The third way that you can get to work at home is to:
3) Look for positions/contracts that specify work at home.
While still relatively rare, there are work at home jobs / positions out there and they are worth searching for. I once worked for a magazine, for example, that was staffed entirely by work at home people. The publisher, the editor, the graphics designer, the writers – everyone except the printer worked out of his or her home.
Being an About.com Guide is another example of authentic work at home. All of us About Guides work at home, wherever that home may be. As an About.com Guide, you get to write about a topic that you’re passionate about, share your advice and experience and set your own work schedule. This is my eighth year as an About.com Guide and I still say that this is the best freelance writing gig available anywhere. Here's how you can become an About.com Guide.
Two tips to make your work at home search more successful:
When you're searching job boards or sites, don't just search for 'work at home' jobs. Instead, search for positions in the field you want to work in, such as human resources, horticulture or editing. You’re much more likely to find a genuine work at home job this way and won't miss out on any opportunities in your field.
Also, be flexible about your employment status. Often employers who post work at home jobs aren't looking for employees at all, but contractors who are willing to complete particular projects for them. Don't write off these positions because they're not "jobs".
Remember, starting a business is easy and just because you're not a contractor right now doesn't mean you can't be. Contractors don't get the benefits that many employees get, but being able to work at home may be enough of a benefit to you to make up for that.
It Is Possible to Work at Home
...if you choose to. You have to make the intelligent choices and do the diligent searching to make your work at home dream a reality. That may mean reshaping your career or patiently working towards your goal of working at home. But once you get to do it, I'm sure you’ll agree – home is not only where the heart is but the best place to work.
