Confessions of a Work-At-Home Mom

Visit the Pajama Mama

2007-12-08T08:31:00.000-08:00

WAHM Confessions has moved to the Pajama Mama! Please come by to see more stories, ideas and information on being a work-at-home woman.

WAHM Confessions was hijacked!

2007-06-04T15:11:00.000-07:00

Admittedly, I don't post here much since I moved to The Pajama Mama Blog, but I never cancelled the account. So imagine my surprise when I came to my WAHM Confessions blog and found a completely new site full of gobbily gook. When I logged in, the blog was under investigation for spam. HUH? How can this happen?

I still don't know, but the Blogger techs were at least able to restore my blog.

WAHM Confessions is moving....

2006-11-13T08:08:00.000-08:00

WAHM Confessions is now The Pajama Mama. You can get the same work-at-home jobs, information, resources and inspiring stories. Visit The Pajama Mama!

Leslie, AKA The Pajama Mama

Work At Home Jobs 10/17/06

2006-10-17T07:04:00.000-07:00

To apply to the jobs listed below, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. DO NOT CONTACT WAHMC TO APPLY TO A JOB LISTED HERE. WAHMC is not representing or affiliates with the companies posted here. These jobs are found by WAHMC or submitted for posting. Further WAHMC can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money to get hired. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise questionable.

Administrative and Clerical Jobs

Data Entry (scroll down the page)

Medical Data Entry

Translators and Translation Reviewers

Court Researchers for Judge Mathis tv show (see info near bottom of the page)

Computer and Internet Jobs

Financial, Bookkeeping and Real Estate Jobs

PR, Marketing, Sales and Fundraising Jobs

Marketing and PR

Freelance copywriters

Writing, Art, and Photography Jobs

Newsletter Writer/Editor

Freelance writer

Miscellaneous

Cultural Exchange Program Community Representative

Legal Researcher (law students or grads)

Search for more jobs!

Telecommuting Job Databases

Telework Recruiting Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others. Very affordable.

VirtualAssistants has 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories. Little more expensive but offers more jobs.

Freelance Work Exchange offfers over 13,000 jobs in many areas. It offers a 7-day trail for $2.95.

Free job search sites
CareerBuilder
Monster.com
Job.com
Yahoo! Hot Jobs
CraigsList.com (Search jobs under the city nearest you. Click on the "telecommute" option in the job search. Search other cities as well.

NEW.... CrazedList lets you search all of Craigslist on one site! Click on Jobs, and the "telecommute" option. Be sure to fill in something in the keyword list like "telecommute okay".

Free Jobs Online Teleseminar!

2006-10-17T07:00:00.000-07:00

Date: October 26, 2006
Time: 9 pm eastern
Speaker: Leslie Truex, aka The Pajama Mama

Jobs Online is a FREE teleseminar course that will cover:

The best jobs for working at home
How to identify skills and experience useful in a work-at-home job
How to read a work-at-home job announcement to make sure it's a legitimate job
How to have your resume or application compete against the 100's of others
Legal issues such as work-at-home contracts, taxes and more.

So learn more and to register, visit Work-At-Home Success!

Work At Home Jobs 10/09/06

2006-10-09T05:59:00.000-07:00

Want to know where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources plus a list of online companies that frequently hire in Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding and Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs listed below, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. DO NOT CONTACT WAHM Confesions TO APPLY TO A JOB LISTED HERE. WAHM Confesions is not representing or affiliates with the companies posted here. These jobs are found by WAHM Confesions or submitted for posting. Further WAHM Confesions can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money to get hired. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise questionable.

Administrative and Clerical Jobs

Virtual Assistants
Translators
Customer Service (CO, TX, GA, FL, IL, NV, PA)
Medical Transcription
Call Center Operators

Computer and Internet Jobs

Freelance Entry Level Web Designer Needed
Internet Search Guides

Financial, Bookkeeping and Real Estate Jobs

PR, Marketing, Sales and Fundraising Jobs

Writing, Art, and Photography Jobs

Bloggers

Miscellaneous

Online Educator
Licensed Architect - telecommute (Los Angeles)

Search for more jobs!
Didn't find the job you want above? Here are some of the sites I use to find the above jobs. Most of these sites have 100's more jobs posted. Use the info posted at WAHS Job Search to learn great job search strategies.

Telecommuting Job Databases

Telework Recruiting Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!
HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others. Very affordable.
VirtualAssistants has 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories. Little more expensive but offers more jobs.
Freelance Work Exchange offfers over 13,000 jobs in many areas. It offers a 7-day trail for $2.95.

Free job search sites (use directions above to search).
CareerBuilder
Monster.com
Job.com
Yahoo! Hot Jobs
CraigsList.com (Search jobs under the city nearest you. Click on the "telecommute" option in the job search. Search other cities as well.
NEW.... CrazedList lets you search all of Craigslist on one site! Click on Jobs, and the "telecommute" option. Be sure to fill in something in the keyword list like "telecommute okay".

5 Steps to Work At Home Success

2006-10-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

© 2006 Leslie Truex

In 2004, 62 million Americans worked at home at least part-time in a job or home business. Nevertheless, millions of other people who want to work at home don't seem to be able to make it happen. If you have been struggling to work at home, here are the five steps you must follow to be successful.

1) How much to you need to make? Too many people falsely believe they need to replace their current incomes in order to stay or work at home. In reality, most people can earn less yet live better while working at home. But to know for sure, you need to run the numbers. It's boring. It's tedious. It's usually depressing. But failure to understand what it would take financially to work at home is irresponsible and can get you in financial trouble. So, first you want to determine how much of your current expenditures are related to your job. These are expense you won't have or will be lessened by working at home and include childcare, commuting costs, clothing, dining out, etc. You may be surprised at just how much your income actually funds your job!

Next you need to do a detailed budget of your expenses, minus your job-related expenses. This is a good time to see what areas you can save in such as groceries, non-essentials, and utilities. The more you save, the less you have to earn from home!

When you know your monthly expenses, subtract the income your partner brings in or is paid to you outside your job. The number left over is the amount you need to earn from home. If you need $3000 a month to cover your expenses, and your partner earns $2500 per month, you need to earn $500 from home.

2) What can you do? You wouldn't use a search engine and sign up for the first thing that sounded good in a traditional job search; yet, so many people take this approach to working at home. People who are successful at working at home maximize their skills or interests. So the next step is to outline all your skills and experiences, as well as your interests, talents and hobbies. An employer with a work-at-home job is like any other employer; he wants someone with skills to do a specific job. The only way to know what jobs you can do is to create a resume. The same is true in a home business. Many people turn their talents and interests into a home business. But they didn't do it just by signing up somewhere. They took an inventory of what they had to offer the world.

3) Search and Research. Once you know what you have to offer an employer or customer, you need to determine if there is a need for your skills. You may be the best typist in the world but if no on wants a typist, it won't matter. You can use job search sites to learn about what jobs are most prevalent. If you re thinking of a home business, identify the people who would most likely use your service, and survey them to find out what they need and what they would pay. If you are interested in building a website, joining a home business opportunity or working on eBay, research how to make money at it. Millions of people jump online to do these things and most of them don't make money not because they join scams but because they don't do adequate research to determine what it takes to be successful.

4) Make a Plan. There is a great saying that goes, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail." No statement is truer when it comes to finding a way to work at home. Plans are the road maps that provide focus and direction to your goal. How will you find a telecommuting job? Where will you look? How long and how often will you search? Plans are necessary for home businesses as well. What product or service will you offer? How much will it cost? Who is going to buy it? How will you find them and let them know of your offer? This is probably the area that most people's work-at-home dreams fall apart. Whether you believe in goal-setting or success principles or not, you need to know what to do every day that will result in your earning an income at home. It only happens with a plan.

5) Do it! Plans are only good if you actually take action. You must make a commitment to your plan and then do it. Our lives are so busy that often our work-at-home goals get set aside. I can't tell you how many people I have helped start a job search or a home business that never found success because the kids got sick, the weather turned bad, the mother-in-law came to visit, the oven broke, and so on. On the other hand, they had time to watch Oprah or ER. Perhaps they finished a newly released hardback book or found time to make crafts. The reality is that life happens to everyone, but there is always enough time for your dream if they are important enough to you. You must schedule time for your job search or building your business. Get up an hour earlier or stay up an hour later. Stop watching television or give up relaxing time. Just find a way to do it.

The reason only 2-10% of the human population ever achieves huge success in any thing whether its business, sports, or entertainment is because only 2-10% are willing to do what it takes. They sacrifice things. They plod on even when it seems hopeless. They prioritize and work efficiently. And they never, ever quit! You can be one of the 2-10% who live the dream of working at home. All it takes is following the 5 steps outlined above.

2006-10-02T08:21:00.000-07:00

Want to know where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources plus a list of online companies that frequently hire in Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding and Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs listed below, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. DO NOT CONTACT WAHM CONFESSIONS TO APPLY TO A JOB LISTED HERE. WAHM Confesstions is not representing or affiliated with the companies posted here. These jobs are found by WAHM Confesstions or submitted for posting. Further WAHM Confesstions can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money to get hired. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise questionable.

Administrative and Clerical Jobs

Virtual Administrative Assistant

Spanish, English, Portuguese and/or French Translators

Medical Transcription

Computer and Internet Jobs

Chat Room Moderators

Online Affiliate Expert

Financial, Bookkeeping and Real Estate Jobs

PR, Marketing, Sales and Fundraising Jobs

Professional Business and Life Coach Trainee

Writing, Art, and Photography Jobs

Freelance writer for immediate project

Fiction Editor

Wedding Tips

Miscellaneous

Math Subject Matter Expert

Search for more jobs!

Didn't find the job you want above? Here are some of the sites I use to find the above jobs. Most of these sites have 100's more jobs posted. Use the info posted at WAHS Job Search to learn great job search strategies.

Telecommuting Job Databases

Telework Recruiting Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others. Very affordable.

VirtualAssistants has 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories. Little more expensive but offers more jobs.

Freelance Work Exchange offfers over 13,000 jobs in many areas. It offers a 7-day trail for $2.95.

