You want to work from home, but you don’t know where to even start. It feels like every place you turn there is some kind of work-at-home scam waiting to suck up what little free time you have and leave you with little in return.
You’re singing my song, friend.
As you may know if you’ve been visiting MiM for the last for couple of years, I have a huge passion for helping moms (and dads … and pretty much everyone else) find legitimate ways to work from home. (And if you’re new here, welcome! This is what I do.:-))
Let’s face it — the internet is not kind to folks looking for honest ways to make a real living from home; right?! It seems like you gotta know a guy who knows a guy to get real leads on legitimate work-at-home opportunities.
It’s frustrating — and it can turn into a COLOSSAL waste of time riding the “online scam” merry-go-round in your down time.
Case in point: I once spent an entire year scanning every single thing I purchased (everything!) to “earn points” from a customer research company to redeem for cash. You know what it got me? Wait for it … a roasting pan, a crappy roasting pan, a crappy roasting pan that literally fell apart after the first use.
SMH.
A year of my time to earn a lame roasting pan. NOT WORTH IT.
The one valuable lesson that came out of that experience — and all of the other time wasters I’ve endured over the years — is that my time is precious, and I don’t want to waste a second of it chasing false hopes.
I don’t want to spend hours filling out surveys for pennies.
I don’t want to hit up every friend and family member in the book to see if they want to buy my ________ (fill in the blank MLM product).
I don’t want to cold call people I don’t know to get them to buy something I really don’t care about. (Let’s face it. No one likes those guys.)
What I do want is to earn a real living doing something I really enjoy while also being close to my family.
So the real question is: Is that really possible? Can anybody really find a legitimate job working from home without doing things they absolutely hate?
If you asked me four years ago, I probably would’ve said, “Absolutely NOT. They’re all scams. The only way to earn money is to go get a real job.”
(Oy. It’s hard for me to admit that.)
BUT if you ask me that same question today, I’d say emphatically, “YES!! There are so, SO many opportunities out there. You just need to know what to look for!”
For real.
What you may not know about me is that I’m a full-time working mom, I am the sole earner in my family of four, and I earn every penny of our income from my small corner office nook in my bedroom.
(Here’s my little work nook just for giggles. Yes, my mouse pad is disgusting. It’s as old as dirt, and it’s been through a lot. ;-))
Yeah. From this spot, I have earned enough money to get out of debt, double my husband’s annual income with my income alone, buy a house, allow my husband to come home full-time, be available for my kids, and so much more that I never thought possible.
What do I do?
I’m a project manager for bloggers and podcasters (a.k.a. content marketers). I manage all of the business projects from creating new products to developing new programs and systems to help keep the business running smoothly.
And I absolutely love it.
Want to know more about my journey from burnt-out mom to full-time work-at-home project manager? Here’s an exclusive interview I did about my story:
Hello Katie,
I am a mother of 3 young children. I work full time at a school as a para professional for a child with Autism. But I would love to be able to make extra money to help better my family. Do you know of anything that would be good for me? Or would it be too busy for my busy life?
Hi, Megan! First, I want to say THANK YOU for the work you do. I have two nephews with Autism, and I know first-hand how amazing our Autism professionals are! Second, I definitely think it’s possible to find a niche that’ll work for you and your busy schedule. I guess my question for you would be what are you looking for in a side gig? What are your interests? There are a lot of different avenues you can take, but you’ll typically need training in order to make any real money. For example, if you enjoy reading novels, you could check out Edit Republic’s training on becoming a proofreader and copyeditor for authors and publishing companies. If you like numbers, you’ll want to check out Bookkeeper Launch and consider becoming a bookkeeper or tax professional on the side. The price points on the training is drastically different, as are the niches. But once you know more about what you want, you’ll be able to look in the right direction.
I’m a young 67 year old LPN with 48 years of nursing experience. I also enjoy cooking and started a FB & YouTube channel 3-4 months ago. I work as a nurse 2 days a week but would love to work from home. What would you suggest might work for me?
Hi, Debbie!
I’m sorry I didn’t see this sooner! There are many different possible avenues you could take when it comes to working from home. I guess my suggestion would be to first explore where your interests are. If you enjoy reading and grammar, then I would say proofreading, copyediting, or copywriting would be a good fit for you. With your medical background, you could also become a scopist with a speciality in medical terminology. Scopists work with court reporters to proofread and edit their legal transcripts. Sometimes steno (the language they use to type the transcripts) gets mistranslated or the formatting of the transcript comes out incorrectly. A scopist will clean up the transcript, make sure everything is properly translated by the reporters software, and sometimes provide specialty expertise to ensure things are translated properly (for example, medical terminology expertise). There’s also many different avenues you can take within digital marketing for businesses that are 100% online. Working for business, life, and health coaches who serve their clients online, online course creators, and other digital businesses can offer a large array of opportunities if you enjoy marketing.
