Working from home

Home working appeals to many parents, as it offers a degree of flexibility not available through most office-based jobs.

Home working allows you to manage your own time to fit in work around your family commitments. Without the need to commute to and from the office, or work set hours, the time for which you’ll need childcare can be significantly reduced. There are many different jobs which can be done from home, depending on your individual skills, qualifications and interests. Here are some examples, but the list is by no means exhaustive…

Freelance work

There are many different jobs which can be done on a freelance basis. Freelancing essentially means that you’re self-employed and work for a variety of different clients, charging clients your own rates on an hourly, monthly or project basis. Many consultants, writers, journalists and editors work on a freelance basis, and there is an increasing demand for web-based copywriting. While freelancing offers you great flexibility, it can also be very unpredictable as the amount of work you get may vary a lot from month to month. You’ll also need to be very proficient at generating business for yourself, and the initial stages of establishing contacts and making a name in your chosen field can be difficult. However, once you are established, freelancing can offer a lucrative and flexible career option.

Sales

Some types of sales jobs can be done largely from home. One example is network marketing, which involves selling a certain product through a network of people, or often through informal gatherings or ‘parties’. Products which are sold this way can be anything from books to cleaning products to luxury ladies’ underwear, so the key is to find something which you believe in – maybe you use it yourself – and which you’d feel confident selling to other people. There are many companies involved in network marketing and it pays to do your research – look into start-up costs, conditions and flexibility, and check out what training and support is available. Compare rates of commission and be sure that you understand exactly what you are expected to do before signing up. Some network marketing jobs offer the potential to expand and set up your own business or franchise.

Telemarketing

The bulk of telemarketing doesn’t involve direct selling of a product, but rather involves calling potential clients on behalf of a company and making appointments for their sales team. Companies will offer basic training and may offer benefits. Be sure to check exactly what the company is offering you before signing up, and find out exactly how you will be paid – check what your basic rate of pay is, and how commission is calculated.

Virtual customer care

This is a growing area of employment, where home-based agents work as part of a virtual call center team, usually, but not exclusively, offering customer support services. You’re based in your own home instead of a large call-centre, and calls are routed to your home ‘phone line. All you’ll need is a computer, phone line and internet connection.

Home daycare

If you have young children of your own, the obvious advantage of being a home daycare provider is that you don’t need to pay anyone else to look after your children – you can have them with you, while you look after other people’s children. This provides company for your children as well as some extra income for you. Most states don’t regulate home daycare providers who only care for one or two children, but your criminal history may be checked and you may need to complete training in health and safety – your clients will likely be reassured by these precautions. Consult your insurance company too, as you may need to consider increasing your liability if you are caring for other people’s children in your home.

Private tuition

If you have a particular skill which you feel is in demand in your area, and you are suitably qualified in the right field, then you might want to look into opportunities to offer private tuition. This could be anything ranging from music classes to teaching English as a foreign language or coaching students preparing for school and college tests.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.