Free job search sites.
CareerBuilder
Monster.com
Job.com
Yahoo! Hot Jobs
CraigsList.com (Search jobs under the city nearest you. Click on the "telecommute" option in the job search. Search other cities as well.
CrazedList lets you search all of Craigslist on one site! Click on Jobs, and the "telecommute" option. Be sure to fill in something in the keyword list like "telecommute okay".

Leslie

Work At Home Jobs 9/26/06

2006-09-26T08:48:00.000-07:00

To apply to the jobs listed below, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. DO NOT CONTACT Wahm Confessions TO APPLY TO A JOB LISTED HERE. Wahm Confessions is not representing or affiliates with the companies posted here. These jobs are found by Wahm Confessions or submitted for posting. Further Wahm Confessions can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money to get hired. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise questionable.

Administrative and Clerical Jobs

transcription and proofreading positions

Quality Assurance / Customer Experience Monitoring

Customer Service Reps

PT Telecommute Research Analyst

Computer and Internet Jobs

P/T - Manage Electronic Marketing Newsletter

Financial, Bookkeeping and Real Estate Jobs

PR, Marketing, Sales and Fundraising Jobs

Freelance Copywriters: Stackpole & Partners

Writing, Art, and Photography Jobs

Seeking Contract Web Writer with Experience writing for "Tween" Market

Miscellaneous

Telecommute Travel Agent - After Hours, TX

Attorneys -- 100% Telecommute OR Full-time In House

Online Tutors

Search for more jobs!

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.

VirtualAssistants is my favorite job search site with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site. Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!

Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

New Resource Helps Telecommuters Find Legitimate Work-At-Home Jobs

2006-09-18T08:44:00.000-07:00

Check the news about the new Work-At-Home Jobs Reviewed website!

New Resource Helps Telecommuters Find Legitimate Work-At-Home Jobs

Leslie

Work-At-Home Success Job Announcements 9/18/06

2006-09-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

e
Want to know where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources plus a list of online companies that frequently hire in
Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding and Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs listed below, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. DO NOT CONTACT WAHM Confessions TO APPLY TO A JOB LISTED HERE. WAHM Confessions is not representing or affiliates with the companies posted here. These jobs are found by WAHM Confessions or submitted for posting. Further WAHM Confessions can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money to get hired. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise questionable.

Administrative and Clerical Jobs
News Transcribers
Notaries
Virtual Customer Support
Admissions Assistant

Computer and Internet Jobs
Destop Publisher

Financial, Bookkeeping and Real Estate Jobs

PR, Marketing, Sales and Fundraising Jobs
copywriter
Direct Marketing Writer

Writing, Art, and Photography Jobs
Blogger
Resume Writers
Writer

Miscellaneous

Search for more jobs!
Didn't find the job you want above? Here are some of the sites I use to find the above jobs. Most of these sites have 100's more jobs posted. Use the info posted at WAHS Job Search to learn great job search strategies.

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!
HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.
VirtualAssistants is my favorite job search site with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

Will You Outlive your Children?

2006-09-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

Will You Outlive your Children?

Avoid Deception in Home Based Business Opportunities

2006-09-11T09:06:00.000-07:00

As a home based business owner, I read many home business magazines. The other day I was reading one and came across an ad for a home based business opportunity. The ad included a list of 16 companies, how they ranked in US sales in August 2005, how long each has been in business and how many products each had. Because I have a home based business with a business opportunity, I looked to see if my company was on the list. Sure enough it was there, BUT the number of products listed was wrong...by over 200! That made me wonder what other errors were on the list? And then I wondered about the person running the ad. Did he know he was wrong? Did he skew the data on purpose to deceive people into joining with him? Where did he get the data in the first place? Finally I wondered how many people were responding to this ad without researching to see if the information in the ad was correct?

Advertising is about attracting new customers. To this end, ads are sometimes mistaken or outright deceptive. Its up to you, as a business opportunity seeker to research claims before you join so that you know exactly what you’re getting involved in.

Here are my four tips for researching a home based business opportunity claims:

1) Verify claims. Home based business opportunities frequently use hype and grandiose claims to entice you. However, not all of them tell the truth. When I knew I wanted to build a residual income, I verified all the claims programs made before joining. The company I eventually joined said it was in the BBB, so I checked its BBB online. It said it was INC Magazine's Hall of Fame, so I checked with INC Magazine. It said it received a BBB Hall of Fame award, so I contacted the BBB and got verification. You need to make the same checks. The Internet makes it easy to verify claims if the program gives you enough information. For example, if the program says it was featured in a news story, you can use the Internet to go to the newspaper, magazine or TV station's site. Many archive their features. If not, you can write the editor or producer and ask about the feature. In fact, you want to get a copy of it to verify the feature was positive about the company. Third party endorsements or awards are a good sign, but be sure the company has actually earned them by going to source.

2) Verify research. This is similar to number one, but is related to products. Many will say their products improve health or decrease illness. You want them to prove it. While customer testimonial is nice, what you really want is research particularly if the products are in the health and wellness field. The same is true if the home based business opportunity uses other research to back it’s claims. For example, it might say, "studies show grape seed extract improves heart health." What you want to find out is what studies? Where can you find them and read them yourself? If the company's materials or website don't indicate what studies it used, ask. The company I chose always puts a citation so we can go read the study ourselves. I like this because it’s unlikely it has skewed the study results to fit its own agenda. But, you can only know this if you verify that its using the research correctly.

3) Search the web for personal stories. People love to complain and let you know their horror stories with home based business opportunities. These offer some great insights into people's experiences. However, it is important that you recognize that people frequently are the cause of their own pain because they didn’t do steps 1 and 2. So as you read different forums or sites like RipOff Report, read the complaints AND the responses from people who like the program. If there are no responses from people who like the program, that's your answer. But if some people hate the home based business opportunity while others love it, figure out what's going on for the people that hate it and what's working for the people who love it. The best example I can give is that people who don't like the program I'm involved with complain about getting and paying for items they didn't order. They say the company shouldn't do that; however, it’s clear on the paperwork or online enrollment that there is an auto-order system. It even tells them how to stop the order. So anyone who complains about this aspect clearly didn't read what they signed and that's their fault not the company's. This is the type of information you need to decipher. Are the complaints legitimate and how have others been able to avoid the pitfalls?

4) Read the fine print. As you can see from my last example, it is extremely important to read what you sign or agree to. While we like to think most people who will enroll you will be honest, not all are. Companies do their best to terminate dishonest people because it ruins their name, but it can take time. So it's really up to you to ask questions and don't sign anything without reading the agreement. If you aren't sure you're getting a straight answer, call the company directly and ask. Some things to look for are: 1) Refund policy. Don't just check that it has a refund policy. You also want to find out what it takes to exercise it. Some companies make it nearly impossible to get your money back. Some companies require you to mail them in writing, not email or phone or fax; 2) Are there quotas or other requirements necessary to get a check? 3) Is there an autoship and how does it work? 4) What is expected of you including any restrictions?

After 8 years of working at home, I believe home based business opportunities offer a great way for people to work at home. But just like cars, some are lemons. The best way to avoid being scammed or misled is to do your research and make sure you fully understand what's involved in working with a home based business opportunity.

About the Author:
Leslie Truex is a stay and work-at-home mom who has been helping others stay and work at home online for over 8 years. Discover the ONLY home based business opportunity she found that passed her stringent investigation and offers honesty, integrity, quality, affordability and a proven system. http://success.infinitepossibilitiesteam.com

Work At Home Success Jobs and News 8/25/06

2006-08-25T10:30:00.000-07:00

Work At Home Success Jobs and News for August 25, 2006 is now posted. This week:

12 new work-at-home jobs
If you can think it you can acheive it...
30 Clients in 30 Days
And much more

Get your WAHS Jobs and News now.

==========WAHS AD=============

Learn how to become a travel consultant!

==============================

Leslie Truex

Work-At-Home Success - Helping you work at home since 1998
Jobs At Home Success - Get your job now!
Work-At-Home Jobs Reviews - Find the best job resources now!
Moms At Home Success - Helping moms save and make money from home!

The Spanking Debate

2006-08-18T04:48:00.000-07:00

You may be wondering why I'm presenting a discussion on spanking here at Confessions of a WAHM. First, the M in WAHM stands for Mom and in being a mom, I have to occasionally discipline my children. Second, as a home based contract social worker for an adoption agency, talking to parents about discipline as it relates to the required "Corporal Punishment Statement" frequently brings up the question of spanking.

The topic of spanking is much like religion and politics. People have very strong opinions and usually, its best to avoid the topic all together. When I talk about spanking, I don't go into whether it's "okay" or "not okay". For me, discipline is about more than punishment. My goal is to not only teach my children appropriate behavior, but also to have them take responsibility for their behavior, to be accountable for their actions, to problem solve alternatives to misbehavior and when necessary pay restitution. Spanking doesn't do that.

Now, when I mention I don't spank, I get looks like from people that say, "Your kids must be out of control," (I assure you they aren't) or I'm quoted the "spare the rod spoil the child" from the Bible. Why is it people think that if you don't spank, you aren't disciplining at all? Spanking isn't the only punishment available to parents. Neither is time-out (which is usually done incorrectly). I have a whole arsenal of interventions and strategies to keep my children in line and teach them acceptable behavior. And they work because now at 12 and 9 years old, they are rarely in trouble.

But there is another part of spanking that doesn't really make sense. Why do we expect better behavior and inflict greater punishment on children than adults. I hear parents say, "My son...he knew better than to ..." But how many times to adults break rules and they REALLY should know better. Lets take speeding. We all know that speeding is against the rules. Just to make sure we know it, there are signs posted all over the roads to help remind us. And yet, how often to people speed?

And adults are just like kids when they are caught. A child will look at a parents with "Huh? I don't know what you are talking about," expression when caught misbehaving. Then they come up with an excuse, "Well, he did it first...". Think about the last time you were pulled over for speeding. "Gee officer, I can't imagine why you pulled me over." "You know, I got new tires and I don't think they are calibrated correctly." Just like a good parent, the officer is going to punish you. Why bother with an excuse? Fortunately, instead of hitting you, he writes you a ticket that will cost you money.