So the question becomes this: What do you find yourself most interested in? Would you rather work for someone or would you rather own a business yourself?
From there, you can find some excellent opportunities if you know what to look for. 🙂
Hi Katie, I’m confused are you suggesting proofreading as a way to become a project manager ??
Hi, Sienna!
No, I’m not suggesting that proofreading is a way to become a project manager. That’s just where I started my work-at-home journey. The point is that getting started in a niche (any niche that interests you) can expose you to may other different niches. I was able to build a lot of different skills just by exposing myself to different niches. However, had I never actually started by building a single skill, I wouldn’t have had the journey I’ve had. Start somewhere and see where it takes you! 🙂
Hi, I’m Denise, I’m currently working for a delivery company. I would love to settle into another career. I’m a young 54 yrs old, I have data entry, Microsoft office, some medical terminology experience with 20 years with a Healthcare facility. I am interested in finishing out my next career with a home based job possibly.
Need something this sounds very interesting. I need to work lost my husband and son. More monies going out then coming in. In have debt which I need to pay off. Car payments, mortgage etc I need to hear from you so I can get started. I got scamed into a on line business and no waiting for back charges to be paid back. I sure feel I learned a hard lesson.
Hello. I’m a little confused – you offer a free master class, but when I try to access it, it says that registration is closed. Is there actually a free class?
Thanks very much.
Hi, Toni!
So sorry I didn’t see this comment until now. It somehow got booted to my spam comments. I no longer offer a masterclass at this time. So sorry for the inconvenience!
Hi I’m Celline , I love your reveiws on work from home jobs , im currently looking for a work from home job since I’m a student and I would like to help my mom with my medical expenses it’s to much for her also I would like to earn some extra cash .I can say I’m moderate with computers and I’m ready to learn and earn from it …is it possible for me to get an online job as I study ? If so Kindly advice me on areas to apply .I’m from Kenya
Thank you so much God bless you !
Hi, Celine!
It’s definitely possible for you to make a full-time income from home. My recommendation for you would be to look into becoming a virtual assistant. Gina Horkey’s 30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success might be a great place for you to start. 🙂
Hi, Katie!
It is so nice that you want to help others to earn some extra money.
I am investigating different ways to earn money from home, using my lap top, and I don’t know where to start. I am limited with possibilities because I live in Serbia, English is not my native language. I think I could work data entries, and have no idea what else. I would appreciate some your advice.
My name is Vera, live in Belgrade, retired and 66 years old.
Thank you for possibility to write you.
With kind regards, Vera
Hi, Vera! I think a really great field for you would be virtual assisting. Many people work from home all over the world as virtual assistants! You can check out [thirstylink ids="4680"]Gina Horkey’s 30 Days or Less to Virtual Assistant Success[/thirstylink] course as a starting point. Hope that helps!
Hello,
I am looking for helpful advice for getting started in offering proofreading services as a proofreader. Can someone help me with this? I’m looking for steps any low cost or free resources for marketing to offering my services. I have already purchased the Caitlyn Pyle training for general proofreading. I want to work on my logo and website while I’m working the training right now.
Thanks,
Staci
Hi, Staci!
Thank you for reaching out! I apologize for not getting back to you sooner. The best way to market you services is to network with people who may need them. For proofreading, I recommend joining Facebook groups where authors or content creators might be hanging out. Create genuine relationships with them and make your skill set known to your new community so they know you’ve got their back when it comes to the quality of their content. This is an effective and FREE way to market your skills and is hands down the BEST way I’ve found clients. For creating your logo, I recommend Canva. They have a free version and you can make a beautiful logo to add to your website. 🙂
I don’t believe your story any more than I believe all the other garbage out there about working from home…if it was so easy to work from home and make thousands of dollars, wouldn’t everyone be doing it? If your husband can really stay home, why wouldn’t he be doing the same thing you’re doing? It’s all bullshit, you can NOT work from home and make thousands.
Hi, Veronica!
Hmmm. I think you misunderstand. It’s NOT easy. Nothing about it is easy. That’s exactly why a lot of people don’t do it. It takes a lot of very hard work to master skills that people actually need and are willing to pay you for. Also, my husband isn’t doing what I’m doing because he doesn’t want to do what I do. He is a completely unique person with different passions. Not everyone wants to own a business and work from home.
I’m sorry you feel the way you do about creating a home-based income. I completely disagree with you. I’ve been working from home for 4 years making a full-time income as a project manager for online business owners. It’s a very real (and HARD!) job. But I assure you, it’s very real.
What a mature response to a mean and negative comment. My level of respect for you just jumped!
<3 Thank you for your kind words, Dawn. I appreciate it so much!
Great ! Nothing is easy in businesses online or not. Iwas thinking of online job no budget yet Create my own website&many more!
