Archive for April, 2009

According to the US Department of  Labor Force Statistics  from the Current Population Survey the Employment Situation Nation Wide as of April 03, 2009  is:

“Nonfarm payroll employment continued to decline sharply in March (-663,000), and the unemployment rate rose from 8.1 to 8.5 percent. Payroll employment has decreased by 3.3 million over the past 5 months. In March, job losses were large and widespread across the major industry sectors.”

This could explain why more and more people are making the switch to remote workers, freelancers and work at home independent contractors.

Times are tough due to the recession; jobs are becoming more of a luxury. Many large corporations such as office supply stores and catalog/department stores have taken the leap. Why would this make a difference to companies in the long run?
The answer may surprise you.

Many leading national companies have stated that the reason for moving many of their jobs off  location is to increase productivity.   It’s true that when most people wake up in the morning and get ready for work; they actually dread the day ahead of them. From the morning commute to the constant buzzing of ringing telephones, computers, fax machines and chatter; it’s easy to see why we all need a vacation.

This news really shouldn’t be a surprise, considering these days you can do everything from buying your groceries to buying a house all from the comfort of your computer. Telecommuting will most likely grow into the world’s new workforce, overtaking that traditional office space. Consider it this way; you can expand your workforce by letting them stay at home and paying them to do work only for certain hours. This may sound like a turn off to the employee but the reality of this allows them to take up outside projects, because they can do it all from their own home office. This is a great way to maximize your time and pick up a range of extra income that may come in handy later on.

The more common working from home becomes, the faster it is to build your online profile. It’s safer and faster to connect with anyone, anywhere in the world, thus building up relations to other businesses across different countries. There is new technology that allows you to meet with clients over the internet so you not only save on business expenses, but you can meet with anyone at any time without leaving your chair.

I think the forward point here is that more people should be educated and aware of the possibilities waiting for them online. It takes a well running computer, determination to keep working, and dedication to get your projects done on time. With these key things anyone can really get started working from home right away. There are great responsibilities to being your own boss but the rewards are better than anything you could imagine.

Heather B. ~ April 2009

I have been scouring the internet again, in one of my techie rampages, looking for new and very useable items to make my life easier working at home. Yes I know working at home is a bit easier than having to drive to your job but at the same time, you have a newer set of challenges to contend with. One of mine was keeping myself organized and moblie no matter where I work. That’s right; since I work at home I chose to purchase a laptop for the mobility and ease of work.

I recommend if you plan to purchase a new computer for a job first make sure if they have a rule about what type of computer and operating system that you follow that, otherwise you may make an expensive mistake. I chose a reliable laptop that is has a 17 inch screen, otherwise I may be squinting trying to read things. The one I just purchased is brand new, my 3 year old laptop needs some fixing so for some quick advice, set some emergency money aside, or even a credit card from a dependable computer store for these such occasions.

 Now, when you get a laptop it comes standard with the finger mouse pad, I’m not sure about all of you but my hands hurt after using that tiny thing all day.  I went and purchased a USB 5 button mouse with a roll wheel. I also saved up to purchase a wireless keyboard that comes with a wireless mouse. Almost all of my items that I have purchased are the Logitech™ because I trust with the inexpensive price I will still get good value, and I have. I have a pair of headphones that have lasted me over a year, the mouse and number pad I have are the same age. If I were to estimate the amount of money I have spent on these items that help make my job easier, I would say a little over 100 dollars. Now that’s not bad at all, the wireless keyboard and mouse were 40 plus shipping, that’s a fantastic price wouldn’t you say?

The formal reason for these things; there is nothing more calming and beautiful then being able to move your computer outside to a table, sit under the umbrella with a refreshing cup of tea and type away. Granted were I am at right now it’s warm enough to open the windows but not sit outside just yet. Regardless I still have my wireless keyboard that allows me to sit comfortably in my chair and type to my heart’s content without having to reach over and use the laptop keyboard.

 Laptops are also great for vacation, now hear me out! You want to go on a retreat and you have worked very hard to gather the money up to do so. It could be a family vacation or a solo hideaway vacation to the mountains, but you just can’t afford to miss some projects and communications with clients, take your work with you. This way when the fun is all over for the day, you can go to your laptop and check your emails to make sure your still on top of your game. Check the place you’re staying at to make sure they have Wi-Fi. Most places, even a few in the mountains I have frequented, have upgraded to Wi-Fi services to accommodate for the ever evolving technology age (now we just have to wait for the cell phone companies to catch up!).

The reality of the situation is when you work at home you can be anywhere as long as you can work. Be it on the beach, on a cabin porch in the middle of the mountains or even in your basement doing laundry. But chose your computer wisely, a well stocked model that has plenty of memory and a great operating system is more than alright. I hope this helps anyone who has chosen to work at home for themselves .

If you want more information on working from home we can help you at jobsbasedfromhome.net. If you would like to become a part of our community, you can come to our forum and start asking questions right away. See you there!

How to market yourself offline

Most work at home professionals over look the fact that they can market their services offline as well as on the internet. Sure online is the most effective way to get the word out there about your talents and services, but why is it you cannot do the same offline? Well you may be over looking another source of income if you don’t market at all offline. Here are some ideas that are left out of the online marketing network.

Local sustainable business from people you can pitch to face to face. You have the personal contact with someone that you just can’t get over the internet with possible clients. There is nothing more personal than the contact of being in the same room with your client. You can offer them more such as a brochure, portfolio and presentation copy right there. This would depend on the driving distance and how populated your area is but even if you have just an online only business, you can benefit very well from this. Offer specials if they come to your office and provide them with great service including a coffee/hot water machine. Remember these items can be written off at the end of the year.

