How to Start Working from Home Now!
You’re not alone if you’ve been dreaming of ditching the cubicle and working from the comfort of your own home. In today’s digital world, more and more people are finding that they can do just that.
In 2019, Randy and I downsized to a small home, moved to a small town – in a different state – and both started working from home.
It was life-changing! “Going small” and working from home is the best thing we’ve ever done. And we’ve never looked back.
In this article, I’ll give you some tips and ideas on how you can start working from home, too.
I’ll also suggest what to consider before making the switch.
The ideas below are just a few of so many available to you. So no matter what your skills or interests, there’s sure to be something to let you start working from home.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
What Kind of Work Can I Do from Home?
The great thing about working from home is that you have the flexibility to pursue it full time or part-time, according to your schedule and budget.
Depending on your interests, you can find many jobs that are rewarding and even fun (like blogging!) – and, of course, done from the convenience of your own home.
And some of them pay very well.
If you want to start working from home, there are countless possibilities available.
Remote Work from Home – Working Online
Do you enjoy working on a laptop or PC? The internet has leveled the playing field for those who want to start working from home.
If you want to work remote, just remember – you’ll need a fast, modern computer; a high-speed internet connection and a place to work. A good printer would probably help, too.
If you’re already employed and do your work on a computer, this is the easiest way to start working from home. (See the section below about getting your boss on board.) You’ll just need your boss’s approval and a plan to get everything in place to make it a reality.
Some jobs are easier to switch over than others. Is it feasible to do your job from home? Do you need supplies or shared files at the office – and can they be made available digitally? Google Docs, DropBox, OneDrive and Canto all allow you to access and share files with team members.
Working from home as a virtual assistant is perfect for those who thrive on organization and communication. You’ll need to be able to manage tasks like sending emails, setting appointments, and supporting your clients with all the info they need to finish projects on schedule and within budget.
If you have some computer coding skills, freelance work could be good money for you. Whether it’s creating a cutting-edge app or a simple website, this could be a smart and rewarding career choice. Computers aren’t going anywhere, and good techy folks are always in hot demand.
Teaching something you’re passionate about is always a good idea, especially if it’s something you enjoy doing. There are many ways to do this online, from setting up online courses, to one-on-one coaching sessions via Zoom or Skype. Host your teaching on learning platforms like Udemy, Thinkific, FreshLearn, Coursera or Teachable. You can make money selling affiliate supplies, in addition to your course itself.
As the world relies more and more on technology, remote work from home continues to grow. And so do your opportunities to start working from home!
Working From Home – Not Remote
Of course, not everyone wants to work from home online! Many people don’t enjoy sitting at a desk and prefer a more hands-on lifestyle.
There are many ways you can start working from home, and here are a few ideas.
Are you a craft person? If you’re skilled at sewing, building, beadwork, leatherworking, etc., you can create and sell your handiwork. You can advertise on Shopify, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, CraigsList, etc.
But if you prefer offline sales, consider trade shows, craft fairs, newspapers, garage sales and word-of-mouth. You can also visit local businesses who could feature you in their stores. Boutique and novelty shops are great for this, as handmade items are a good fit.
If you love children and have experience, offering childcare services is another home option. Do it full time or part time, one child or a few. The money is good, and the need is always there.
Just remember to comply with any state or local regulations to protect both yourself and the children. Also, check with your home insurance to make sure you’re covered for any childcare-related claims.
Offer indoor and outdoor gardening services. If you have a green thumb, grab your watering can & fertilizer, and build your client list. You could offer weeding services (my house first, please!), watering, mulching and weekly flower dead-heading. In the winter, offer to water interior plants and swap out any that are struggling. You could over-winter tender perennials and create container gardens in the spring.
Refurbish and sell free items. If you’re handy with DIY projects, this could be your goldmine. There’s no end to the decent stuff people give away free, just to get rid of it. You can find freebies on CraigsList, Facebook Marketplace, in the newspaper and on the side of the road. And some of it’s in perfectly good condition! All you need is a paint can and a little elbow grease, plus maybe some wood glue. Oh – and a pickup truck might help, too. Dedicate a room in your house or a stall in your garage to your new Trash-to-Treasures store.
Need more ideas? Check out our article on 19 home business ideas you can start today.
Should I Start Working from Home as Self Employed or as an Employee?
Making the decision to be self-employed vs an employee of someone else can be tough. Your choice depends on a number of things – like personality, financial stability and the career path you want.
Some people love the independence that self-employment gives, while others want the stability that comes with receiving a paycheck.
Both work styles have their advantages and drawbacks. And it’s important to decide which camp you fall into before you start working from home.
To begin with, a self-employed person must be self-motivated and self-disciplined. Nobody is going to write you a paycheck, so be willing to hustle to bring in business.
The thought of that can seem scary, liberating or both.
You’ll also need to some excellent budget planning for the income you’ll need. Be realistic, and make sure to leave a cushion for emergencies and slow seasons.
