Are There Any Really Legit Work from Home Jobs?

Updated on April 09, 2010
W.H. asks from Midlothian, VA
12 answers

Hello all. I know this question has been asked a million times, but I just can't seem to find a true answer. I am desperately trying to find a legitimate job where I could work from home and still make a decent salary. I am starting to hate more and more having to pay someone to take my child to school and pick her up. My work hours are such that my daughter has to attend Before and After school care program. I feel as if I don't get to spend as much time with her as should and it's actually starting to make me emotionally depressed. I am a college graduate with excellent computer skills. Lately, I've also begun trying to teach myself web design. I know it might be wishful thinking to get a job where I could work at home and make the equivalent to what I make on my current job now, but there has to be something. I find that this is stressing me out so much now that every morning when I wake for work, tears form in my eyes. My emotional state is really taking a hit lately, and it's starting to affect everything else in my life. I just don't know what to do. I saw an ad for a turnkey online clothing business and have thought about doing that, but I wouldn't know where to begin. I'm to the point now that if I could afford the co-pay to see a psychologist, I would because the sadness and depression I feel is beginning to really scare me. I love my daughter tremendously, of course, and only want the best for her. I do realize that I have to have an income to provide for her as I am a single parent and the only source of income in our household is me. Although I am somewhat thankful to have a job since the job market is so bad out here, it is coming at the expense of my sanity. I want to be able to put my baby on the school bus in the morning and be there when she gets home at the end of her school day. With my schedule now, I have to rush to pick her up after work in the evenings, and then rush home to do homework, cook dinner. By the time that is done, it's basically time for my daughter to go to bed. I hate having to rush her through her homework in the evenings, but since we get up so early I try to have her in bed no later than 8:30 or 9pm. I could go on and on, but I know you guys get the idea. There has got to be something I could do from home and make a "real" living at it. I don't consider myself to be a salesperson at all, so I don't want to sell anything. I have tried doing Virtual Assistant work from home, but only made $500 in six months, so that doesn't work at all because I have monthly bills. Any advice would greatly be appreciated and I thank you in advance for your response. (After I get this issue settled, I'll come back to get advice on trying to find a decent partner and father figure for my daughter :) )

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So What Happened?

I would just like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to my "venting" :) It is greatly appreciated. My daughter is 9 yrs old, so she would be in school during the day while I worked, but thanks for mentioning that issue Michelle J. After reading the responses, I'm starting to feel a little better about what some of my options may be. I'm looking for different mentoring groups now that may be able to answer some of the questions I have about starting and maintaining an online clothing business. It is so funny, but 10 years ago when I graduate from college with my Bachelors degree, I was on top of the world. I was so motivated and inspired about what my new degree and the future held. What a difference 10 years makes. Although I tried everything and applied for every job I was qualified for and some that I weren't, I still haven't been able to find that job that just filled my spirit and my heart with joy. I've just been like a drone going back and forth to work. But now, maybe I can see a light at the end of this tunnel. Thank you again guys and keep in touch. I'll give more updates about my progress. Thank you and God Bless.

More Answers

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S.D.

answers from Lansing on

Great news - YES!! Hope is here! Been thru so much of what you describe and found something enjoyable, beneficial for my family, fun to do, a blessing to others, that helps our family's income. Contact me. I'm glad to share it with you to see if you are interested. Hang in there!! There really is hope!!
Mom of 3, formerly divorced, remarried and very happily working from home!!
____@____.com

1 mom found this helpful
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T.K.

answers from Ocala on

Look for great leaders who will know how to train you to be successful. There are a lot of good companies out there, but without the proper leadership and guidance, you won't be successful at any of them. Look for a team of people that are skilled both in traditional offline marketing as well as highly skilled in the completely separate art of Internet Marketing. Learning these skills are vital to your success in whatever company you choose to get involved with.

Remember, people join people who they know, like and trust. Remember that, because that is how you will be able to build YOUR organization, once you choose an opportunity. Learn to be a leader, from a team of successful leaders and you will find your own success and wealth.

Good luck!

T. Klimson

P.S. Beware those who pitch their opportunities to you and try to convince you that they have the BEST business, as this is a good indication that they don't know how to market successfully, and therefore, won't be able to teach you either.

