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A man sitting in his home office

5 Ways to Work From Home

Knowing How to Work From Home is the First Step

Many jobs have shifted to a work from home model. Those who used to commute to the office everyday now find themselves simply walking over to their couch. But for people looking to switch careers or start their own business, learning how to work from home may seem stressful.

In this article we look at five ways you can work from home and bolster a successful personal business.

1. Become a Virtual Assistant

If you’re looking for a virtual part time job, working as a virtual assistant is a great option. Virtual assistants do many of the same tasks that an administrative assistant does, but from the comfort of their own homes instead of in an office setting. In this role, you’d complete tasks such as organizing digital files, making phone calls, booking appointments, and providing general support for an individual and/or their business.

Some companies hire virtual assistants to assist with data entry, whereas individuals such as mental health therapists may hire a virtual assistant to help book and manage patient appointments. There are many opportunities, so you can apply for the type of work that interests you the most.

You can find job postings for virtual assistants on sites such as Indeed or Upwork. These positions are currently in-demand, so brush up your resume and start applying.

2. Start a Day Care

Childcare could be a consideration for anyone who has an extensive background in working with children. States have regulations about how many children can be cared for each day before the home would need to be licensed. Even watching two or three children a day could help get a home day care started with minimal costs.

3. Turn a Hobby Into a Profession

Anyone who is skilled in a particular hobby could easily turn their hobby into a profitable business. Web design and photography are often hobbies people do on the side. Anyone who is skilled enough and who owns their own equipment could easily turn their hobby into a full time business. The only additional cost would be for promoting the business to new clients.

A web designer would do better by promoting the business online with their own website. It is helpful to include examples of other sites that have been created as well as testimonials from customers.

The easiest way for someone to turn photography into a full time business is through word of mouth. Amateur photographers should hand out business cards at every event they work. Business cards cost very little money and can lead to a lot of new clientele.

4. Rent Space

Anyone who has a home located in a picturesque town could make money turning it into a bed and breakfast. The home would need to be inspected for safety and for meal preparation, but the start-up costs could still be small. Furnishings and food for guests would need to be purchased. Advertising would be another expense, which could be through local television ads or in travel magazines.

5. Catering

Catering is another business that often starts in someone's home. The time involved will depend on what type of events are being catered and how much food needs to be prepared. The expenses will include the supplies to make the food, adequate transportation to deliver the food and advertising.