Self-employed people need to consider other business aspects, too: marketing/advertising; business licenses; tax filings; health insurance; material suppliers and product packaging (if that applies) and any equipment you’ll need for your business and home office.
Does that list fill you with dread or excitement? Do you feel motivated or overwhelmed? Not everyone is cut out for self-employment, and that’s great because the world needs lots of employees.
But there’s always room for small businesses – so if you love the idea of being your own boss, don’t be afraid to throw your hat in the ring.
How Do I Convince My Boss to Let Me Start Working from Home?
Work-from-home jobs are becoming more and more common. And why shouldn’t they? Not only do remote jobs save businesses money on workspace overhead, but they give workers flexibility, reduced commute time & gas, plus more time with family.
Unfortunately, not all bosses are on board with the idea of working remotely.
So how do you convince your boss to let you start working from home?
The first step is to learn your company’s policy on remote workers. Does your company allow working from home? Why or why not?
If it’s a policy issue, you may be able to change the policy if your company isn’t too large. But in some bigger corporations – or government offices – you might have little influence. There’s just too much red tape to cut and too many ladders to climb before you get to the decision makers.
But if you can, try to persuade your boss with a compelling argument. Explain why working from home would be a win for both you AND the company.
Doing this will show that you’re capable of managing the responsibilities of working from home and that you’ve given it careful thought. Make sure to reiterate that you care about the company’s success.
Remember, it’s important to understand your manager’s viewpoint on this. Many managers are down on remote working because they fear lack of communication and productivity.
Remember, it’s important to understand your manager’s viewpoint on this. Many managers are down on remote working because they fear lack of communication and productivity.
Your boss may also be concerned that you won’t be dedicated to the team. Show how you’ve always worked as a team player. Explain how you can continue to do so from home. And make sure to give examples of your accomplishments and connect them back to the company’s best interests.
Prepare yourself for any objections by understanding your manager and company’s attitudes on remote work, then frame your case in a favorable light. Doing this will put you ahead of the game, with a positive response to any argument that comes up.
And finally, be willing to ease into it. If your manager is reluctant to let you start working from home full-time, ask to test it out on a trial basis. After that, you can decide to make it permanent if you both agree. This will let you show that their concerns are unfounded – and may eventually win their okay for making the full-time switch.
What are the Highest Paying Work-From-Home Jobs?
Whether you’re looking to make a full-time income working from home or just supplement your current 9-to-5 job, there are plenty of opportunities to do so.
The pay for online work swings wide, including for the list of jobs below. There’s a big difference between a first-year worker and someone with twenty years of experience – and salary levels reflect that.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of ten top-paying work-from-home jobs, according to data from Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter, FlexJobs, and Indeed.
Do you have the skills for one of these great jobs? If so, there may be an awesome job waiting for you!
- Software Developer: Median Base Salary: $105,000
- IT Manager: Median Base Salary: $98,5000
- Online Marketing Manager: Median Base Salary: $72,000
- Data Scientist: Median Base Salary: $104,000
- UX Designer: Median Base Salary: $95,000
- Recruiting Manager: Median Base Salary: $71,000
- Customer Success Manager: Median Base Salary: $71,000
- Social Media Manager: Median Base Salary: $54,000
- Communications Manager: Median Base Salary: $78,000
- PR Manager: Median Base Salary: $74,000
If you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, or even replace your full-time income, working from home might be the perfect solution. And, with so many different options available, you’re sure to find a job that fits your skills and interests.
How Do I Start Working from Home with No Experience?
Work from home jobs that don’t require any experience can be found in a variety of fields. But while some may not require experience, they may need specific skills.
These types of jobs include (among others) things like content writing, social community management, customer support and sales. If you can prove your skills to do the job, it’s possible you could be hired.
To start working from home with no experience at all, begin by applying for online jobs that don’t need any training and very few specific skills. These jobs usually have an entry-level point to get you started. They aren’t always the highest paying jobs, but they’re perfect for beginners.
Examples of such positions include data entry, level-one virtual assistant, search engine evaluator, and customer support representative.
The nice thing about these jobs is that there’s usually room to level up to higher pay and more responsibility, once you’re trained in the position.
Another way to begin working from home with no experience is to apply for microtasks on sites like IKEA’s TaskRabbit, Amazon’s MTurk and Clickworker. These are small, temporary jobs people need done, and many of them don’t require any special skills or experience.
Finally, another option is working as an online researcher. This job doesn’t require any special skills or expertise, but rather patience and the ability to gather data online. Companies hiring these positions include Wonder, Experts123 and JustAnswer, among others. It’s a great start since you can develop your abilities – while getting paid to do it from home!
Final Thoughts
Working from home can be an incredibly rewarding experience, and it’s easier than ever to make the switch. With the right amount of dedication and research, you can find the perfect job that fits your skillset, interests, and lifestyle.
Take the plunge and start working from home today – you won’t regret it!
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