Yesterday we did an informal poll in our Facebook community to ask the types of work-at-home (WAH) jobs people would most like to do. We got some great comments (over 50 posts; thank you for sharing with us!), and though the overflowing work plate here won't let me reply individually, I wanted to steal a few minutes to write down some feedback.
First, a few "macro" things I'd like to share, taken from our 10+ years in the WAH movement...
On the positive side, telework is growing steadily, and we're seeing a widening variety of hirers joining the movement. As real estate and other savings become plainer to the hiring side, and communications options continue to evolve, and global warming concerns increase (among other factors), the trend will accelerate.
On the negative or "Darwinian" side -- and here we're talking pay -- work of all kinds tends to flow to the least-expensive source of suitable labor. Even brain surgery would be cheap (for the hospitals, at least) if the US were teeming with qualified brain surgeons. Indeed, we may soon see the day when brain surgery is routinely performed virtually and offshore, by doctors who charge much less than US MDs. (The plastic surgery sector is already seeing a variation of this, with US patients flying to Thailand and other offshore destinations to obtain cheaper rates.)
Further, the sad fact is that American wages have been stagnant and in many cases going backward since the 1970s. Meanwhile, the Internet -- making labor around the world easily accessible -- is increasing the downward push on US pay. (The US middle class is being steadily hollowed out, but that's a post for another day.)
Finally, there's the other harsh truth of supply and demand. Already, the demand for legitimate WAH jobs exceeds the supply (hence all the WAH scams). And as 78M Boomers shift toward a "working retirement," the ratio will not improve. (Which means, in a nutshell, that job seekers generally -- but WAH job seekers especially -- must become more and more entrepreneurial and creative in their search. And as much as we all hate to do it, this may include "cold calling," knocking on office doors, and other salesy tactics, because for better or worse that's what job-seeking is -- a personal sales campaign.)
Data Entry Work
Many people are looking for data entry work, which continues a trend that Chris and I noted back in the '90s. (It was already strong even then.) We keep an eye out for legitimate data entry jobs in our research (we've listed screened periodic hirers and other resources here), but the fact is that much data entry work is sent offshore, and many of the "job leads" online are scams.
Smaller companies, however, DON'T usually send their data entry work offshore. (Some may use oDesk and similar marketplaces, but that's still unknown waters for many.)
Advice? Approach smaller companies directly for their work. (Look for growing companies in your local / regional newspaper's business section, or in publications like INC magazine, which profiles and lists high-growth companies.) Target local companies, if you can, where you can introduce yourself. Then take the work home, and handle things virtually with regular face-to-face contact.
If your budget permits, put up a basic webpage (with a decent photo) so people can see you and your credentials. Add testimonials whenever you can get them...
Freelance Writing
The good news is that the Net consumes writing like a bonfire, and companies like AOL's Patch.com are on a hiring spree. The not-so-good news is that many writing assignments and lower-tier blogging roles don't pay well, and layoffs in the print media are adding well-credentialed journalists and editors to the mix.
As with other things in life, the "good gigs" rarely fall into the lap. You'll have to be proactive to land decent work. We've listed some screened periodic hirers, job boards and other resources on our Writing, Editing & Proofreading section, and you'll want to get to know sites like Media Bistro especially well. (Membership required.)
For blogging jobs generally (and excellent blog-related advice), we particularly recommend Darren Rowse's Problogger.net. For advice on growing a freelance writing role, see Michelle Goodman's blog and books.
Conducting Your Own Searches for WAH Jobs & Projects
Our research team works overtime, but you'll want to supplement our efforts and those you'll see on other sites with your own.
Using "good" search terms is key to whittling down the scams and "homing" in on the home-based work you're looking for.
Some search terms to start with (hundreds more are listed in our book, Work at Home Now ) are
"work from anywhere"
"we are a virtual company"
"will work offsite"
"this is a freelance position"
"this is an independent contractor position"
"this is a telecommuting position"
"will have the option to work from home"
Good luck as you proceed, and we'll be sure to keep your poll comments in mind as we continue to screen and publish legitimate WAH jobs and projects.
Best, Mike
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