Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A novelist writes fiction books.
Education: None required, although a background in communications or creative writing is probably a plus.
Skills: The ability to tell a story in a compelling way.
Job outlook: As with online writers, “employment of authors, writers, and editors is expected to grow 8 percent … from 2008 to 2018,” according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Some websites or blogs are interested in publishing short works of fiction. Also, compilation books like the Chicken Soup for the Soul series also publish short nonfiction and fiction stories.
Preparation: Join a local, regional or national writers group to talk to other writers and see what’s selling in your genre. Also get involved in an in-person or online critique group to gain feedback on your work from other writers. Consider taking an online or in-person creative writing class if you need a refresher course.
Get your foot in the door: Start by working on a short story or two. Also try the National Novel Writing Month, in which you attempt to write a 50,000 word novel from scratch during November. That can be a great way to jump-start your creativity.
Testimony: Melanie, an award-winning novelist from Portland, Ore., loves writing from home. “No commute. Few meetings. Flexible schedule. Always available if my family needs me. And I can pursue the talents and dreams that God gave me. Some women are called to be caregivers around the clock. If I don’t have goals or accomplishments outside of caregiving (which is a never ending job), I feel like I’m going crazy,” she says.
Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Holiday Celebrations
Now is the time to start seriously thinking about your end-of-the-year celebration or client gifts. With pre-planning, you can be ready for the holiday season without losing your mind.
If you host an annual open house in December, pick a date and theme, if applicable. Plan the menu and decide on whether you'll prepare the food yourself or hire a caterer. Divide the number of weeks left before the event and assign tasks each week to avoid being overwhelmed the week or two before the party.
If you send out annual Christmas cards to clients, consider buying them now and start addressing them. If you write a certain number per week, you won't have to stay up late in December madly scribbling personal messages on the cards. Starting early means you can write more meaningful notes. Play Christmas music while you write to get you in the holiday mood. Put the completed cards in a stack and then mail them in early December.
If you put together small gifts for clients, pick what you'll give or make now to avoid the pressure of the holidays, which can make us overspend our budgets. For example, I give baskets of homemade goodies to neighbors and friends at Christmastime, and spend the summer gathering baskets and jars at yard sales. In September, I sit down with my recipe books and pick which cookies or candies I'll make for the baskets. Then I schedule my baking to avoid having to make six different treats on one day.
Whatever your holiday plans, don't forget to advertise your business. By thinking of the holidays before December rolls around, you'll be better perpared to actually enjoy them.
Until next time,
Sarah
If you host an annual open house in December, pick a date and theme, if applicable. Plan the menu and decide on whether you'll prepare the food yourself or hire a caterer. Divide the number of weeks left before the event and assign tasks each week to avoid being overwhelmed the week or two before the party.
If you send out annual Christmas cards to clients, consider buying them now and start addressing them. If you write a certain number per week, you won't have to stay up late in December madly scribbling personal messages on the cards. Starting early means you can write more meaningful notes. Play Christmas music while you write to get you in the holiday mood. Put the completed cards in a stack and then mail them in early December.
If you put together small gifts for clients, pick what you'll give or make now to avoid the pressure of the holidays, which can make us overspend our budgets. For example, I give baskets of homemade goodies to neighbors and friends at Christmastime, and spend the summer gathering baskets and jars at yard sales. In September, I sit down with my recipe books and pick which cookies or candies I'll make for the baskets. Then I schedule my baking to avoid having to make six different treats on one day.
Whatever your holiday plans, don't forget to advertise your business. By thinking of the holidays before December rolls around, you'll be better perpared to actually enjoy them.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Math Tutor
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A math tutor helps students of all ages comprehend and excel in mathematics.
Education: A bachelor’s degree in mathematics is required, although post-graduate work or degrees is preferred.