Hitting for getting a speeding ticket, how absurd. But its only absurd because you're an adult. Society says it's okay to do it to children. Several years ago, an young man was arrested and found guilty for vandalism in the Philippines (I think). He was punished by receiving lashings. There was an outcry in the US and requests for President Clinton to intervene. The punishment was viewed as barbaric. And yet, I have to wonder, how many children have been spanked after writing on the wall?

Then there is the fact that we expect children to behave BETTER than we do as adults. I've already shown that adults frequently break rules. But, adults will usually continue to break rules if they aren't caught. For example, after getting a speeding ticket, how long after the the officer has driven off, does it take to start speeding again? Five minutes? Now you might be saying, "Well it doesn't work because most people will speed again." You're right. But it doesn't work because the choice of punishment. The reason people speed again is because they know that odds are they won't get caught. So why are we surprised that children will do the same? So why do we expect our children to hear a rule once and abide by forever without any reminding or trying to get away with it?

Let's face it, adults really have it easy. For the most part, they aren't caught when they misbehave. When they are caught, they're usually given a fine. For really bad stuff, they get a time out also known as jail. Only for murder do adults suffer physical punishment in the form of the death penalty, which many say isn't a deterrent to murder.

While there are some who'd like to see corporal punishment back not just for children, but adults too, I understand that discipline isn't about payback or causing pain. Its about teaching, building character and helping children develop into responsible adults that consider the impact of their behavior on others. Consequences children receive for misbehavior should make sense and teach them something. It should be consistent. To do all of the above requires work on your part. Any parent that thinks they can parent from the couch will be horribly disappointed. I have packed up toys, carried my children to a time out spot, unplugged the television and threatened to give it away, and so on. These take a lot of energy. But, the little effort pays off. Now, I just have to say, "You're about 3 seconds away from losing the television. What do you think you should do?" and my children immediately stop and begin to think about alternatives that won't get them in trouble.

That is my two cents on the spanking debate. Because you don't spank doesn't mean you spoil or coddle your child as long as you have consequences for misbehavior and you enforce them consistently. I have no trouble sending my kids out into the world. I don't worry about how they will behave. You may be thinking, "Yeah, well you're the mother. Mothers never see bad behavior in their own children." But I feel confident that if I could have their teachers, friends' parents, and other relatives comment here, that they would tell you, my kids, overall, are very well behaved.

By the way, if you'd like to read my favorite book on parenting with my favorite parenting strategies, check out How to Talk so Kids will Listen and Listen so Kids will talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish
Leslie

Work-At-Home Jobs August 11, 2006

2006-08-14T12:04:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry I have been so bad about posting jobs and work-at-home news! We were out of town for a bit, but now the kids are in school and I have hours and hours of uninterrupted time. Sounds like a good time for a nap!

Get your WAHS Jobs and News now!http://www.workathomesuccess.com/wahsnews81106.html

===============WAHS AD================
Let Me Help You Find Fulfillment, Fun,and Freedom
As a Six-Figure Information Publisher!
http://www.awaionline.com/pub/success53
=======================================

Leslie Truex

6 Criteria for Choosing a Home Business

2006-07-25T09:05:00.000-07:00

Did you know that over 21.8 million people in the United States have income producing home offices and that 25% of home businesses today provide 100% of the household income? While millions of people are successfully working at home, millions more are struggling through the overwhelming amount of information about working at home on the internet. What's real? What works? What's legal? What's risk-free?

Here are six criteria you should consider when looking into a work-at-home opportunity.

1. Stick with home business opportunities that have been around OVER five years. Most businesses that fail, do so in the first five years. Don't get caught up in the pre-launch or ground-floor hype. The truth is, a good opportunity is good for everyone no matter when they join.

2. Check that the business has third-party credibility. Most businesses you run into on the web have testimonials but frequently, they don't offer a way to verify they are real. A good business will have credible third-party references that you can check. Is it in the Better Business Bureau? Is it a member with good standing in the Direct Selling Association? Is it financially secure i.e. rated. Has it received awards or recognition from other reputable organizations? Be sure to verify any claims a business opportunity makes.

3. Check that it has a money-back guarantee that is long enough for you to work the business to see if its viable for you. A ten-day money-back guarantee and even a 30-day money-back guarantee are not long enough for you to test if a home business is right for you. The learning curve takes 2 weeks to a month alone. Check that the guarantee covers your start-up costs (kit) and any other products or services that you purchase as well. Read the guarantee carefully (small print). Many questionable programs have very limited refund policies such as everything needs to be sealed to be returned or you need to proove you tried to work the business.

4. Consider businesses with quality, affordable and commonly used products or services. Many businesses are known for inflating prices or requiring exorbitant purchasing requirements. Who really wants to buy $100 per month of some odd "wonder" product? The more common your product or service is, the easier it will be to find others who will be your customer. Further, consumable or on-going use products and services such as household products or phone services offer ongoing customer purchases. Finally, choose a company with more than one or a few products or services to insure that you have something for everyone.

5. Understand the compensation plan. Some payment plans are difficult to read. Others, when you actually sit and run the numbers, are not that profitable. Compensation issues to consider are: 1) In a matrix type business, are you penalized for helping someone start the same business who then grows faster than you (breakaways, you don't want that), 2. Conversely, can you do better than those who came in before you? 3. Are you paid based on products/services (to be legal) and what is that payment (% or flat rate)? Most importantly, is the plan fair and reasonable? Many business opportunities have lots of hype such as "we'll do the work for you", "find 3 and its free", and so on. In having a home business, you need to recognize that work is involved. You can't get something for nothing despite what the scammers say. On the other hand, if you are putting in effort and getting results, your compensation should be reflect that.

6. Is there personal support? Just about every program says it has support but too often that support falls short once you join. You should have the name of a personal contact with phone and email that you can call for help. You should attempt to talk to them directly and get a sense of the company. Is it all hype and phony excitement? Is the person genuine and honest? Do they respond to email within a reasonable time? Do they call you back within a reasonable time? Are they invested in your success? Do they offer online training, tools, support, and resources?

The truth is, working at home is not that difficult if you do your research and find an honest, proven, doable home business. If you do that, the only way you won't succeed is if you don't work it. So heed the six criteria for a solid home business opportunity and become one of the growing numbers of people who are working at home!

=======================================
I chose to work with Infinite Possibilities, which has partnered with a 20-year old, BBB Hall of Fame company and it exceeds the 6 criteria mentioned above. Learn more at success.infinitepossibilitiesteam.com

Work-At-Home Jobs July 21, 2006

2006-07-24T11:50:00.000-07:00

10 new jobs are posted at Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News. Plus there are some great articles and resources on working at home.

Check out WAHS Jobs and News now!

Work-At-Home Jobs July 14, 2006

2006-07-17T06:42:00.000-07:00

Ten great new work-at-home jobs are now posted at Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News! Check it out now!

Leslie

Work-At-Home Jobs July 7, 2006

2006-07-10T11:48:00.000-07:00

Check out the new look of WAHS News! People who use FireFox should not have any trouble viewing the ezine now.

These week there are several great job and work-at-home resources.

Get WAHS Jobs and News now!

Leslie

Are there really no cost work-at-home jobs?

2006-07-10T11:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Leslie,

ARE THERE REALLY NO COST HIRING? I want to either do data entry online simple ad placing or answer in bound calls. Where can I find the real thing with out payingfor information?Linda A.

Hi Linda,
The fast answer to your question is yes; there is no cost hiring. In fact, the only legitimate hiring is at no cost. However, you may have some trouble finding the work you indicated unless you have experience. Most legitimate data entry jobs I find require a typing test and sometimes special equipment. I’d scratch ad placing off the list of options, as I haven’t ever seen this offered as a legitimate job. In bound calls and customer service is probably your best bet but again, companies that are hiring for these jobs are looking for people with skills and possibly special equipment.

The reality of telecommuting is that you aren’t just going to sign up to work at home. Legitimate employers with home based jobs hire the same way traditional employers do. There will be an application process and possibly an interview or test. Therefore, you need to have a resume that outlines your skills and experiences in data entry and customer service. Plus it will help to have any necessary equipment such as high speed Internet, a second phone line, and phone headset.

When searching for these or any other type of telecommuting job, you need to search on job related sites. Use search terms such as “telecommute” or “work at home”. Watch out for biz ops and scams as these do get posted on job sites as well. The best way to avoid a scam or biz op is to remember that you NEVER, EVER pay to get hired.

There are some really good work-at-home job databases that can be accessed for a fee. Note here, that you aren’t paying to get hired when you use one of these services. Instead, you are paying to access their list of job announcements. It’s like buying the newspaper to read the want ads. These services search the Internet for jobs or jobs are submitted to them for posting. The great thing about these sites is that they usually weed out the duds and list only jobs that can be done from home. But not all services are the same. Avoid places that say they have a list of companies that hire home workers. These lists are worthless because these companies may not actually be hiring. Instead the service must indicate it posts actual job announcements. Also stay away from resources that say they offer assembly work or envelope stuffing. These are known scams and any service that says they can get you job in these areas should be suspect.

To see a good list of free and fee-based work-at-home job search sites that I use, visit http://www.workathomesuccess.com/search.htm.

Good luck Linda!

Leslie Truex created http://www.workathomesuccess.com in 1998 to help others work at home in a job or business. Sign up for her free ezine to get jobs and work-at-home news delivered to your email plus get a free copy of eJobs At Home with information and resources for finding a work-at-home job.

Work-At-Home Jobs June 30, 2006

2006-07-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Check out current work-at-home job announcements AND the new look to the WAHS Jobs and News!

You'll 10 great net jobs and lots of work-at-home information and resources. Get WAHS Jobs and News now!

Leslie

Work-At-Home Jobs for June 24, 2006

2006-06-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News is posted with 10 new work-at-home jobs and great articles on working at home. You can read it here: WAHS Jobs and News.

Leslie

Work-At-Home Jobs June 16, 2006

2006-06-16T11:30:00.000-07:00

Check out Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News for 10 great work-at-home jobs plus other great work-at-home information and resources every week.

Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News for June 16, 2006 is now posted!

LAST CHANCE FOR JOBS AT HOME: get 35 work-at-home jobs free with your 1/2 off purchase of Jobs At Home.

Leslie

Make money cleaning out the kids' closet!

