You've seen the scams: Career postings that offer work-from-home benefits, but the small print has you sending in a check or signing up for a pyramid scheme. Scams like these can be frustrating if working from home is the critical element to your dream job. The good news? Those scams are no longer the only option.
Rising gas prices, growing environmental concerns and a desire for lower costs and greater productivity have traditional employers allowing their employees to work part- or full-time from their homes. With a solid education, you can find a real career that allows you to work from home.
Earn a Competitive Salary From Home
If the idea of working from home evokes images of Tupperware parties and envelope stuffing, think again. A host of Fortune 500 companies and other successful businesses are beginning to realize the bottom-line benefits of telecommuting.
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About 42 percent of IBM's 330,000 employees work on the road, from home or at a client location, according to Business Week. The consulting firm Work Design Collaborative estimates that about 17 percent of the total U.S. work force will be working from home in 2009. Companies enjoy higher employee retention rates, and employees enjoy the obvious benefits of working in their pajamas. Today, these enviable jobs can be found in most industries.
Popular Work-From-Home Careers
Are you tired of the daily commute? Drive your gas costs down and your productivity up with these popular work-from-home careers. Salary statistics from 2007 are provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics unless otherwise noted.
Medical Transcriptionist
These skilled listeners convert audio recordings into medical reports and other administrative material. Patients and doctors alike rely on transcriptionists to accurately report medical terminology, diagnostic procedures, pharmacology and more. This technical knowledge is gained through an associate degree or certificate in medical transcribing. Skilled, trained transcriptionists are the most likely to be allowed to work from home.
- Recommended Degree/Certificate: Medical transcribing
- Mean Annual Earnings: $32,120
Graphic Designer
This creative career allows you to combine your artistic skill with advanced technical knowledge. About 25 percent of all graphic designers are self-employed, with many working from home as freelance designers. Advanced designers working for advertising or design firms may also spend some time telecommuting. Training in Web design and animation are recommended, as this specialized knowledge broadens a graphic designer's strengths in the field.
- Recommended Degree: Graphic design, digital design, fine arts
- Mean Annual Earnings: $45,340
Paralegal
Legal assistants -- known also as paralegals -- prepare cases and organize files in both law offices and corporate law departments. Some law offices allow experienced paralegals to study and prepare cases from home, though some time in the office may be required every week. An associate degree in paralegal studies is considered the minimum requirement for most entry-level jobs. If you already hold a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field, a certificate or career training program may fulfill the requirement.
- Recommended Degree/Certificate: Paralegal studies
- Mean Annual Earnings: $47,600
Medical Billing & Coding Specialist
The growing health care industry values workers who can navigate complex billing systems and insurance company requirements. Accuracy and technical skill are important for this career, which requires basic computer knowledge. Specialists with advanced training and skill are most likely to be allowed to work from home. Career training is essential for medical billers and coders to learn the software, terminology and procedures of the job.
- Recommended Certificate: Medical billing and coding
- Mean Annual Earnings: $31,080
Probation Officer
Making visits to offenders on probation is still the main job description of probation officers. However, a growing number of correctional departments are allowing probation officers to do the paperwork from home. Because officers may be on call 24 hours a day, working from home is a tradeoff many are willing to make.
- Recommended Degree: Criminal justice, social work, psychology
- Mean Annual Earnings: $47,980
Web Developer
These tech professionals use their training to design, develop and maintain Web sites. For companies with a significant Web presence, real earnings can depend on a Web developer's skill. Graphic design may be part of the job description, along with programming. Telecommuting is a popular option for freelancers and salaried developers alike.
- Recommended Degree: Computer science
- Salary Range: $54,750 - $81,500, according to a 2007 survey by Robert Half International.
Administrative Services Manager
Corporations depend on skilled administrative services managers to keep the day-to-day aspects of business running. Coordination is an essential part of the job description for administrative services managers, who spend their days directing and organizing payroll, records management, security, parking service, travel expenses and more. Working from home is just one perk for the most skilled managers.
- Recommended Degree: Business, human resources, finance
- Mean Annual Earnings: $76,370
Watch for Work-From-Home Scams
Scammers are easily found offering work-from-home pitches. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Avoid offers that have you spending money up front to receive more information or training before you can begin making money. Any training you choose to receive should be through trusted career training schools like the ones found on this site.
Most telecommuters find they must first prove their skill and experience in person before they are allowed to work from home. If you're training to eventually work from home, you should generally expect to spend some initial time learning the ropes in the office.