Skills: The ability to help students navigate mathematics, such as geometry, algebra, and calculus.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the teaching profession in general is poised for growth, and therefore the prospects for tutors, especially ones that specialize in math, is bright. However, some of that growth is dependent on your area and if other math tutors are already entrenched. For example, an larger city could support numerous math tutors, but a rural community, probably not as many because the student pool would be smaller.
Possible employers: Private and public schools might have tutor referral programs for all ages. Community colleges and local universities would be good places to inquire about finding clients. Homeschool groups use tutors to teach group classes or one-on-one instruction as well.
Preparation: Make sure your teaching credentials are up to date, even if you’re not interested in a teaching position. If it’s been a while since you taught or tutored, consider taking a refresher teaching or math specialty class (algebra, calculus, geometry, etc.).
Get your foot in the door: Contact your local homeschool groups to see if there’s interest in a free talk on teaching math or some other general math-related topic. Attend a local or state homeschool convention to find out more about connecting with this group. Ask your local public and private schools about getting your information available to parents, such as offering an hour or two worth of tutoring at a silent auction.
Testimony: Tami in Herndon, Virginia, tapped her background as a public school math teacher to find a work from home job as a math tutor and mentor to other math tutors. For the past five years, she has spent between ten to thirty hours a week at her job. “Luckily my job has a good amount of freedom in the schedule, so I’m able to fit my work time around my other activities,” she says.
Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: A math tutor helps students of all ages comprehend and excel in mathematics.
Education: A bachelor’s degree in mathematics is required, although post-graduate work or degrees is preferred.
Skills: The ability to help students navigate mathematics, such as geometry, algebra, and calculus.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says the teaching profession in general is poised for growth, and therefore the prospects for tutors, especially ones that specialize in math, is bright. However, some of that growth is dependent on your area and if other math tutors are already entrenched. For example, an larger city could support numerous math tutors, but a rural community, probably not as many because the student pool would be smaller.
Possible employers: Private and public schools might have tutor referral programs for all ages. Community colleges and local universities would be good places to inquire about finding clients. Homeschool groups use tutors to teach group classes or one-on-one instruction as well.
Preparation: Make sure your teaching credentials are up to date, even if you’re not interested in a teaching position. If it’s been a while since you taught or tutored, consider taking a refresher teaching or math specialty class (algebra, calculus, geometry, etc.).
Get your foot in the door: Contact your local homeschool groups to see if there’s interest in a free talk on teaching math or some other general math-related topic. Attend a local or state homeschool convention to find out more about connecting with this group. Ask your local public and private schools about getting your information available to parents, such as offering an hour or two worth of tutoring at a silent auction.
Testimony: Tami in Herndon, Virginia, tapped her background as a public school math teacher to find a work from home job as a math tutor and mentor to other math tutors. For the past five years, she has spent between ten to thirty hours a week at her job. “Luckily my job has a good amount of freedom in the schedule, so I’m able to fit my work time around my other activities,” she says.
Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Microfinance
No, I'm not talking about finance for kids! Microfinance is lending in small amounts to higher risk individuals, such as home-based entrepreneurs. In the October issue of At Home News, I talk about microfinance and how you can tap that resources for a cash infusion.
To sign up for the free, monthly e-newsletter, click on the Newsletter tab and use the form to sign up.
Until next time,
Sarah
To sign up for the free, monthly e-newsletter, click on the Newsletter tab and use the form to sign up.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Jewelry Maker
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: A jewelry maker creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc., by hand from a variety of materials. The pieces can be one-of-a-kind or similar.
Education: None required.
Skills: Creativity and the ability to fashion jewelry using a variety of materials.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that “employment of jewelers and precious stone and metal workers is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, more slowly than the average for all occupations. Most jewelry is currently imported, and continued growth in imports will limit demand, particularly for lower-skilled workers. However, demand … will grow as consumers seek more customized jewelry.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Jewelry stores, watch stores and independent clothing boutiques might be interested in carrying your pieces on consignment. Also consignment stores might have space for original pieces.
