are many things we can try but not necessarily count on them. For instance even writing and submitting articles. I spent a year doing that and received one acceptance for $50. Hardly worth the time but it was fun and I wanted to try it.

[lovelevi]

My husband works from home. He writes computer software for a furniture company 5 hours away. He loves it. Although people do tend to think he is available at all times of day or nite.
When he went to apply for this job we didn't want to move to the area so he put the condition in that he work from home. They weren't too sure about it at first but he got the job and everyone is happy. He goes to the office twice a month (well, it has recently been once a week but they lost a guy and haven't filled the position yet so husband has to do double duty).
Maybe talk to your boss about your working at home especially now with the gas prices and all.
I dont' know too much about work at home job ads though.

[nessa]

I've heard that the general rule of thumb is if they ask for money for "training" or "supplies" it's probably a scam. Does a regular employer make you pay for those things?
If they don't ask for money and they can supply a few references, why not give it a go? A legit company with a good business ethic should have no problem letting you talk to both current and former employees. When I did some time in HR I was thrilled when people asked that question because it showed initiative and genuine interest on their part.

[lovelevi]

My husband does not have to pay for anything. They supply him with all he needs just like he was in the office.
I agree if they ask you for money I would believe it to be a scam.

[Angelsmile]

In my area there are medical institutions that pay for training for medical transcriptionist. Many of these work from home, happily. The medical centers do advertise including well known Mayo Clinic.

[Jen]

I work from home. Have had my own business for eleven years now. I do bookkeeping, marketing and business consultation. It is hard though, a lot of juggling to keep a professional and a home life both flowing smoothly. I have had lots and lots of bumps and bruises along the way. I would never pay someone to start a business that you will be doing all the work in, rather I would look at what skills you already have and then see how to best market them.