2006-06-16T11:06:00.000-07:00

I just found this great website that lets you sell your kids' stuff withough having to ship or have a yard sale. You can list your items and local families can find you to buy it, or, if you want to sell them nationwide you can. Check out MyKidsCloset.com

Looking to make some income from home...not just from selling your stuff but affiliate income as well? Check out MyKidsCloset.com's partner program that pays three ways: 1) For each new registration, 2) Assist moms that have requested help to post ads and learn how to sell and 3) Pick up items from local moms in your area that are interested in selling their items on consignment.

Leslie

Work-At-Home Jobs June 9, 2006

2006-06-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Special! Get 35 more jobs free! Check out this special limited offer for Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding and Creating a Work-At-Home job!

To apply to the jobs, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. Do not hit reply to respond to a job in this announcement. WAHM Confessions is not representing or affiliated with the companies posted here in any way. Further, WAHM Confessions can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money for a job. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise suspect. Visit Scam Alert to get information on protecting yourself from scams.

Customer Service Call Center
Part Time Office Manager - Telecommuting OK
Contract Data Entry, Welland, Ontario
Virtual Assistant/Clerical
E- Instructors (online teachers)
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO KEEP BOOKS?
Media Marketing Consultant
Freelance editors, proofreaders, writers
Freelance Writing Assistant Wanted to Join Winning Team ($20/hr)
Fashionlines.com is looking for a writer to frequently contribute to our new blog.

Didn't find the job you want above? Here are some of the sites I use to find the above jobs. Most of these sites have 100's more jobs posted. Use the info posted at WAHS Job Search to learn great job search strategies.

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.

VirtualAssistants is one of my favorite job search sites with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!

CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
Monster.com

Leslie

2006-06-09T08:31:00.000-07:00

I suppose this is good news:

"So far in 2006, U.S. employers have announced 369,282 job cuts, which is 14 percent lower than the 427,278 cuts in the first five months of 2005." (From Reuters)

But 369,282 people is still a lot of people who were working and then weren't. This is why having a little income on the side is so important. Today, there is no "job security". The reasons for pursuing a career are no longer valid. When I grew up, I was told to get a good education so I could get a good job that would give me a good retirement. It worked for my grandparents. Luckily it has worked for my parents who are baby-boomers and who's pensions could be in jeopardy.

But for me and my children, looking for a career as an employee doesn't offer the perks that it once did. Let's face it, most jobs aren't that great. Even if you like your work, there are aspects that make it no fun. For me it was having to show up every Monday through Friday 8 am to 4 pm and asking for permission to take time off. Then there were the "rules" to work by that often didn't make sense. And then, there are the people who are difficult to work with. In the past, we put up with all that for a steady check and promise of a nice pension.

Today, many companies are downscaling their retirement programs or getting rid of them altogether. And, as shown in the Reuters article, many are downsizing. We aren't talking about tiny mom-and-pop businesses. These are big companies like IBM, Ford Motor Company, Sun Microsystems, Blockbuster, Whirlpool, etc. So now, not only do we have difficult work situations, we don't have the security or retirement either.

Another, big problem is that people are having trouble living on what they earn. Some indicate this is because we live beyond our means. But for many families, the means doesn't pay for the necessities. So when a crisis such as illness or layoff hits, the family is left destitute. In fact, one source suggests that 70% of American's are 1 paycheck away from disaster. YIKES.

This is why financial gurus like David Back (Finish Rich Books) suggest developing a side income as away to generate extra cash that can be used to create savings and financial security. There are lots of ways to do this. You can do it in your spare time and with little to no additional expense. And if you stick to it, you can not only create security for you and your family, you can quit you job....like I did:)

Today, I get up when I want, work when I want, and don't have to deal with co-workers and bosses. Since I'm not likely to fire myself, my "job" is secure. I'm also not likely to discontinue my retirement plan, so that is pretty secure too. The only hard part about working at home is staying the course. You can't work on autopilot like you can in a job. But, the rewards...greater pay for more effort...security...freedom (time and money)... make it worth it!

If you are working a job, even if you feel that job is secure, you owe it to yourself to learn about how a home income can help create more financial security in your life. I recommend David Bach's book, Start Late, Finish Rich to help.Also, here is a free guide to earning an income from home. It offers info on everything from telecommuting to starting a home business.

Leslie

Link Exchange Scams to Avoid

2006-06-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

(C) 2006 Leslie Truex, Work-At-Home Success

Link exchanges are a good way to help increase your traffic and improve your page rankings in search engines. But it’s only true if your link can be found not just by site visitors but by search engines as well. More importantly, link exchanges can actually damage your reputation and hurt your Google page rank, in fact, it could lead to a penalty by Google if you link with the wrong sort of sites. Unfortunately, there are more and more these sites using deceptive link strategies that not only don’t help your traffic but can hurt your reputation.

Everyday I get several emails from webmasters asking me to exchange links with them. In their emails they are very complimentary about my site and “remind” me how important reciprocal linking is to a website’s success. They have already, in good faith, added my link to their site and provide a page URL that I can check to make sure its acceptable. In return, they ask that I provide a link to their site from my website.

Lately, nearly every link request I’ve gotten has been deceptive. For a link exchange to be fair, there not only needs to be a link to each other’s sites, but visitors need to be able to find those links preferably with a link to a “links” page from the home page. What I have discovered is that the link to my site is posted at the URL the webmaster sends me, but when I visit the home page, there is no link to the links page. There is no way for the other site’s visitors to find my link.

I feel certain that other sites are getting the same types of emails, but I wonder, do they check out the link? Do they verify it can be found from the other site’s home page? In a Google search, I found just a few articles related to dishonest link exchange schemes. Nevertheless, I was shocked (although I’m not sure why with the rampant dishonesty on the Internet) to find several other ways dishonest webmasters trick people into linking with them. Since web traffic and internet marketing is a must for online success, it’s important that all good webmasters know how to protect themselves from link scams.

Here are some tips to avoid a bad link partner:

1) When you receive a request to exchange links, check that the site is one you want to be associated with. If you are building a business online, you need to protect your reputation, so don’t accept any and all exchange request. What is the quality of content on the site? Does the site offer information relevant to your visitors? What is its Google page rank? (You can use the Google tool bar to find this out.) A “0 “ isn’t necessarily bad as it could be the site has not been indexed, but it could be under a penalty, so you should research the site carefully.

2) Verify your link is actually on the page. Deceitful webmasters may hide the link so it can’t be seen and therefore can’t be used by the site’s visitors. You can hit ctrl-a to highlight a page to find any hidden text. Other times, a dishonest webmaster may just not add the link at all.

3) If your link is there, click it. Verify it goes to your site as some deceitful webmasters have it link back to their homepage.

4) Check the code of the URL. Right click the link and choose “properties” from the drop down menu to see how the link is coded. If you see a java script, other coding other than htm or html, or if the link has “rel” in it, don’t do the exchange. These tactics are used so that the search engines will ignore the link and therefore it won’t help you with link popularity and page rank.

5) Also check the page code (Choose “View” from your browser task bar and then click on “source”) to make there is no direction to a robot.txt file telling the search engines to ignore the page by having “No Follow” or “Disallow”.

6) Go to the home page of the site and find out how visitors can access your link. Most of the bogus exchanges have pages and pages of links, but they aren’t actually connected to the main site, so people can’t find your link. If you can’t find the page your link is on from the home page, no one else with either.

Having many sites link to you is a good thing not just in generating traffic but in improving search engine page rank as well. Nevertheless, you need to be cautious of the company you keep. When you are asked to exchange links, watch out for the six tactics listed above to insure you are getting a fair exchange and not hurting your page rank.

Work-At-Home Jobs June 2, 2006

2006-06-04T07:22:00.000-07:00

Want to know how and where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources in Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. Do not hit reply to respond to a job in this announcement. WAHM Confessions is not representing or affiliated with the companies posted here in any way. Further, WAHM Confessions can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money for a job. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise suspect. Visit Scam Alert to get information on protecting yourself from scams.

Admin Asst.--Great Opportunity for Independent Worker--Flex Hours, Fairfax City, VA
Home Based Call Center Representative
Transcription
Medical Transcription
Bookkeeper (Part-Time) Silversprings, MD
Telephone Initiator
creative writer for our TV show review column
We are looking for a freelancer writer for our Tools -- Power Tools -- Hand Tools etc.
Technical Writer
Voice Over Talent

Didn't find the job you want above? Here are some of the sites I use to find the above jobs. Most of these sites have 100's more jobs posted. Use the info posted at WAHS Job Search to learn great job search strategies.

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.

VirtualAssistants is one of my favorite job search sites with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

Leslie

Great income source and Viral Marketing tool!

2006-05-27T06:22:00.000-07:00

I got an email this week about Harvey Segal's book, The Ultimate Supertip. Since it was free, I decided to take a look at it. I read it cover to cover and I was completely floored! Not only has Harvey shared some great viral marketing ideas with twist, but he's also created a income opportunity in which you can earn 100% commission!

Harvey's book is quite simply the greatest viral marketing idea of all time! You absolutely must check this out. It's free and it's quick and easy to read. Best yet, it will open your eyes to an idea and opportunity that is truly unlike anything you've seen or heard online lately.

You can get it here: The Ultimate Supertip

If you don't know, Viral Marketing is a method that encourages people to pass on your marketing message to others. I have used this method by giving away free ebooks on staying at home or making money at home. But Harvey has taken this idea one step further, making it easier and more profitable. Not only that, his book allows you to have a viral campaign without creating an ebook or report.

Get your copy here (btw...you just need to download. You won't be asked for your email). The Ultimate Supertip.

Leslie

Work-At-Home Jobs May 26, 2006

2006-05-26T10:43:00.000-07:00

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!
HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.
VirtualAssistants is one of my favorite job search sites with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

Leslie

Children's National Medical Center...Thank you!

2006-05-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

This last weekend was supposed to be a celebration of my brother's graduation from law school in Washington, DC. It turned out to be something much different.

We had dinner with my brothers, dad and step mom on Friday night. During dinner, my son complained of a stomach ache. We finally got him back to the hotel where he spent the next few hours in the bathroom.