Preparation: Make sure you have a variety of product available before starting to sell, as consumers enjoy browsing to find the right jewelry for them or as gifts. Many community colleges or technical schools offer classes in jewelry making that might be beneficial to see what the new trends are.
Get your foot in the door: Try out your designs at a local arts-and-craft festival by buying a space or sharing a booth with a similar but non-competing business, like clothing, purses, hair ornaments, etc.
Testimony: Debbie in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, works in a local art gallery designing jewelry on Saturdays, while the rest of the week, she works out of her home. “I just figured that was what I would do, and making jewelry is something that’s relatively easy to do from home,” she says.
Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: A jewelry maker creates earrings, necklaces, bracelets, etc., by hand from a variety of materials. The pieces can be one-of-a-kind or similar.
Education: None required.
Skills: Creativity and the ability to fashion jewelry using a variety of materials.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) says that “employment of jewelers and precious stone and metal workers is expected to grow by 5 percent between 2008 and 2018, more slowly than the average for all occupations. Most jewelry is currently imported, and continued growth in imports will limit demand, particularly for lower-skilled workers. However, demand … will grow as consumers seek more customized jewelry.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: Jewelry stores, watch stores and independent clothing boutiques might be interested in carrying your pieces on consignment. Also consignment stores might have space for original pieces.
Preparation: Make sure you have a variety of product available before starting to sell, as consumers enjoy browsing to find the right jewelry for them or as gifts. Many community colleges or technical schools offer classes in jewelry making that might be beneficial to see what the new trends are.
Get your foot in the door: Try out your designs at a local arts-and-craft festival by buying a space or sharing a booth with a similar but non-competing business, like clothing, purses, hair ornaments, etc.
Testimony: Debbie in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, works in a local art gallery designing jewelry on Saturdays, while the rest of the week, she works out of her home. “I just figured that was what I would do, and making jewelry is something that’s relatively easy to do from home,” she says.
Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
Flexibility Tops Pay
It's no surprise for those of us who work from home that flexibility is high on the list of reasons why we choose not to go into an office, but 42 percent of working adults would willingly give up 6 percent of their salary for more workplace flexibility, according to a recent survey.
For me, being able to put aside my work and tend to a boo-boo or read a story with my children is priceless. Scheduling my writing around my family's schedule means I'm there when I'm needed.
I'm thankful that my husband's office has a certain amount of flexibility, too, which means we can have a home life that suits our family.
So embrace the flexibility of your at-home work and enjoy knowing you can have it without taking a pay cut.
Until next time,
Sarah
For me, being able to put aside my work and tend to a boo-boo or read a story with my children is priceless. Scheduling my writing around my family's schedule means I'm there when I'm needed.
I'm thankful that my husband's office has a certain amount of flexibility, too, which means we can have a home life that suits our family.
So embrace the flexibility of your at-home work and enjoy knowing you can have it without taking a pay cut.
Until next time,
Sarah
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Interpreter/Translator
Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.
Job Description: Interpreters interpret the spoke word for a non-native speaker while translators translate documents into another language for companies, governments and organizations.
Education: A bachelor’s degree usually required; post-graduate work relating to the language a plus.
Skills: Spoken and written fluency in a specific language.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of interpreters and translators is projected to increase 22 percent over the 2008–18 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Higher demand for interpreters and translators results directly from the broadening of international ties and the large increases in the number of non-English speaking people in the United States. Both of these trends are expected to continue throughout the projections period, contributing to relatively rapid growth in the number of jobs for interpreters and translators across all industries in the economy.” Languages in demand include Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, while demand is growing for Arabic and other Middle Eastern languages, and for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. American Sign Language is also expected to grow. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: The BLS says that “urban areas, especially Washington, D.C., New York, and cities in California, provide the largest numbers of employment possibilities.” Governments, companies, organizations, public and private schools (preschool, elementary, secondary and university levels), and associations all need translators and interpreters.