Very rude. Very ignorant. Half the nation has been working from home in various capacities for I don’t know how long, ESP. The last year-and-a-half. Stop bein silly lady! Think before you post!
I am retired now, but when I was employed, I did a lot of proofreading. I wasn’t perfect, but quite good.
You wrote this in reply to a comment, “My apologies if my statement offended. I totally agree with you that being a stay-at-home mom is very different from/than being a single parent. My mom was a single parent and worked three jobs to keep food on the table for my sister and I/me. I credit my survival in life to her relentless strength and perseverance.”
I loved your answer, but found two places where I would make a correction. I hope you aren’t offended that I am pointing these out to you.
Hi, Rosie!
I’m never offended by proofreaders proofing my writing. 🙂 It’s nice to know people have my back and want to help me put out quality content. 😉
Is availsble in South Africa
Hi, Jen!
I believe the Work-at-Home School is open to anyone globally. 🙂
I really wish I had found you sooner and had been able to do this seminar! I just signed up to make sure I don’t miss another post.
Hi, D!
So glad to have you!! 🙂 You can still sign up for the summit! You can sign up through February 3rd to get access to all of the replays and catch the remaining speakers as the interviews are unlocked. Yesterday was WONDERFUL, so I definitely recommend signing up!
Hi… I just found you! I am hoping you can help me as a health impaired SSAHM to find something I can do to earn a viable income.
I saw in one comment about Proofreading…and I had to get excited! I am a crackerjack proofreader…I always find the missed mistakes in already published materials.
I believe I am too late for the summit as it starts later today…it is 2am. Any pearls of wisdom you could offer would be so appreciated.
Thank you,
Lori
Hi, Lori!
Welcome! I definitely think you’d benefit from checking out Proofread Anywhere! Caitlin Pyle offers two courses: general proofreading and legal transcript proofreading. I took her legal transcript proofreading course and LOVED it! You can check out my in-depth review here. 🙂
But before you do, I definitely think you should sign up for the Work-At-Home Summit so you can hear from pros in all different niches. 🙂 It’s not too late to sign up! You can still sign up through February 3rd to catch all the speakers (you’ll have access to the replays)! So go and sign up. Day 1 was AMAZING!
I admire you’re persistence, but please understand being a stay at home mom is very different than a single parent. I really enjoyed your site until I heard you say that.
Hi, Felicia!
My apologies if my statement offended. I totally agree with you that being a stay-at-home mom is very different from being a single parent. My mom was a single parent and worked three jobs to keep food on the table for my sister and I. I credit my survival in life to her relentless strength and perseverance.
So happy to find your blog. The interview video was awesome. Great job and your story moved me. I want that to be me someday! I just do not think proofreading is for me. I however am hopeful still to disk cover other ideas. I am now following you!
Hi, Susan!
I’m SO happy to have you as a new MiM follower! That really blesses me. Proofreading is definitely not for everyone, so I totally understand. There are so many amazing opportunities for people who are willing to learn the skills, so I’m sure you’ll find something that gets you excited! 🙂
Hi! Proofreading IS for me! I love that kind of stuff! I have signed onto sites that offer that kind of stuff but have not been contacted and am looking to start making money from home as soon as possible. I am just finding this so I missed the summit. Any other resources?
You can definitely still sign up for the summit! You can watch the replays to catch up. All of the videos will be available until February 5th for anyone who signs up by February 3rd. I highly recommend signing up because there are TONS of great resources and insight to help. 🙂
They also publicly announced the launch of the Work-At-Home School, which is an amazing compilation of training programs, courses, and resources for anyone looking to get started working from home. It’s AMAZING. So definitely check that out, too. 🙂
You can check out their curriculum guide here.
Hello! I am looking forward to this seminar! I signed up for my free ticket last night but I still haven’t received an email with further instructions. Please advise!
I’m so sorry to hear you haven’t received your email! I recommend emailing support@workathomeschool.com for assistance regarding your registration. They’ll get you squared away. 🙂
Just signed up! I have a chronic illness and working a real job is becoming more and more difficult. I just started a blog with my sister in law and I hope to be able to work from home full time soon. I’m so excited to attend this summit!!
So excited for you, Emma! 🙂
How can you attend during these times if you’re at your job?? I’m only available nights or weekends.
Hi, Debra!
You’ll have access to the recorded interviews up to 48 hours after the full summit ends on February 3rd, so you can catch up on the summit when it’s convenient for you. 🙂
I think I just signed up for the summit 1/29, is this a live webex and what is the timeframe. I work full time at a job that is not fulfilling and want to make a change to my lifestyle and health
Hi, Mary!
First, I commend you for taking a step forward make positive changes for your lifestyle and health! That’s really great! You’ll have access to the recorded interviews up to 48 hours after the full summit ends on February 3rd, so you can catch up on the summit when it’s convenient for you. You should receive a summit agenda shortly after signing up and again the day before the summit starts. 🙂