The next morning, he said he felt better than the night before, but he still didn't want to eat. He didn't have a fever and he seemed in good spirits so we set out for the zoo. During the ride through Washington, DC (which I must say has terrible roads!), my son said his stomach bothered him again whenever there was a bump. We figured when we got him out in the fresh air that it would clear up. But at the giant panda exhibit, he sat down and said he needed to rest. So we all went to find a place to sit and get some food. He was willing to drink but only ate a little fruit popsicle and 1/2 a pretzel.

Finally my husband started poking him. "Where's the appendix?" he asked. Now, I'm not sure why I knew this except to say that I'm a worrier by nature and I must of stored it away "just in case" I ever got sick. I pointed to the area that I knew the appendix hung out. My husband immediately took my cell phone and called his father, a retired pediatrician. At this point, I figured it was serious as my husband rarely ever thinks an ailment requires a call to his father.

Interestingly enough, it was the pain on the bumpy roads that lead my father-in-law to recommend we take my son to the nearest hospital.

I'm so glad that of all the hospitals we could have chosen in Washington, DC, that we chose the Children's National Medical Center. Everyone we came into contact with from the intake and triage nurse all the way to the surgical team and the nurses during his recovery were so patient and helpful. My son, like me, wants to know everything that is going on, as it helps relieve stress. So he asked question after question to each person who was involved in his treatment. When the surgeon met us he said, "So are you the boy with the appendix who asks all the questions?"

I know that appendicitis' are routine for doctors, but it was new territory for us. My son knew enough to know that untreated it could cause death. So when the ER staff said they needed to see if the surgery would be that night or the next day, my son got worried. It broke my heart when he cried and said, "I don't want to die." He also let the hospital staff know that he wanted it taken care of ASAP.

One thing that came back to haunt us was how much children remember. Many years ago, my husband and I played a computer game called Life and Death. The goal of the game was to do a successful surgery...Appendicitis...on a patient. My husband was really good but in the end, would lose because he'd forget to remove a clamp or sponge. The game had some funny aspects which we had told our kids about. So imagine our surprise when my son told us to be sure to tell the doctor to remove all the clamps. He was really worried about this.

Fortunately, they don't operate that way anymore. Instead they did the surgery using three little incisions and a camera. No clamps. No sponges.

My son is recovering very nicely. I wish that if I ever get sick that I could go to the Children's National Hospital! Thank you to all the staff from intake to discharge who cared enough to take time with a scared boy and his parents.

Leslie

Work-At-Home Jobs May 15, 2006

2006-05-15T05:28:00.000-07:00

Receptionists Online
PERSONAL ADMIN ASSISTANT - PT FLEX HRS
Customer Service / Health Care
listing verifier
caption editors and transcribers
News Transcribers At-home transcribers needed to produce verbatim transcripts for media clients such as CNN, FOX and MSNBC.
K-12, Higher Ed. Educational Writing
Writer and Researcher
light bookkeeping - experience required
Online Tutor- Live Homework Help

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.

VirtualAssistants is my favorite job search site with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

Good luck in your search.

Leslie

Getting Spouse Support to Work At Home

2006-05-15T05:24:00.000-07:00

I have been surprised by the number of times I have talked people who made the decision to work-at-home and then the very next day, after talking to their spouse, gave up their goal. What baffles me is not so much that the spouse talked them out of trying to work-at-home, but that if the spouse was going to have influence over the decision, why wasn't he or she brought into the process earlier?

The thing I find even more shocking is that the opposing spouse not only doesn’t trust his (or her) mate’s decision but that often, he (or she) doesn’t even take the time to read what has been gathered about working at home to learn how the decision was made. The spouse hasn’t visited a single website or read a single email when he expresses his opinion. And faced with a questioning spouse, the wife has to explain her choices and maybe begins to second-guess herself. (Please note that I know in many cases it’s the husband who wants to work at home and it’s the wife who isn’t supportive.)

It’s hard enough to build a business as it is, but an unsupportive, even negative spouse makes it nearly impossible. If your spouse has influence over your decision about working at home, read on for some ideas to help get your spouse on your side:

1) In most cases, it is very important to have your spouse read all the materials you read, listen to any recordings or calls, and talk to those you talk to as well. That way he can get the same information you do without your trying to explain it and missing something. Any questions or concerns can be raised and explored together. If he is resistant in participating in the research and evaluation process, then let him know that he will need to trust that you can make a good decision and support whatever you decide. How can your spouse influence your decision when he doesn't have all the information that you have?

2) All successful businesses have a business plan that outlines financial aspects including how will the business be funded and maintained? Many spouses worry that the family will fall into poverty if you quit your job to work at home. Therefore, make a plan to show that you won't let the family finances suffer. Will you work your business around your job? Will you work six months living on one salary saving the second income for business start-up? By showing you have put thought and planning into your decision, as well as demonstrating that it’s financially feasible for you to work at home, your spouse will be in a better position to support your endeavor.

3) Make a plan that shows how you are going to fit your business in with what you already do and how it will benefit the family in the long run. Let your spouse help with goals and even reap some of the rewards. My husband puts the kids to bed (baths, lunches for school etc) so I can work because he would like a new car and a trip to Mexico this Christmas.

4) Plan for household management. Because I am home, I usually make dinner and take care of things that need to be done such as scheduling repairs. But I do work so my husband and children help with household chores as well. Make a plan to show how the rest of life can be managed and indicate areas that you could use support.

5) Make a schedule so you have clear work and non-work hours. I work some in the evening, but I don't work 3:30 pm to 7 pm because this is family time. Be clear and strict with your schedule. Don’t let your business take too much time away from your family, but you also need to ask your family to respect your “work” hours.

6) Let your spouse know working at home is important to you...if it is. Often home businesses, especially those run by moms, are seen as little mommy hobbies. It’s okay if it is just a hobby, but if you are looking to make this your "career" or if its important to you, you need to convey that to your family. Hopefully they’ll respect your dream even if they don’t agree with it.

7) Tell your spouse how it will be different this time around. If you have a history of failed attempts at working at home, getting spousal support will likely be very hard. Along with doing the 6 other items listed above, you also need to make sure you are making good choices AND doing the work! You need to evaluate why your past efforts failed. Did you choose a questionable program? If you blame program for your failure, did you do the research you needed to do to make a good choice? Are you being completely honest about your part in the failure? Sometimes people fail because they don’t put in the time and effort that is needed to be successful? If you didn’t work like you should, why didn’t you? If you are going to show your spouse that it will be different this time around, you need to have a clear plan to show him why.

8) Consider doing it anyway. If your spouse is still unsupportive, you have a decision to make about how important working at home is to you. If you really want to succeed in working at home, you need to hold firm to your dream. Do you think people thought stay-at-home mom Mrs. Fields was crazy to think she could open a store selling her chocolate chip cookies? Or that Mary Kay Ashe was nuts to think she could support her family selling cosmetics from her kitchen table? Or that J.K. Rowling was wasting her time sitting in a cafe day after day writing about Harry Potter? Everybody starts at the bottom with only a dream. Mrs. Fields did. Mary Kay did. JK Rowling did. I did. None of us let the nay-sayers in our world, even those closest to us hold us back. If your spouse is holding you back, take a good look at why. It may be that one of the suggestions above will help him/her understand what it is you are trying to accomplish and how. But, if not, sometimes, you just got to do it anyway.

If you go the “I’m doing it no matter what” route, you still want to do the seven steps outlined above because it will not only help insure your success but it will let your spouse know that you are aware of her concerns and are trying to alleviate them.

To your success,
Leslie

Wanted: Mom - $134,121 per year!

2006-05-10T07:09:00.000-07:00

A study at Salary.com concluded that the value of work by the stay-at-home mom is worth $134,121 per year. The working mom's "mom" portion of her work was worth $85,876 (not including her job salary)! For 2006, the Mom job description includes: housekeeper, day care center teacher, cook, computer operator, laundry machine operator, janitor, facilities manager, van driver, CEO, and psychologist.

Salary.com also offers the option to create your own "Mom Check" based on what you do and where you live. According to the Mom Salary Wizard my yearly salary for my mom duties should be $158,250. That's $63,300 as a salary for 2080 hours a year and another $94,950 for 2080 hours of overtime! That was for being a "stay-at-home mom". When I ran the wizard again as a working mom (since I work at home), the results were, $216,558 per year with $92,152 in regular mom work and $124,405 in overtime.

It certainly makes you rethink the statement, "I'm just a mom."

To read more about the study visit Salary.com. To run your own numbers, visit the Mom Salary Wizard.

Work-At-Home Jobs May 5, 2006

2006-05-05T04:59:00.000-07:00

Want to know how and where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources in Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. WAHM Confessions is not representing or affiliated with the companies posted here in any way. WAHM Confessions can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money for a job. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise suspect. Visit Scam Alert to get information on protecting yourself from scams.

Customer Service

Customer Contact Representatives

English Language Transcriptionist

Medical Transcription

Graphics Design Artist for Web

translators, interpreters, proofreaders, desktop publishers, web designers and web localization experts.

Internet Marketing Assistant - Telecommute - Negotiable - $10/h

Writer needed for our website, part time, ongoing

freelance writer - entertainment

External Verifiers

Didn't find the job you want above? Here are some of the sites I use to find the above jobs. Most of these sites have 100's more jobs posted. Use the info posted at WAHS Job Search to learn great job search strategies.

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.

VirtualAssistants is my favorite job search site with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

Leslie

Google Ad Words undermining message

2006-05-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

I just changed my Google Adsense box because the Link Unit box was showing links to envelope stuffing and assembly jobs. It doesn't look right for me to say, "Stay away from envelope stuffing and assembly jobs," and then to have ads on my page promoting them.

How does this happen? Google's Adsense program simply uses keywords in my posts and finds ads that match. It doesn't read my text though. So my post may say, "envelope stuffing is a scam" but Google just sees "envelope stuffing" and feeds ads to my site.

I have emailed about this but haven't heard how I can filter these ads out. So in the mean time, I have switched to the "Ad Unit" option. This option provides a single ad as opposed to a link that gives a list of options based on the key word. Of course, Google can still feed in envelope stuffing and assembly ads but if that happens, I can go into Google and block the URL to that program. I can filter URL's not keywords.