Preparation: Make sure your interpretation and translating skills are up-to-date. Take a refresher course or receive certification in your preferred language.
Get your foot in the door: Offer to translate a short document for free or at a greatly reduced rate, or do a free consultation in interpreting.
Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.
Until next time,
Sarah
Job Description: Interpreters interpret the spoke word for a non-native speaker while translators translate documents into another language for companies, governments and organizations.
Education: A bachelor’s degree usually required; post-graduate work relating to the language a plus.
Skills: Spoken and written fluency in a specific language.
Job outlook: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of interpreters and translators is projected to increase 22 percent over the 2008–18 decade, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. Higher demand for interpreters and translators results directly from the broadening of international ties and the large increases in the number of non-English speaking people in the United States. Both of these trends are expected to continue throughout the projections period, contributing to relatively rapid growth in the number of jobs for interpreters and translators across all industries in the economy.” Languages in demand include Portuguese, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, while demand is growing for Arabic and other Middle Eastern languages, and for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean. American Sign Language is also expected to grow. Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.
Possible employers: The BLS says that “urban areas, especially Washington, D.C., New York, and cities in California, provide the largest numbers of employment possibilities.” Governments, companies, organizations, public and private schools (preschool, elementary, secondary and university levels), and associations all need translators and interpreters.
Preparation: Make sure your interpretation and translating skills are up-to-date. Take a refresher course or receive certification in your preferred language.
Get your foot in the door: Offer to translate a short document for free or at a greatly reduced rate, or do a free consultation in interpreting.
Now available on Kindle and Smashwords: HomeWork, which gives details on 50 at-home jobs or businesses.
Until next time,
Sarah
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Freelancers Union Wants Better Classification
Freelancers, or contingent workers, are a growing and vital part of the American workforce, but how to classify those who are not employed full time has been the subject of some debate. The U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics hasn’t measured this group since 2005 because of lack of funds. The BLS has asked for the money to start counting again, but the Freelancers Union, an advocacy group, has asked the BLS to change the way these employees are labeled, according to a recent article in Bloomberg Business Week.
The government is “ignoring a crucial, and growing, segment of the economy that is transforming the U.S. workforce,” the union said. Contingent workers were defined by the BLS as workers who see their jobs as temporary.
Sara Horowitz, who founded the Freelancers Union, pointed out that the BLS numbers don’t portray workers who aren’t employed permanently full time. She said the agency needed to include independent workers, such as how the Government Accountability Office classifies this group. That would include self-employed, temps, contract workers, day laborers, on-call employees and part-time employees.
“What I find so profoundly unsettling is that the number one issue that human beings are having in America right now is the lack of work,” said Horowitz. “And to not have a clue about how people are really working, and that this isn’t a huge focus — why isn’t the Department of Labor making this front and center?”
Part of the debate is about the fact that contingent workers do not have much legal protection in the way of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance and anti-discrimination regulations.
Until next time,
Sarah
The government is “ignoring a crucial, and growing, segment of the economy that is transforming the U.S. workforce,” the union said. Contingent workers were defined by the BLS as workers who see their jobs as temporary.
Sara Horowitz, who founded the Freelancers Union, pointed out that the BLS numbers don’t portray workers who aren’t employed permanently full time. She said the agency needed to include independent workers, such as how the Government Accountability Office classifies this group. That would include self-employed, temps, contract workers, day laborers, on-call employees and part-time employees.
“What I find so profoundly unsettling is that the number one issue that human beings are having in America right now is the lack of work,” said Horowitz. “And to not have a clue about how people are really working, and that this isn’t a huge focus — why isn’t the Department of Labor making this front and center?”
Part of the debate is about the fact that contingent workers do not have much legal protection in the way of minimum wage, overtime, unemployment insurance and anti-discrimination regulations.
Until next time,
Sarah
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