Best Telecommuting Jobs for WAHM’s: Virtual Assistant
Many moms (and dads) prefer a work at home career. The benefits are endless, and in many instances, you can earn more money working from home. Still, lack of confidence and know-how prevents many from taking the leap. I don’t recommend jumping into a work at home career blindly; nor do I suggest making a decision that’ll be financially detrimental.
Any major life decision deserves foresight and a good plan. For example, what type of work at home career best fits your personality and expertise? Some people have unique skills, in which they can turn their talent into a profitable business. Then again, others have limited abilities and no special skills.
To enjoy a successful work at home career, you don’t need years of managerial experience. What’s more, you don’t even need a college degree. There are plenty jobs available. And in most cases, all you need is excellent customer service skills, the ability to work with little or no supervision, and computer knowledge.
One of the best opportunities for WAHM’s, or anyone looking for a telecommute job, is a virtual assistant. eMoms at Home, a home based business blog for moms and dads, explains how virtual assistants work. These individuals are normally experts in a particular area of business (marketing, accounting, technical, or proofreading). Nonetheless, more than a few opportunities are available to persons with basic clerical skills (data entry, word processing, order entry, etc.)
Technorati Tags: virtual assistant, telecommute, wahm, work at home, be your own boss, self-employed
What Happens When a Client Wants a PayPal Refund?
Last week, the Contract Worker explored the dark side of accepting credit card payments with PayPal. Although there are various ways to receive payment for services rendered, most clients prefer to submit PayPal payments. This way, they don’t have to worry about postage or cutting checks. Freelancers also prefer this method because it’s quick. The client deposits the payment, and it’s available for immediate withdrawal.
Like most freelancers, the majority of my payments are received through PayPal. Moreover, several clients pay with a credit card. I don’t have a problem with credit card payments, and I don’t mind the transaction fee. However, I have a slight issue with the way PayPal handles a reverse transaction.
It’s my understanding that it only takes one complaint from a disgruntle client for PayPal to reverse a credit card payment. There’s no investigation process. What’s worse…if you’ve already withdrawn the money, PayPal will suspend your account until the money is repaid.
I’ve never had a problem with PayPal, and I probably never will. Still, I can’t help but wonder what would happen if a client submits payment for a project, and then decides to reverse the transaction because they overestimated their budget or simply changed their mind.
Technorati Tags: paypal, work at home, freelance, telecommuter
4 Warning Signs of a Work at Home Scam
So, you’re ready to leave your current place of employment and become a telecommuter. You’ve looked at different work at home job boards, and found a few good leads.
There are plenty of legitimate work at home opportunities available. Still, picking the right venture isn’t easy. With so many work at home scams, it’s no wonder that some people are hesitant to become a telecommuter.
Before hitting the Internet in search of the perfect work at home opportunity, consider four ways to identify a work at home scam.
1. “No Skills Required” - Why would a legitimate employer hire someone with no skills? Since most work at home jobs involve some sort of clerical task, it only makes sense for the ideal candidate to have some computer skills, knowledge of computer software, and perhaps customer service skills.
2. “Earn $3,097 Part-Time” - Ads that state specific income earnings are almost always a scam. Besides, if you could really earn that much money working less than 40 hours a week - everyone would work from home.
3. Who’s Hiring? - You might stumble upon a very vague job ad. For example, “Perfect opportunity for recent graduates and stay-at-home moms. Apply Now!” This ad has two major problems. First, who’s doing the hiring? Second, what does the job entail? No company name, no job description!?! It’s definitely a scam.
4. Upfront Fee - Shady employment agencies may pose as real employers and post phony job ads to lure candidates. Once you arrive at the interview, they’ll attempt to sell their services and charge a finder’s fee. Never pay for a job. If you want to invest in your future, use the money to start a business.
Technorati Tags: work at home, work at home scam, telecommute, freelance
10 Reasons Why Everyone Should Work from Home
More and more people have made the decision to fire their bosses and take control of their life. Working from home has its dark days. However, the joys and benefits greatly outweigh the drawbacks. Aside from freedom, flexibility, and increased income, there are numerous reasons why everyone should at least explore the idea of starting their own business and working from home.
Here is my top 10 list of reasons to work from home.
- Freedom to Be Picky: When you work for someone else, they call the shots. Regardless of whether you enjoy the assignment, it has to get done…period. But when you’re the boss, you can pick and choose your jobs.
- No More Business Suits: Personally, I don’t like working in my pajamas. However, if you like the idea of waking up and going straight into your home office - I say go for it!
- No More Drama: Sometimes, the workplace can become so “high school-ish.” You got your exclusive cliques in one corner, and the gossipers in the other. Plus, there’s always that one person who wants to make your life miserable.
Five Ways to Minimize Interruptions
Some people favor a telecommute life because they’re able to work at their own pace. However, if you’re like me, you’ve likely discovered that freelance life isn’t always that fabulous.
Staying on task should be easy, right?
Think about it: you don’t have to deal with meddlesome co-workers spreading the latest office gossip, and you don’t have to deal with a phone that rings off the hook. Unless you’re a work at home mom, your house is probably quiet during day, which presents the perfect work environment.
Unfortunately, it’s not always that simple.
Telecommuting is a nice perk - but there’s a downside. Our homes are a breeding ground for distractions. Have you ever been in the middle of a project, and caught sight of a table that needed wiping, or perhaps you forgot to wash the breakfast dishes. There is nothing wrong with taking breaks and caring for the house or other responsibilities. Actually, that’s the beauty of telecommute life - chores and obligations aren’t put on hold until after 5 p.m. However, if you find that interruptions have started to affect productivity - it’s time to make a few adjustments.
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