Every day, I give you guys more and more information about every aspect and every different area of working from home. I give you tips, tools, and advice, and although I occasionally include a personal anecdote, you're otherwise left wondering "well how do you know what you're talking about?"
Now I have decided to share with you the things that helped me work from home, so that you can see that I've been there, and just how tough it is to get started.
If you're not willing to invest in a business, finding a job that you can do from home is very tedious. I searched here and there, high and low, and in and out for places to find home jobs. Everyone wanted me but no one wanted to let me work from home, or I wasn't qualified enough for the particular position.
Most job openings do list years of experience, and a lot of them will tell you that you need 3-5 years of experience in a particular field before getting started. If you're changing careers, how in the world are you supposed to get your start when everyone wants someone experienced? I spent many frustrated days perusing the job listings and cursing all the good looking jobs that wanted more experience than I had. And then one day, a lightbulb went off.
If I make myself sound like I've got what it takes, maybe the actual experience won't be as crucial to the position... I have life experience, after all, and some education in the field (writing, that is)... how hard could it be? And what's the worst that could happen? They could say no, and not let me work from home for their company.
So I did it. I began applying to every job that I thought I was qualified for, or could learn quickly. The turnaround rate on the appliaction process was defeating, though. For every ten or fifteen people I sent resumes to, I got about one or two responses, if any. Yikes! For a while, it got scary, because I was running out of income, and I needed to do something. I contemplated returning to an out-of-the-home job, but no one was hiring out there either. Stupid economy...
Anyhow, I kept at it, and before long, I had one job that was willing to teach me the ropes, and then a second one that would let me work from home and teach me what I needed. And soon, other projects and part-time jobs started coming along. A year later, I actually have to keep tabs on myself so that I remember that it's okay to TURN DOWN projects if I am too busy. What a change, right?
It's not your typical rags to riches story; I'm not rich by any means. My bills are paid, and I've got food in the kitchen, so I'm a happy camper. But really, it is a struggle, and you will probably question every day if you are doing the right thing. Eventually though, the perfect job will come along, and you will be able to work at home and live comfortably.