But, just in case, remember, I never endorse envelope stuffing or assembly work.

Leslie

P.S. With all the references to envelope stuffing and assembly work scams, I wonder how many of these will show up in the Adsense box???

Work-At-Home Jobs April 28, 2006

2006-04-28T05:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some work-at-home jobs I found April 27, 2006.

Want to know how and where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources in Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. WAHM Confessions is not representing or affiliated with the companies posted here in any way. WAHM Confessions can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money for a job. Please let me know if any job posted below asks for money or is otherwise suspect. Visit Scam Alert to get information on protecting yourself from scams.

Virtual Assistant (must pass test)
Translators
Medical Transcription
Medical Transcription
Home Based Medical Biller Needed
Loan Processor
Public Relations Assistance
Freelance editor for children's music education teacher guide
Several jobs at Fabjobs
Creative? Inventive Minds Wanted For Int'l Projects.

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.

VirtualAssistants is my favorite job search site with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

Leslie

The Best Way to Avoid Work-At-Home Job Scams

2006-04-27T11:06:00.000-07:00

Each year, millions of people fall victim to work-at-home job scams. This happens despite all the great information in books and online on how to identify legitimate work-at-home programs and avoid scams.

I think one reason that people still get caught up in scams is because they look for the wrong kind of work in the wrong place. As a result, they are exposed to more scams and don't ever find the real jobs.

Here is how to avoid looking for the wrong work in the wrong places:

1) Don't expect to just sign-up for a job. You can't just sign up for a job in the traditional job world, even McDonald's. And, you can't just sign up for a job in the telecommuting world. Any job ad you come across that gives you the impression that you can just sign up and be employed should be questioned.

2) Don't expect to get paid licking envelopes, gluing earrings, reading email, surfing the net, or "placing ads". This is where most people get in trouble. They search for work in areas that are almost always scams.

3) Don't expect to sign-up and type or do data entry. This is another area people get into trouble. There are legitimate clerical jobs BUT they almost always require passing typing tests for speed, accuracy, and grammar and punctuation.

4) Don't expect a $25 (or any amount) processing fee will get you a job. Any company charging a fee to hire you is not offering a job. These "jobs" will tell you the fee is to process your application, support the cost of the website hosting, or to add you to payroll. DON'T FALL FOR IT! You wouldn't buy it in the traditional work world so you shouldn't fall for it in the telecommuting world.

5) Don't fall for "no experience necessary". Employers are looking to hire people who can do a specific job. While there are some jobs don't require experience, they do require skills such as a pleasant speaking voice, writing talent, or some other skill that can be measured to insure you have what it takes to do the job. In the traditional work world, you need to show you have what it takes to do the job. You will need to provide the same proof in the telecommuting world.

6) Don't expect to find jobs through search engines. If you are looking for a legitimate job, you need to look where jobs are posted. Employers post jobs on their websites and on employment websites. There are many free and fee-based job sites that offer legitimate work-at-home jobs. It is okay to pay to access a job database as long as it offers real jobs (see number 2). Scammers are known to post their schemes on job sites but if you follow the rules above, you won't get caught up in them.

Working at home is WORK. Any ad that tells you anything different is trying to sell you something or steal your money. Don't fall for it. To avoid a work-at-home job scam, you need to know what jobs you are qualified to do and conduct your job search in the same professional manner you would a traditional job search. By searching for "real" jobs in the places that employers post jobs, you will not only have better success at finding legitimate work, but also you will decrease the number of scams you are exposed to.

Get Leslie's Job search tips and favorite websites at WAHS.
Get Leslie's book Jobs At Home plus sign up for the free 5 day Jobs at Home ecourse.
Subscribe to WAHS Jobs and News or to get updates when WAHM Confessions is updated to get jobs weekly (see subscription info in the right navigation area of this site).

Copyright 2006 Leslie Truex

Work-At-Home Jobs April 21, 2006

2006-04-21T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here are jobs found online on April 21, 2006.

Want to know how and where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources in Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. Confessions of a WAHM is not representing or affiliated with the companies posted here in any way. Further, Confessions of a WAHM can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money for a job. Visit Scam Alert to get information on protecting yourself from scams.

TRANSCRIBER : (Hiring for multiple entry level positions)Transcribe audio content of various corporate communications, video productions, web casts and other conferences. Must type 60 words per minute, have excellent grammar and proofreading skills and have experience with MS Word. Must demonstrate strong computer literacy. In addition, you must be able to transcribe at a minimum of 60 minutes of audio at least three times a week for same day turnaround.
Transcription
Part-time Web Content Editor (via Telecommute)
Online Community Moderators
Copy Editor/Fact Finder Freelance - Part time (financial district)
EDITOR: (Hiring for multiple positions)Individuals to proofread transcribed audio content of various corporate communications, video productions, web casts and other conferences. Must have excellent grammar and proofreading skills and have experience with MS Word and Excel. Must demonstrate strong computer literacy. In addition, you must be able to proofread at a minimum 60 minutes of audio at least three times a week for same day turnaround.
Blogger
Admissions Essay Reader/Test Prep Counselor
Exchange Student Coordinator
Fact Checker

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!

HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.

VirtualAssistants is my favorite job search site with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

Looking for WAHM's to profile in new book!

2006-04-20T11:27:00.000-07:00

I'm working on a book to help moms who'd like to earn income from home using the Internet. This book is in the proposal stage and will be available in print form (this will not be an ebook).

I'm searching for moms who currently use the internet to work from home. If that is you and you would be interested in being profiled in the book, please let me know.

Send me an email with brief information on what you do. I'm looking for real life stories of moms who are earning a living online doing anything (that's legal, ethical and moral). Some examples include:

eBay
Affiliate Programs
Contract/Freelance work (writing, web programming, etc).
Telecommuters
Home Businesses made from scratch
Home Business opportunities
ETC

When you email me, let me know what it is you do, and give a brief description of how you got started and how you keep your business going. I will respond to all emails but can't guarantee that every story will make it in the book. However, I will post additional stories here at Confessions of a WAHM.

Please email asap. I'm accepting stories through June 2006!

Leslie Truex

My Name isn't Mommy....

2006-04-17T07:41:00.000-07:00

If you're reading this blog, its possbile that you are or want to be a stay-at-home mom. But for many moms, staying home isn't an option. A weak economy, gas that costs the same as a minimum wage job, and the need to put food on the table, all require mom to work. So why does Caitlin Flanagan, writer for The New Yorker say that working moms are selfish by having a career? Basically, she thinks working moms are doing a disservice to their children by working. Never mind that she's working...she's a writer. And she doesn't have to work as her husband makes a very good income. According to The Week (4/14/06), her husbands' income is so good that she doesn't need to shop, cook, or clean! It's easy to advocate the stay-at-home mom life when you've got money and don't have to scrub the toilet, in-between laundry cycles, and feeding Jr.

If I didn't have to work (fortunately I can work at home), I wouldn't. But, would I sacrifice my life to my family? No. Would I play with my children, help with the homework, get them involved in activities, talk with them, teach them important values. Yes, of course. But my name isn't mommy. I don't believe I should live my life for my family to the exclusion of me. In fact, I think its a huge disservice to children to live only for them. I don't want my daughter to grow up thinking her only value in the world is to have babies and serve her husband. I don't want my son to think his wife should be that way either. I am a mom and a person. I have interests and hobbies that I pursue. Sometimes I can't do these hobbies with my children. But by taking "me" time, I not only respect myself, but show my children that my life has value and worth beyond cooking dinner and folding their laundry.

Last week Oprah did a show on women who'd "let themselves go." She profiled several women, many of whom are mothers who love their children and families, but who are miserable because their life had become completely in service to others. These women didn't know who they were any more. As a result, they couldn't be the best mommy or wife. Their emotional tanks were empty.

I would love to see Caitlin Flanagan do the Mom Swap show with a woman more like us. One who does everything she can to be available to her children and family, but who also has to contribute to the family income, do the laundry, cook, clean the house, etc.

What about you? Are you a mom who'd love to be able to have more time with her children but life has drained the energy from you? If you had the lifestyle of Caitlin Flanagan, would you live in total service to your family or would you still eek out sometime for your own emotional and psychological health (like writing for The New Yorker?)

I'd love to see your comments!

Leslie

Recent Work-At-Home Job Announcements

2006-04-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Want to know how and where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources in Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. Work-At-Home Success is not representing or affiliated with the companies posted here in any way. Further, Work-At-Home Success can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money for a job. Visit Scam Alert to get information on protecting yourself from scams.

Jobs found 4/13/06

freelance translators and proofreaders
Freelance Web designer
Loan Officers
Publicist Needed for Fashion Web Site
Copywriter/ContentManager - part time
Nationally Certified Résumé Writers Needed
Bloggers in Multiple Genres Wanted
P/T Writer & Customer Service
Internet Radio need iJocks
Peer Counselors

Didn't find the job you want above? Here are some of the sites I use to find the above jobs. Most of these sites have 100's more jobs posted. Use the info posted at WAHS Job Search to learn great job search strategies.

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!
HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.
VirtualAssistants is my favorite job search site with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

There’s No Reason You Can’t Work At Home: Don't let these 5 Excuses Hold You Back

2006-04-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

© 2006 Leslie Truex

I greatly admire people who succeeded at working at home before the Internet. These people truly desired the flexibility and freedom of working at home because they were willing to do hard things like talk to people to get business. They didn’t get discouraged that they were limited to working only in their area unless they were willing to place ads in distant newspapers and snail mail their products. Somehow they found the money to advertise their business and invest in expensive call in center services because free promotion and voicemail wasn’t an option.

But today, the Internet has changed all that. Working at home doesn’t require selling face-to-face. People can work anywhere in the world using drop shipping or electronic transfer. Promotion and business tools can cost nearly nothing! So I’m always surprised when people tell me that they can’t work at home. Why not? It’s so easy now.

Here are the most common reasons people tell me they can’t work at home, and my responses to these excuses.

