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 are 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 will 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 would feel confident selling to other people. There are many companies involved in network marketing and it pays to do your research – look into the 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 does not involve direct selling of a product, but rather involves calling potential clients on behalf of a company, and making appointments for their sales team. Many companies will offer basic training and benefits for employees such as holiday and sick pay. 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.

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

Childminding – If you have young children of your own, the obvious advantage of childminding 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. If you want to set up as a childminder, you are obliged by law to register yourself with Ofsted, and in England and Wales you must take a short home-based course in childminding. Your home will be inspected for suitability, and you will have to be fully police-checked. See our section on Childminders for more information on the work of a childminder.

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 their GCSE and A-level exams.  If you are planning to coach students for specific examinations, be sure to familiarise yourself thoroughly with the curriculum and exam requirements before you take on any students.

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If you want to meet other mums who are thinking about working from home, you can talk to them in the Work area of the chat forum or you can create a 'working from home' group.

Last Modified: 15/06/2007