Try advertising in your local paper and watch your local numbers grow. It doesn’t have to be large or flashy. It should describe your business and what you can do offline and online for the client. Offer a toll free line for them to call 24/7. If you have your own business you should have a phone line, whether it be a cell phone, landline or VOIP, it should have a messaging service that can take long detail messages. In the message make sure you leave your website and email address in the message just in case the client wants to get a hold of you right away.

Create a one of a kind flyer and business cards that can be distributed at local gas stations, bars, restaurants, malls and colleges. There are plenty of places for people to look at, why not have a flyer up with your website and pull tabs at the bottom? Create unique business cards that offer your website, phone number and name and put them in a little stand were people can take one. You ever notice when someone is waiting for the cashier to ring them up their eyes wander? This is a good move for anyone of any business. Make sure to keep a good reputation with anywhere you hang up your flyers and leave your cards. A simple suggestion is buy a map and place markers were you have your postings for when you need to update information.

These are just a few things you can do to get your name out there. Many of them are low cost and are considered business expenses. For more ideas on how to market yourself follow this link to our forum and sign up for to become a part of our community. For more information about our eBook and job database click here.

Even in these times, there are a few people out there who would rather be unemployed than work where they do now.  Starting your day dreading going to work and dealing with the stress of being there is no way to work or even live. There are either two choices you can make, quit or what I like to call “grin and bear it.” I know when I used to work out of the house I considered them your average mindless jobs. Go to work, come home and do it all over again tomorrow. There were a few jobs I loathed doing including pumping gas, working as a saleswoman at a retail store and better yet my most loathed, working unloading trucks and merchandise during the holiday seasons.

At the time I didn’t know a rule I should have lived by; never leave or jeopardize your current job if you do not already have a back up.  This is a rule my mom taught me at my first job working at a gas station. I stayed with the company going on a year, before politics took over and I was let go (a story for another time). Needless to say I had to fight tooth and nail for unemployment benefits, which I did gain, but after the fact it was tougher finding employment with each day that passed. It took me six months of searching and exhausting my funds by driving for applications but eventually I found a job in retail. The moral of this story; you may hate your job, but don’t plan on leaving unless you have another job to go to.

Keeping this rule of thumb in mind is important. If you want a change of career and feel you can no longer be at your current job, refresh your resume and begin searching for something else. But even if the job you’re at is intolerable, don’t crumble under the pressure to run out of the front doors screaming “I’m free!” Instead take a deep breath, tell yourself you can’t wait for that new job and stick to your guns. Now is not the time to treat any employment as replaceable, considering the current state of the market.  Everyone, even now, has the ability to control their own career future but by acting hastily by leaving the job that makes your miserable, could yield a harder financial future.

Take that as a lesson learned by someone who has acted impulsive before. Job hunt, selling your services online as a freelancer and being self employed are more examples of what you can do to get out of that job you so longingly need to get away from. Take the initiative to get yourself back out there, be willing to change your job, beef up your resume and take career risks. Don’t worry about jobs that say you need a degree, take that chance and apply for them anyway.

Basically the moral of the story, keep whatever employment you have until you have the stability in securing another job. I am grateful for being given the chance to work at home and know that when you start to work at home the doors will open up for you. You can do as many projects as you can handle and that is one of the best feelings in the world, to accomplish working for yourself. If you want more information on working from home visit our Jobs Based From Home page and sign up to get access to our database!

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Being retired in this economy has been looked at as a luxury. This is a sad yet true fact, as the economy struggles to recover, we have to look at why so many retirees are sent back to work. Thousands have lost medical coverage, their 401k and other retirement benefits due to banks needing to be bailed out and other big corporations struggling.

Being retired is something young people like me are looking forward to experiencing once we reach that golden age. Since the job market has crumbled, there are more people out there looking for employment, especially in the age range of 55-65. In my experience, with family members in the age of retirement, it’s an everyday hardship to find a job let alone keep it. Unfortunately it’s not uncommon for families to sit on pins every day, wondering if they will leave work with their job intact. Even though this is alarming to everyone, we have to face the fact there may be a career change ahead.  Instead of worrying, let me give you baby boomers a few tips.

Coming out of retirement can be a bit wavering, but know that there are options for you out there regardless of your age or experience.  As a person in my 20’s, I know I have the knowledge to extend my computer experience to my parents who otherwise may have little to no computer experience.  But as an example my mother went to night courses to give herself certification in computer programs such as Microsoft Office and Excel. These courses can be offered by a local school for anyone over the age of 18 (depending on your area school bulletins), and can run all year long. Most night school programs run about 5 weeks and give certification upon passing or completion of the required tasks. The sooner you start taking classes, the faster you can rewrite your resume to include and boost your reputation having new skills for new jobs.

Involve yourself in the change of the information age. It may be a bit frustrating to learn something new and keep up with the rapid evolution of technology, but once you get into the world of clicking and searching, you have covered the basics.  Don’t be afraid to try new things and take a chance. Because many baby boomers have worked very hard in their lives, means they are tried and true workers. I have never seen a retired person lock up in their house never to do anything again. Even more so I have seen an a rise in business owners being retirees and working out of their home.

As a matter of fact, according to BabyBoomer-Magazine.com “Baby Boomers should first figure out how much money we’ll need to launch and operate our online business for six months to a year.” This is a great strategy for anyone, but more so for men and women in the baby boomer generation.

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