AboutLeslie Truex Expertise I can answer questions on how to find a work-at-home job online or off including the best sites for finding jobs, how approach an employer about working at home, and other methods for creating a work-at-home job. I can also answer questions about current trends in telecommuting, how to establish a telecommuting program in a company, and how to maximize productivity while working at home.
Experience I have telecommuted as a social worker, writer, web designer and online researcher. I have provided work-at-home job announcements and tips online since 1998 at my site WorkAtHomeSuccess.com. I am the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home and of the soon to be published The Pajama Mama Guide to Online Employment.
Publications My articles have appeared in various work-at-home and stay-at-home e-zines and web site.
Education/Credentials I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work.
Awards and Honors Work-At-Home Success has been recognized and received several awards from various online resources.
Expert: Leslie Truex Date: 1/4/2007 Subject: telecommuting jobs
Question I need to find a reputable telecommuting site. I really need a telecommuting job that has benefits and well as some flexibility to the hours as my children have some health concerns. My husband's company is going out of business because of the housing industry is so bad in our area and my real estate career isn't moving so we are pretty desperate in that we might lose our home and my kids dr. bills are pretty up there.
I can do pretty much anything because I have two majors, one in accounting and one in marketing and have done almost everything in the past. My strongest point is that I am a very quick learner. I would really love something in the clothing designing area but have not a clue where to start looking. Anything I can get will be greatly appreciated.
Answer Hi Cynthia,
I'm sorry to hear about your family's difficulties. I have to say, that desperate times call for getting something, anything asap. There are thousands of telecommuting jobs posted everyday; however, there is no guarantee that you'll get one in quick order. You may want to find something to tie you over until you can find a work-at-home job.
Second, most work-at-home jobs you find online are not going to have benefits. Most people are hired as contractors. That's not to say the work isn't regular, its just that pay for work is all you get. There are actually some really great benefits to this as you can save a great deal in taxes.
Third, I do find work in accounting, but the marketing area may be your best deal. In fact, I find tons of copywriting jobs all the time. I recently interviewed Steve Slaunwhite a copywriter and author of Start and Run a Copywriting Business and he (as well as all the other successful copywriters I know) say this is a very lucrative area and easy to get into. In fact, he said someone just starting could earn $30 to $50K in the first year! (That impressed me!). You can find out more about this by visiting the Work-At-Home Success Expo (its free) and listening to Steve's interview. You'll find lots of other info there as well. http://www.wahs-expo.com
Finally, the best way to find a telecommuting job with benefits is to approach an employer locally with a telecommuting proposal. Most telecommuters I know that have benefits turned their jobs into a telecommuting position. You can learn how to do that here: http://www.workathomesuccess.com/telecommute.html
The only other option is perhaps sales as some companies offer benefits.
As far as sites that offer legitimate jobs, you can see the ones I use at http://www.workathomesuccess.com/work-from-home-job-search.html. Some are free, but the fee-based sites offer ONLY telecommuting positions and will be your best bet. I don't guarantee that you'll get a job from one of these sites, but for anyone who's really serious about finding a work-at-home job, these sites offer hundreds of jobs in many different areas. I should probably mention that these jobs are not sign-up and get paid. They do require skills and experience just like any other job.
