If you’re looking to bridge the vast financial gap between working full-time and being a stay-at-home mom, working from home can seem like the perfect solution. Or perhaps your kids are already in daycare but you’re looking for something more flexible with less commuting time. Update: During the current coronavirus crisis, the ability to work virtually is more critical than ever. No matter what your reasons, there’s something to be said for making a salary from the comfort of your own home. But how do you know what kind of work-from-home jobs to look for?
When it comes to the decision to work from home, you basically have two choices: you can search for remote or at-home positions listed by established companies, or you can start your own gig.
The obvious benefits of working for a company that hires at-home workers are predictable income, possible benefits like health insurance, and not having to take care of your own taxes (in some cases).
Pros of starting your own gig? You’re not bound by the parameters of a job description; you can literally do anything you want, as long as you’re able to make it profitable. Not only that, you can make your own hours, work anytime it suits you without answering to a boss, and your income is only limited by your willingness and ability to work.
While these perks may sound amazing (and they are!) the drawbacks of starting your own work-from-home gig are many as well, including unpredictable income, no benefits or paid time off, and being responsible for your own taxes.
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Once you decide what path you want to take, it’s time to start your search for the best work-from-home jobs.
Unless you’re looking to make a complete life change, it makes the most sense to continue working in your current area of expertise. Doing this means you will have some built-in experience and – bonus! – you may even be able to tap into your network of current and former co-workers to build your at-home business more quickly.
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Looking for work-from-home jobs for moms outside of your current or former realm?
This scenario may be more of a common reality in the time of coronavirus, especially in places like NYC. Simply consider what you’re good at and figure out how to mold those skills into something you can make money doing. Some examples of the best work-from-home jobs for moms are accounting and finance tasks, writing, editing and/or proofreading, baking, crafting and virtual assistant roles.
No experience? No problem! You may be able to find online training courses for many of these jobs. For instance, Udemy offers proofreading courses for around $100.
Resources to Find Work-From-Home Jobs
Here are six websites to check out if you’re looking for flexible, work-from-home jobs.
Mommybite Jobs Board
Many large and small companies – both locally and nationally – contact Mommybites regularly, looking for talented, hardworking parents to fill full- and part-time, flexible job positions. Maybe you’re a mom or dad with a specific skill or occupation? Or a mom reentering to the workforce? If you have mad skills to offer, chances are someone in this community will need them. So you can also list your service and promote your business.
Upwork
As far as freelance work goes, Upwork has nudged itself into the top spot, becoming the gold standard for remote workers. An easy-to-search job board with plentiful opportunities in a number of industries is Upwork’s main feature, but the site also touts a message board, easy application/proposal process, and quick, predictable payment turn-around. Upwork is particularly strong if you’re looking for writing and editing roles.
Thumbtack
Thumbtack is a unique online marketplace that matches professionals with people looking to have services performed. Many gigs on Thumbtack aren’t remote—the site is great for blue-collar industries like plumbing, painting and home improvement—but many others are. Thumbtack employs crafters, writers, editors, accountants, and many other roles that can be performed from home.
Etsy/Facebook
Are you a crafty mama? Here’s some good news—you may be able to keep doin’ what you’re doin’! Why not sell your crafts for some additional income? Sites like Etsy and even Facebook marketplace make selling your goods simpler than ever.
Flexjobs.com
Despite its monthly membership fee, the Flexjobs website has become one of the most highly regarded job search sites for remote workers. You won’t find a bit of spam on this site; the jobs posted are legitimate opportunities from real companies, not work-from-home scams. Advertising on the site is pretty much non-existent and opportunities are abundant across a wide variety of industries. If you’re looking for a steady, legitimate work-from-home job, definitely give Flexjobs a try. The best news? You can sign up on a monthly basis and cancel your membership anytime.
If you’re going to use your network to find your next work-from-home job, what better place to start than LinkedIn? If you’ve built up a good network of professionals who work in the industry you’d like to be in, definitely get in touch and let them know that you’re on the hunt for a remote position. Outline how you can be of assistance to them and how you intend to help them meet their goals. Then, consider mentioning that if they don’t have an opportunity, perhaps they might be able to put you in touch with someone who might. You’d be surprised at how quickly your network can grow. Remember, the best work-from-home jobs are those that come from a trusted member of your existing network.
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