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C.M.

answers from Austin on

I've heard that medical coding can be done from home. Just make sure you get into a legit program. Check with your local Community College. They have a ton of information about careers that you may have not even thought of.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

W.,
I don't have any specific answers for you. I just wanted to lend support. Although it seems grim and thankless right now, you are doing the best you can at the moment. Hang in there. I hope something comes along that will be of help to you.
Is there a possibility of doing your current job a few days per week from home? That might be an option to relieve a little of the pressure.

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M.J.

answers from Sacramento on

(ETA: Just noticed your response. Doh! I had read a post about a kindergartner just before yours and was thinking 1/2 day schedule. Didn't realize your daughter was nine, so disregard my post below.)

Unfortunately, working from home doesn't always equate to no daycare. If you need to earn a professional income, odds are you will need daycare. I have worked from home as a freelance writer for nine years and work only when my kids are in school or daycare. It's impossible to get quality, focused work time otherwise.

If you need a professional income, most of the WAH jobs out there won't do it. Have you considered consulting? It isn't that hard to start your own business and your current and past employers could be ideal prospective clients. Graphic design is a good WAH career route. Again, just keep in mind that it likely won't mean the end to daycare.

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J.H.

answers from Richmond on

I don't know if someone has already said this (still trying to figure out this new format), but when I found myself in the same situation last summer, I began putting out ads for childcare and took on school aged kids before and after school. I make very decent money for what amounts to a 15 hour work week, and school aged kids are very easy to care for. Think about it - they feed themselves, don't need diapers, and entertain themselves for the most part!
Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best of luck. It's tough times out there, so if you find something that works, stick with it!!!!

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N.R.

answers from Richmond on

I work from home and homeschool 3 boys ages 14, 9 & almost 4 yrs old. It is work so I have to schedule my day around my work; however, I am able to do my work with my children by my side. To work from home is much harder to me than to go to work in an office. But there is nothing more exciting, enjoyable, scary, sometimes over-whelming, but most of all worth it in all that I have ever done! Once you make up your mind that being home is really what you want than the rest will be easier for you.

You are welcome to call me anytime ###-###-#### and I will share with you what I do.

Take Care,
N. R.

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A.S.

answers from Dallas on

Check out the forum at workplacelikehome.com They have great leads to work at home jobs.

If you are interested earning money from blogging check out The Niche Blogger at http://www.thenicheblogger.com/amember/go.php?r=3549&...
Amy, the owner, makes over 5,000$ a month from her blogging websites. It took her 2 years, i think, to build up that kind of income, so don't expect to get rich quick. I love her program, she tells you what to do step by step.

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N.B.

answers from Bangor on

Well, I would suggest looking around your area for someone who sells Pampered Chef. I work from home selling kitchen utensils. It's a fun chance to get out of the house and have a good time with other women. I only do it some time, so I don't make much money. But there are people out there who make a real career out of it. So, I'd look into that. Hope this helps!

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K.S.

answers from Minneapolis on

In response to your overall emotional state, I know of an herbal supplement that may help lift your mood without psychotropic medications. Its called Luminex and made by Melaleuca if you want to research it. Look at www.melaleuca.com I haven’t used it myself, but it may be something for you to look into. It contains St Johns Wart, griffonia seed, folate, and vitamin B12. I know the feeling of wanting treatment but not having the time, money and energy to get help. Let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

Also, Melaleuca produces over 400 non toxic products that are safe for your home, health and the environment and will pay you to shop there and to refer customers. While it won’t support your family right away, it may be a business venture you want to get started on now, to reach your dreams in the future. If you would like to try this awesome product, let me know I can order it for you. I know what you are going through. I’ve been there. Hang in there and I will keep you in my thoughts.

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C.B.

answers from Detroit on

Medical Transcriptionist or Coding. You will have to get further education with will cost more money and time upfront, but it is at least legitimate and would be more dependable than alot of other things . It is something you can do through a local college and they can help you understand how feasible it is and what you can expect.

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K.L.

answers from Dallas on

Hi there!
I work from home and LOVE IT! I have meet some amazing people doing this and I have so much more time with my family. Check out my website at www.nstyletravel.worldventures.biz and watch the videos of what it is we do! If you would like to talk please feel free contact me at ____@____.com a Great Day!!
Kathryn

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