1) “Everything online is a scam.” This is just not true. If everything you find is a scam, the problem is either you don’t understand what working at home is or you’re looking in the wrong place. There are thousands of legitimate work-at-home jobs and programs that can be found on the Internet. But none are going to pay you read email, type ads, lick envelopes or surf the net. Working at home is WORK. The easiest way to get scammed is to look for a fast, easy way to make a buck. Jobs require skills and experience, a professional resume, and often an interview whether it is a site based or home based job. Home businesses opportunities must have a quality product or service, a refund policy, and in my opinion, credible third party endorsements like awards or honors. To avoid scams, read books and articles about working at home so you understand what legitimate work-at-home options look like and can therefore focus your search in the right area.

2) “You may be able to work at home Leslie, but I just can’t.” “Won’t” is a more accurate word than “can’t” in this situation. Most elderly ladies can’t lift a car until their grandson is trapped underneath one. When truly motivated, people can accomplish just about anything. The truth is every one is capable of far more than they give themselves credit for or are willing to even try. Succeeding at working at home is hard. It takes a great deal of work that often has no payoff for weeks even months. But the millions of regular people who have found success working at home are proof that it can be done if the desire and effort are big enough. If you REALLY want to work at home, you can. You just have to be willing to try and keep at it until you succeed.

3) “I don’t have any money.” This excuse usually comes to me in an email, which tells me one of two things; the person who wrote has enough money for Internet service or he at least has access to Internet service through a friend or library. To make money at home, that’s all you need IF you are willing to work hard. You can sign up for free affiliate programs that provide you with a website. You can build a website for free. You can market for free using message boards, articles, press releases, blogs and more. And work-at-home jobs are free otherwise they aren’t jobs. The truth is, most people waste more money than they’d ever need to work at home. Pizza, vending machine food, magazines and books, manicures, expensive coffee, movies, junk food…all are “extras” that cost money. Give up just a couple of these and you have plenty of money.

4) “I don’t have any time.” Do you really expect to get more time? I have a friend who started a business while working outside the home part time. I met with her by phone weekly and we emailed or IMed daily. Then, she quit her job so she could have more time to work on her business. Guess what? I haven’t heard from her in nearly a month. The truth is, the busiest people are the most productive people. They recognize their time constraints and prioritize their time accordingly. Just like the money question above, odds are more time is wasted than people know. How much television do you watch? How much leisure reading do you do? How many hours do you sleep? What do you do on your lunch hour? People have built successful online businesses or found work-at-home jobs with snippets of time used efficiently during the day. That’s what’s so great about the Internet; you aren’t limited to business hours. It offers the ultimate in flexibility. The truth is, you won’t ever have more time. But, you can always make time if you really want to achieve something.

5) “I tried it but it didn’t work.” I’ve tried a lot of things that didn’t work. But if I’m to be really honest with myself, it was my fault that it didn’t work. If it was a scam, then I should have researched better. But most often, I have tried legitimate programs and simply failed to do what it took, over a long enough period of time to make it work. You can’t just run one ad or send one resume and expect to be successful working at home. You have to work consistently over a period of time. That will give you momentum. Then you need to keep doing it so the momentum doesn’t stop. When looking to telecommute, you need to keep looking, keep applying and keep honing your skills. If you are starting a home business, you need to develop a marketing plan and stick with it. You will absolutely have times of frustration, disappointment, and failure. You can’t quit just because things get hard or you have a disappointment. If our children quit as easily as we do as adults, they’d never learn to walk. Take it from a child, when you fall down, get back up and try again.

With the Internet, working at home is so incredibly simple. That’s not to say that it’s easy or that it doesn’t require work. There is no sign-up-get-rich program. Working at home takes a plan of action and consistent effort. It takes a leap of faith and a commitment. It takes a willingness to endure the hardships and disappointments. But if you are willing to do what it takes, you can work at home. If I can do it, anybody can do it.

Leslie

P.S. Here are some of the ways I have worked at home:

Business To Business Sales - I didn't like it but I did it until I found something else.
Real Esate - I had a good Broker and did pretty well. But I got tired of working weekends. This is when I discovered the Internet:)
Websites - Promoting affiliate programs and selling advertising has long been a good way to earn income from home. If you have an interest or hobby, odds are you can create a content site (for free through services like Angelfire.com), add affilite programs, and offer advertising on the website or an ezine. See Work-At-Home Success for an example of a content site. Or visit Moms At Home Success for a site that focuses soley on promoting affiliate programs and helping others do the same.
Infoproducts - I wrote Jobs At Home in 2001. This book was offered in print for a time through bookstores and Amazon. Now its offered soley as an ebook. If you have knowledge or info others would pay to know about, infoproducts are a great way to make money online.
Telecommuting/Freelance - I have found work online and I have also found work simply by sending a letter of inquiry to businesses. To learn how and where I like to search for work, check out Work-At-Home Success' Job Search info.
Home Business Opportunity - I have always been intrigued by the idea of residual income. It took me over 10 years to find the right one (I didn't want to retail or do parties), but I finally did. If you choose carefully (research, pick product or services you belive in, and engage in the system), this is a great way to earn income because many offer the benefits of residual income. Visit Infinite Possibilities to see what I chose.
Writing - I write all the time in my businesses and jobs. So I began to think about getting paid for it. I'm just beginning to offer services through my Alchemy Copywriting website (note that the site is up but not yet active or fully functional). I think writing, particularly writing for businesses is a great way to earn income from home. Its easy to learn. Its affordable to start. And work is everywhere! There is a great course through American Writers and Artists Institute.

Work-At-Home Job Announcements:

2006-04-10T10:25:00.000-07:00

Want to know how and where I find these jobs? Get a list of over 100 work-at-home job resources in Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job!

To apply to the jobs, please follow the directions posted in the announcement. Work-At-Home Success is not representing or affiliated with the companies posted here in any way. Further, Work-At-Home Success can make no guarantees about the jobs posted. Remember to never pay money for a job. Visit Scam Alert to get information on protecting yourself from scams.

Jobs found 4/7/06

TPV Verification Agent
Legal Transcription
Transcriptionists Work At Home
Web Designer Work From Home on your free time!!
freelance Script Coordinators
blog-style writers
National Magazine -- Copy Editor
Editor/proofreader
Seeking Educators For Non-Profit Opportunity (P/T)
Become a Relationship Coach for Mars Venus

Telework Recuiter Work-at-home job database for US, Canada and the UK with over 1000 jobs. Very affordable!
HomeJobStop has over 100 jobs in clerical, and more in customer service, writing, transcription, miscellaneous plus 100's of others.
VirtualAssistants is my favorite job search site with 100''s of Secretarial/General jobs plus 100's more in other categories all at one site.

Here are other resources I use to find jobs everyday!
Craigslist.org
Jobs.com
CareerBuilder
Freelance Work Exchange
Monster.com

Balance work and life at home....

2006-04-07T08:16:00.000-07:00

My kids have been on spring break this week. Instead of a big trip to camp or something, we have taken several small day trips. We went to Luray Caverns, a big cave in the ground in Central Virginia. Yesterday we went gem mining near Richmond. We found amethyst, crystal, even some garnet looking stones. Today is a day of rest although I think perhaps we'll go bowling:)

Even though we have taken these day excursions, I have still worked a little bit everyday. Not as much as I could or maybe should. The thing about working at home is that while my schedule is flexible allowing for time off, two hour lunches and a nap, I work many evenings and even bring my laptop on vacations. I don't actually HAVE to work necessarily but I'm compelled to. What if there is a customer service issue that I need to take care of? How will I manage all the email if I go a week without checking it (it gives me chills just thinking about that one)?

The point is, when working at home, you still need to make decisions to help you balance your life just as you do when you work a regular job. In some ways its harder to find this balance because your office is in your home. You can't always get away from it.

Here are some suggestions for balancing life when working and living under the same roof:

1) When working, focus on your work and don't let yourself get distracted. This can be hard when the kids are there. But you can get a lot done in a hour of focused, uninterrupted time. Avoid television, the dishes etc. Make a deal with the kids (if they are old enough) that if they let you work, you will do something with or for them in exchange.
2) When you aren't working, focus on your family. One thing I noticed is that sometimes I would be spending time with the kids but my mind was still on the work. Don't do that. If you are going to be 100% on work when you are working, you need to be 100% focused on the family when its family time.
3) Set a schedule and stick to it. I try to get as much done in the morning so that I can spend time with the kids in the afternoon. During the summer, the schedule changes some but I do try to have a schedule so that I can get work done (and therefore get paid), and yet still have time for the family.
4) Take advantage of early morning and late at night. The morning part is hard for me. I don't like to get up. But I do sometimes save work for after the kids do to bed so I don't have to work when I could be with them instead.
5) Take advantage of fleeting moments. I try to multitask as much as possible. I bring books or writing materials with me when I leave the house so I can read or write if I end up waiting in line. If I have 10 minutes before the school bus arrives, I try to get 10 extra minutes of work, or check email one more time. There are many times during a day in which I have a few minutes that I can waste or take advantage of by getting something done.
6) If you are on vacation, find a way to keep work to a minimum if you feel compelled to work. I bring my laptop on most vacations but I check email early in the morning (before family members are ready to do something) and late at night. Before I leave on the trip, I let people know I'll be away and try to find someone to cover for me if possible.

Developing the discipline to work independently without overdoing it, can take some time. But, if you follow the six suggestions above, you should be able to create a balance between your work life and home life.

Leslie

I've got a secret...

2006-03-24T05:26:00.000-08:00

I like working at home. And overall, I like the various ventures I'm involved in as a way to make money at home. BUT...if I could do anything and still make a living, I'd write. Not magazine articles. Not business writing. I'd write fiction. Not Oprah book club fiction but no-redeeming value mystery and even romance fiction:)

It took me a while to realize how much I enjoy writing. In high school, it took me a couple of tries to pass the written competency exam so I always felt I wasn't good at it. And, it was stressful. But a few years ago, I shared some of my work with my sister (okay...she's not a publisher but she is an avid reader....) who was very complementary. Ever since, she's been asking, "Have you sent anything off to a publisher."

So far, the answer is no. At least not the fiction stuff. (I am working on a non-fiction for moms who want to work online). First, I don't have anything finished. Second, I don't have time to finish it. Well, that's not really true. But when I do have time, I'm not inspired. And sometimes, that old doubt about the quality of my writing creeps in (as you may be able to tell, my grammar and punctuation needs work). What I have to remind myself is that I enjoy it, whether or not someone else will pay for it.

