As you might imagine, it's a rare day when I don't receive an e-mail
regarding work-at-home prospects. Although stay-at-home parents are
generally well-versed in stretching their dollars, sometimes it's helpful to
examine options for generating extra cash while still focusing on family.
A cardinal rule when seeking work-at-home prospects - NEVER pay anybody to
give you a job. If someone promises to send you a list of money-making
strategies "for only $10!", RUN. All you'll get is a letter advising
placing the same sort of ad YOU fell for, along with a disconnected contact
number.
There are several legitimate companies, including respected firms like Mary
Kay, Discovery Toys, and Pampered Chef, which require an initial investment
to cover start-up costs. Be careful to realistically consider the potential
buyers in your life and purchase only what you're sure you'll be able to
sell. Otherwise, you'll end up with more than your share of great makeup,
fun toys, snazzy kitchen utensils - and pressing inventory bills.
I've found the most promising work-at-home leads usually emerge through
networking with people you already know personally
(friends/family/neighbors), socially (pastors/teachers/fellow volunteers)
and professionally (business clubs/organizations/past co-workers). Best
place to start - your former employer.
Maybe your boss turned you down flat a couple of years ago, when you first
offered to work from home. Even if you've already quit your job to become
an at-home parent, consider putting together a proposal and asking again.
In case you hadn't noticed, we're in the midst of a cultural revolution.
The proliferation of home office equipment has split the marketplace wide
open, dramatically multiplying the number of companies which allow employees
to telecommute. Your boss might surprise you with a change of heart,
welcoming help from an already-trained employee.
Or try approaching different companies in your same field, linking up with a
more family-friendly business. For instance, just because your former boss
wouldn't hire you as a freelancer doesn't mean his competitors won't.
Outsourcing is a profitable way of taking care of overflow work. Offer the
skills needed, and you become a valuable commodity.
Having a speedy computer, second phone line, fax machine and Internet access
place you in the running for many work-at-home jobs. Take time to determine
your strengths, then start pitching yourself to companies that can use your
expertise.
Don't forget to use the Web, exploring opportunities available online. To
get you started, you might like to check out these websites for more info on
working from home:
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
You can e-mail Cheryl at cheryl@homebodies.org or visit her website at
www.homebodies.org. To receive Cheryl's free weekly ezine, write
subscribe-ds-homebodies@xc.orgHer new book, "So You Want to Be a Stay-at-Home Mom,"
is available at your favorite bookstore or online at www.ivpress.com.
Copyright 1999 Cheryl Gochnauer.
if you have any questions or comments!