By Shelly Cone
That’s not to say that there are NO work-at-home jobs, I’m just saying that those jobs are rare. More commonly you’ll find that work-at-home jobs are jobs that someone has created. This happens one of two ways: 1.) You are a valuable employee, not to mention a good negotiator, and therefore you are able to convince you boss to let you work from home or 2.) You’ve busted your ass and have enough freelance or contract work to allow you to be your own boss.
So the real question becomes not “How can I find a work-at-home job?” but instead, “How can I create a work-at-home job?” It’s all about a slight shift in perspective. Now all that said, are there work-at-home jobs? Yes, some forward-thinking companies do allow telecommuting. Usually this is because they are looking for highly skilled candidates and willing to lure them with the convenience of telecommuting. However, everything else, really comes down to the fact that if you are working for a job or project at home you are a contractor.
Once you realize that that’s when the perspective shift happens. “A ha! So I become my own boss!” Yes. And with that you start to see all the opportunity in front of you. Not only can you get paid to do that one project you can do projects for several people and get paid. Now that’s a work at home job.
But why don’t people see that upfront? Because they are too afraid of being their own boss or starting their own company. Those people almost have to go through the realization that those work at home jobs they are applying to are actually potential clients they are pitching their skills too. Suddenly, you are selling your skills not starting a business and it all becomes less scary.
So there you have it. Where are the work-at-home jobs? Wherever you make them.
Shelly Cone is a journalist, public relations professional, and press release writer. She is also the owner of Beach Betty Public Relations, a California lifestyle design company offering press release services, media relations and collaborative marketing events to help you design your life by growing your business.