Roy asks: I have no idea at all about working from home using the computer. Kindly do explain to me what online jobs are all about and what is expected of me to do this job. Thank you.
Hi Roy,
There are plenty of online jobs & work from home opportunities, depending on your knowledge and experience. Your options will depend on your skill set of course, or what you are willing to learn.
These online jobs generally consist of freelance work, unless you choose to start an online service-based business that focuses on a specific skill or service. You want to start by listing your skills, experience and credentials and then see what is a best match for you personally. Freelancing is a great way to get your feet wet, and decide which services may suit you best as a potential online business.
Where to find Online Jobs & Work From Home opps
There are several networks that feature online jobs, work from home opportunities, freelance work, etc. Some cater specifically to writing, design or other skills while others offer a variety of online jobs to browse. Here are some to start with:
- oDesk
- crowdSPRING
- Elance
- 99 Designs
- Real Writing Jobs
$7 Off Coupon Link: 10 Days Access for only $2.95
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No Skills? No Worries!
The biggest setback for most people is a lack of skills. Or an assumption that they lack skills, at least. You are probably capable of more than you think.
Browse through some of the freelance options at the links above and you may be surprised at the jobs you're able to do. Everything from simple research to easy writing, there are online jobs for practically anyone.
There are more advanced things that you can easily learn, too. There are tons of free tutorials and how-to's across the internet that will help you learn skills you need to take better jobs. You just have to be willing to learn!
If you're new to online jobs, work from home forums can provide a lot of support and resources. There are thousands of people out there that are willing to share and help. Don't be nervous - just hop on a discussion forum and start asking questions!
You're welcome to join us at the ClickNewz Forum even.
We're very newbie friendly. 😉
Online Jobs -vs- Online Business
Starting and running a successful online business is another great opportunity for people who want to work from home. Specifically for entrepreneur types.
It's not for everyone given that it requires a substantial investment of time and energy (and sometimes money), as well as a healthy dose of ambition. But it's definitely an option to consider.
If you need to make money now you should look into online jobs. Even if you are an entrepreneur at heart, freelancing can be a great way to bring in the start-up cash you need for your online business idea.
But if you're looking for more of a long-term return, and a solid online business model, the easiest way to get started is through Affiliate Marketing. I discuss that, including a 10-step checklist to get you started, in How To Make Money Online For Beginners. Simply follow the steps at the end of that post to get started.
I hope that helps point you in the right direction, and helps you make a decision about what will work best for you in regards to online jobs. Work From Home opportunities are everywhere, from freelance work to starting your own website. Dive in and find your place! There's no better time to start... than today. 😉
Best,
About Lynn Terry
I actually have seen a lot of people do online jobs and businesses either full-time or part-time. And I think a lot have been successful! Thank you for listing these freelancing sites, Lynn!
Hi Lynn,
great post (as always)! Since I blog about side jobs and related topics, and I'm starting myself some online activities (mostly affiliate marketing), I sincerely appreciate what you wrote and the clarity and simplicity you did it. The clear distinction between online jobs and online business is the key point I'll try to dig into.
Thanks,
Stefano
If I may ask what are some of the affiliate sites that you work with? I am totally new.
Nice writeup, Lynn. One thing I have found is that if you can write quality articles, you can usually find work online. Don't get me wrong, you have to work hard, but then again, we all do...:)
Mark
Taking the decision to work from home was the best one I ever made! I've been doing it now for five years and would never go back to working in an office. I do miss the camaraderie of a 'normal' job, and it is hard work, but the benefits outweight the disadvantages for me. As you say, Lynn, there are tons of how-to videos out there.
Freelancing is a great way to test the water, it give you the opportunity to dabble in your spare time before diving in head first!
I've recently signed on for ODesk and I'm amazed at the variety of jobs.
What 's great about ODesk is the fact that you can find project work, so you don't have to commit to a full time position.
I'm currently trying to set up my own business. I'm doing a bit of affiliate marketing too but as Lynn always points out, these things take time. So in the mean time I'd rather select projects that align with what I'm currently doing.
Alison
sorry I messed up the twitter thing Lynn, oops 🙁
have somebody prove it and determine that is not scam ?
My son got started using some of these very freelance sites. He ended up landing a job and launching a business within the same year from that starting point.
There is always alot of online jobs if you know where to look. They are good if you need to make money in a pinch or are just starting out. Just bear in mind that they are another job as opposed to making a business (unless you are outsourcing the work I guess..).
Also, Lynn you should include Amazon mechanical Turk as well - the pay kind of sucks, but you can go over there and make some money in a couple of minutes.
Chase
This is a very interesting topic. I'm going to add two points to Lynn's excellent suggestions.
1. Focus on becoming very expert in something so you can charge more. If it's writing, perhaps focus on a type of writing (copywriting, articles for particular niches, etc.) If it's web design, focus on particular types of websites and market directly to the groups who could use your services.
