For Christian moms who want to bring in some extra income, but do not want to go the route of a home business, work at home jobs or telecommuting can be the way to go. This is also a viable option for dads, as well and there are a variety of jobs based on your particular skill set. And many employers are now downsizing there official workforce, but are hiring independent contractors to work from home to save on the cost of benefits.
Before I discuss how to find and land a work at home job, let me make something really clear:
You do not pay someone to work from home!!!!
While a home business is different and will require a start up costs, legitimate companies do NOT ask you for money to be employed by them-no fees for applications, software, information, etc. Some of the legit customer service companies, however, will require a background/credit check fee and that is okay. Because you will be taking orders over the phone you will need to prove you are legit. ;-)
How to Search For A Work At Home Job
Searching for a telecommuting job is really no different than searching for a traditional job. It may even be a bit harder as you will have more competition. There are potentially thousands of people looking nationally, so the pool of potential hires is much larger. So here are a few steps you should take before beginning your online job hunt:
- Take a quiet moment and list all of your skills and abilities. What have you done? What do you do well? What do you like to do? Is your home quiet or noisy? What type of hours do you want to work? I find this to be an excellent exercise for moms who have been out of the work force for as long time. You have more skills than you know!
- Pray for doors to be opened. For the Christian working from home this is a crucial step. Pray to be guided to the job that is right for you and your family. Pray to be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit and that you will be protected from scams.
- Research the work at home job market to see what’s out there. As you are looking, see if there is a match to your skills and temperament. There are many customer service jobs, but if talking to and helping people via the phone for several hours a day is not your cup of tea, then do not apply, even if you need the money. A good fit is essential to harmony at home.
- Spruce up your skills. Have you been out of the job market for a while? Then it’s time to spruce up your skills or develop new ones. It is especially important that your computer skills be up to date. This is true even of customer service jobs. Fast typing skills are important as well.
- Spruce up your resume or portfolio. This goes without saying. Usually online jobs will have a standard web form for all to fill out, you will need something fresh and attractive for approaching local companies or your current employer.
- If you are currently employed outside the home, and things look rocky, consider making a telecommuting proposal to your employer. Come up with a cost savings analysis and how your working from home would be of value to them. Make sure you approach it with a “what’s in it for them” attitude. Many telecommuting jobs are traditional jobs that employees have been able to transition to a home based position.
- Think outside the box and go local. If you are having trouble finding a work at home job online, consider creating your own job at home. Do you have any special skills that might be of special value to local businesses and employers? Like blog set-ups, web design? Any other specialties? If so, check out, the information I’ve posted about starting a web design business. While this is a home business, it is more like a free-lancing, independent contractor job. Start small and develop a portfolio.
- Stay Organized. Create a work at home job application section in a binder or your day planner, or create a speadsheet to keep track of applications and assignments. It is also helpful to create a folder in your email client to keep all correspondence from potential employers.
Here are several websites for work at home jobs. While I try to screen jobs, there is no way I can be 100% sure about everything. I have relied on very good intel from other wahm’s who have worked for these companies. Please do your homework and be careful. HomeBasedChristians.com does not officially endorse any of these companies. The information and links to them are provided soley for your convenience. They may or may not be taking applications at this time.
Work at Home Customer Service/Phone Jobs
Please keep in mind that these jobs usually require a background and credit check once you are offered a position. The fee for that is usually under $50. Phone jobs also require scheduled shifts, usually 3-4 hours at a time and a minimum of 20 hours per week.
WorkingSolutions The focus is primarily on various types of call center work, as well as some data entry and special projects.
Secretarial
Speak-Write.com (Formerly CyberSecretaries) Hires transcriptionists, preferably in the legal field.
Spheris (Medical Transcription)
eMedia/Morningside Partners (Financial and News Transcribers)
Editing/Writing/Teaching Jobs
BrainFuse (tutoring)
SmartThinking (tutoring)
Please see our Home Writing Jobs page for more information about home writing jobs, including getting paid to write articles and niche blogging.
Telecommuting Services
These have many job listings, but may charge a fee. See if there is a trial period or a 30-day guarantee. I’ve tried to include the ones that look the most legit and have been around for a while.