2. If an online job is even a medium-term income plan, start blogging about the topic and have a "services" button on your blog. Your content, if excellent, can get you work for which you can charge a premium. On two of my blogs, I'm asked to consult regularly. I don't advertise "services offered" anywhere on these blogs. These are cold-call inquiries from readers. I'm presently not accepting consulting gigs because am too busy with my business, but it's nice to know I have alternative methods for earning an income.
If, in the future you don't want to offer services anymore and you have a high-traffic blog, then simply monetize it in other ways with affiliate offers, ads, etc.
Definitely, online businesses are not for everyone. 🙂 There are really more requirements than one thinks.
But, online jobs is something that I seldom think about. I'll have to keep that in mind. 🙂 I know some people who would benefit more from having an online job rather than an online business. Though they can always move towards a business later on.
Hey Lynn,
Thanks for the write up. I've been doing my work on elance for a long time now but I have recently learned about odesk. I hear good things. Thanks for the list of various sites I'm going to at least check them all out.
Lynn,
I recently heard you say there is more online opportunities now than at any point in recent times. Would you please explain a little bit about this and give us some examples. Is it because online and social media have become such a big part of many people's lives? I think you cited an example of how professional fishermen are now making good money online by hosting fishing sites, etc... Thank you, Bill Thomas
I am convinced that starting and running an online business is a great opportunity for people who want to work from home. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it is 100% worth it. No comparison to any other type of work. I love it.
Thanks for the information. Great info as always. I am always looking for other avenues for work and love working from home!
Thanks Lynn. Now I can probably convince my other half to seriously consider quitting her job. She's been talking about it, but hadn't gotten down to deciding what exactly she wants to do on a part time basis.
She's gotta talk to you at some point. 🙂
Thanks for the answer, Lynn. The changes that have come with the internet and web 2.0 are great for those with flexible lifestyles. While it is still going to require a substantial amount of time to make a living, if you have kids, like to travel, or are a 'jack of all trades,' then working from home is a great option!
Thanks for the answer. I did notice that there are more online job offering going around these days, but it is difficult to find one that is not an actual spam offer. I'd love to find some credible online job to do on my free time.
Great quick job suggestions. The fasted money making method i ran into is still content writing, that is if you don't have problems with the language you're writing the article in. You can do an article in 20 minutes and even the lowest rates are around $5, that's an easy $50 a day for a few hours of work.
my girlfriend just signed up to odesk cuz she's having a hard time getting a job offline, she's gonna try online
Hello! I've been working online since 2005 and she is correct! You don't need to worry if you don't have any experience in online jobs. Most employers prefer to use a non-feedback or non rated freelancers because of some reasons. And some them they'd like to give an opportunity to newbies to show their hidden skills/talents sometimes they give an instructions to follow, maybe in video format or in text files. All you need is just register and place your bid and send a private message of what you can do.
There really are a ton of online jobs out there, you just have to know where to look. Employers today are trying to reduce their overhead but they still need the work done. They turn to freelancers, which can be a very profitable online job for many.
I particularly appreciate that you touched on the difference between an online job and an online business; the later is, in my opinion, for those who don't need money immediately as it takes time to get off the ground.
P.S. I'm really starting to get into your blog - love it!
Hi Lynn,
Many people unfortunately think the only way to make a living is to go out and get an advanced education, but the internet is growing all the time and so are the opportunities to work from home and even find the right niche to start a great internet business.
I wonder what the total number of freelancers is worldwide right now. Has to be millions. There certainly is no shortage of available talent.
Very useful tips - I liked most the part with the skills. When somebody is looking for a job (online or offline), first thing he should ask himself is: "What am I good at? What are those things I like doing?"
The only problem is that you have to sift through low paying or no paying writing jobs.
Working from home is great.. Since i started freelancing i enjoy my days more, and my work-life balance has improved! I would recommend it to anyone!
Thanks for the great tips.You have shared such a useful post.These are really great tips for me.
Very nicely explained the term online jobs & how it is different than online business. There are number of other places than freelancing sites for people to earn from online jobs like micro jobs, online data entry jobs etc.
I am a medical and general transcriptionist and am looking to work from home, but with the new technology I am stymied. I am very unfamiliar with how it all works. I have used Fusion when I worked with a large Hospital in Maine and it worked through the computer without tapes, strictly through a headset plugged into the computor and using a foot pedal. But the newer technology speaks of webinar and a lot of other things that simply scare the stuffing out of me. Is there a special online course I can take to familiarize myself with all of these new things. I have been a transcriptionist for over 30 years and am a darn good one at that. But this is holding me back. I have the desktop computor and internet but the rest I need. Any suggestions?
Help!
Anita 3/22/2013
This is a really helpful article about freelance work at home jobs! I really appreciate the list of places to find jobs online. I prefer Elance but I will look at some of the others you listed. 🙂