This week is the Virginia Festival of the Book. I love this event and am hoping it will help me get inspired to finish something. This week there are many events related to mystery writing ... yeah! Plus, you can rub elbows with published writers who have lots to share about writing and publishing.

I share this "secret" as a reminder to everyone that its okay to pursue a hobby or dream even if it seems like it will never come to fruition. The truth is, it won't happen if you don't at least try. So even if you think its dumb or silly; even if you think you are no good at it; even if you think others will laugh or criticize you and you want to keep it a secret; you owe it to yourself to pursue your hobby or dream.

Leslie

Scam Alert - Paid Auto Surf

2006-03-12T05:38:00.000-08:00

If you participate in a paid auto surf program, you should know that the Securities Exchange Commission has shut down 12DailyPro for being an illegal ponzi scheme.

Someone told me about this program but I could never quite understand the "product" or "service", or the credit concept. So I'm not surprised that it was investigated.

Remember, legitimate work-at-home programs need to have:

1) A product or service. That product or service must have value in that people would buy it even if there was no income option.

2) A return and refund policy.

3) A understandable compesation plan based on product or services sold not on people recruited. If there is a recruitment or referral aspect, your pay is based on the products and services they sell not just from enrolling someone.

Learn more about the SEC's action against 12DailyPro.

To learn more about how to evaluate opportunites and avoid work-at-home scams, visit Work-At-Home Success' Scam Alert page.

Leslie

Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News 2/24/06

2006-02-26T08:18:00.000-08:00

Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News for Feb. 24, 2006 is now posted. As always it offers 10 new work-at-home jobs, articles on working at home and running a home business, a scam alert and much more.

Get WAHS Jobs and News!

(NOTE: Get eJobs at Home for free with your subscription to WAHS Jobs and News. You can subscribe to WAHS Jobs and News using the form on this blog or at the ezine itself.)

Leslie

My Experience so far with Survey-Taking Income

2006-02-21T18:32:00.000-08:00

Last week I saw a book by Barb Webb and Maureen Heck called, "The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet: Make money with mystery shopping, surveys and point programs." On the back cover it says, "Would you like an extra $10,000 a year without ever changing out of your pajamas? It can be done--The Mom's Guide to Earning and Saving Thousands on the Internet shows you how!"

I like how the book is realistic on the income potential but I'm still baffled by making $800 per month on surveys and mystery shopping. I'll admit, I haven't spent a great deal of time surveys and mystery shopping mostly because my first attempts didn't net me any cash. I have received a CD player and a bra from Victoria Secret as payment. Oh... yes, I did earn $1 on a radio survey. I did a mystery shop at Kmart that earned me $11 but I had to spend money while I was there. I netted about $5.

I read the book, was intrigued and thought I would try some surveys (I like to work 100% from home and online so the mystery shopping didn't appeal to me). I signed up for a few companies and have received one survey for which I didn't quality (many want answers only from a specific target group) but I was entered to win a cash prize (I'm still waiting for my winning notice). With so few surveys coming to me and my not qualifying for over half (am I too old, too young, what???), I figured I needed to join more to get the volume I needed make $800 as the book said.

I have found many places that have survey databases for a fee (survey companies themselves are free). I'm always leery about a fee but I found one that would let me in for free IF I completed an offer of some sort. So I did that. I got the list of survey companies and began joining some of the programs. I get emails several times a day about earning up to $50 for a survey. WOW! However, when I go to do survey I have to sign up for a trail offer of something including submitting my payment info. HMMMM... that doesn't sound right. As far as I can figure, some of these survey companies will pay you money to sign up for these trial offers and its all disguised as a survey. What's in it for the company? Likely they get an even bigger paycheck from the offer program for having referred you.

So, I have earned $1 for doing a Nesquick survey and I have an email box full of high paying survey offers that are really looking to get me to buy something. I'm back to my old idea about survey's which is; if you really need to make any significant income on a regular basis, surveys are probably not your best option. In fact, that $800 a month that the book talks about is from doing surveys, mystery shopping, point programs and auctions. Divided evenly, that's $200 per month for each income method.

Again, I haven't put a huge amount of effort mostly because I think it will take more time than its worth (and I don't seem to qualify for most of the survey's I'm offered). But, perhaps some of you are making money with surveys. I'd sure like to hear from you if you are.

BTW... while I'm skeptical about a good income from surveys, mystery shopping and point programs, the book does offer some really helpful tips on saving money with online coupons, research and bargain sites.

If you'd like to try your hand at surveys, here are the survey sites that in my experience offer real surveys:

American Consumer Opinion
Greenfield Online Surveys
Survey Savvy
Survey Club (I'm still waiting on a survey from this company but I haven't gotten any "free trial" surveys either).
Keynote Research Panel (payment in form of Amazon certificate)

Leslie

Ask Leslie : What permits or licenses do I need for an online boutique?

2006-01-27T09:11:00.000-08:00

Hello Leslie,
I was hoping you could tell me what permits and/or licenses one would need in order to open an online boutique. This would be a home-based business with no current employees (just me to start). Can this be done under a sole prop? Also, how would one go about obtaining a sellers permit (wholesale license)? If you could explain this process to me, in the order in which it would need to be done, I would appreciate it. Let me know if you need any additional information. Oh yes, just a little FYI, I live in California. Thank you for your time!
Christina

Hi Christina,
Congrats on your new business idea.You could operate as a sole proprietor, but you should read up on the differences between the different options. The most important distinction has to do with liability and protection. As a sole proprietor, your personal assets aren't protected as you work individually. Other options make just the company liable and your personal assets (savings, house etc) are protected. Even though you are working alone there are options that don't involve having a partner. Talk to a lawyer or get a good book (like Nolo Press).

Permits, licenses and taxes are different not just by state but often by location. If you live in a city, it’s likely the permits are assigned through the city whereas if you are in a town, it may be through the county. Check the white government pages in your phonebook for the number of the office in your area that handles business permits/licenses. That office will be able to give you the details. It should also be able to direct you to the right forms/office for getting a tax permit and information on paying sales tax you collect. Be sure you study the information given to you about collecting tax. Theoretically, you collect and pay tax to California on people who buy from you and reside in CA. With the growth of the Internet and states all trying to get their cuts, there has been much discussion on this issue. Check out this site: http://www.newrules.org/retail/inttax2.html with sales tax issues for internet businesses. Down near the bottom it has some specific information for California.

Other things you need to check are zoning. Even though you don't intend to run the store in your home, there may be zoning against a home business (most zoning laws were made before the internet). If there is a zoning issue, its likely, you would just need to fill out a waiver indicating that you don't have dangerous materials and won't increase traffic.

You should also check whether or not you will need a DBA (Doing Business As). If your business is named something other than your given name, you will likely need one. Again the business office should be able to help.

Another source of assistance will be your local Small Business Administration or SCORE office. Check your phonebook for location and phone number of the office near you.

You can get more information at WAHS's Biz Basics Page.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Leslie Truex
http://www.workathomesuccess.com/

Work-At-Home Expert or Pied Piper

2005-12-30T13:28:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: This article is to help people who want to work-at-home evaluate the quality of “expert” advice. Its based on a true experience I had last weekend with an “expert” that I felt was taking advantage of his “expert” status by providing misleading information. The situation and the companies in the article are true but I have removed the names to protect all in involved. Nevertheless, one part of the article does encourage you not to accept things without more proof. For that reason, if you’d like the details including the resources to back my claims, you can email me at success@workathomesuccess.com.

Work-At-Home Expert or Pied Piper

The other day, I was invited to listen in on a call in which an “expert”, a veteran of network marketing associated with other mlm gurus, was going to do a talk about how some specific companies were going out of business. I was familiar with most of the companies on the “hit” list and was surprised to hear of their impending demise. One company in particular I researched quite a bit and while it’s not for everyone, all my research pointed to a solid, reputable company. So I was curious and frankly skeptical about what this guy had to say. And even more to the point, why he was saying it.

I was only two seconds into the call when this “expert” lost all credibility with me. Why? He had a hidden agenda. He was affiliated with a specific company and the call was geared to members or “guests” interested in his company. The speaker was not providing objective “expert” information about home business companies, but instead was looking to increase belief in his program at the expense of other programs…his competition.

I listened through and hour and a half of the call and was shocked that a so-called “expert” would give such blatant misinformation and speculation as fact without any proof to back it up. What bothered me most was that because this guy was touted as an expert, the people on the call were predisposed to believing him, without asking questions.

Expert advice is very helpful especially to people looking to work at home. But you need to be careful because not all “experts” are actually experts. And sometimes experts offer “advice” that is NOT based on objective knowledge, but instead is designed to “sell” their own program, as was the case with the call I was on. Below is my “expert” advice on how to evaluate the quality of expert work-at-home advice.

Hidden Agenda

When an expert is strongly affiliated with one particular organization and is dumping on competing organizations, you need to scrutinize the information given to you. That’s not to say experts aren’t allowed to offer opinions or to share their favorite programs. But they need to be upfront about what information they are supplying and whether it’s based on fact and verifiable evidence versus personal opinion. The key difference is what does the expert get out of it. If I share with you my favorite work-at-home website, and am not paid to do so, you are more likely to accept what I have to say about it. But if I’m paid to recommend the website, it still may be a great website, but you should require more proof beyond my “word” that it’s a great website. Good experts are upfront about their motives when giving objective advice, a free endorsement, or plugging one of their own programs to increase their profit. Failure to do this puts their credibility on the line.

Where’s the proof?

There have been occasions when I have specifically advised people away from or made recommendations to specific programs. But, I have always backed up that advice with verifiable information such as Better Business Bureau Reports, Federal Trade Commission complaints or other third-party information that can be verified. The fact that I do this has increased my credibility with people who come to me for advice. They know I am giving them information based facts not on speculation. In instances in which I am not knowledgeable about a company in question, I offer advice based on what I know about the work-at-home industry. For example, if someone asks me about ABC company, I’ll visit the website to learn what I can. If I see that it offers envelope stuffing, my advice is going to be “stay away” as its common knowledge that envelope stuffing is a scam. Further, I’ll direct the person to other credible resources such as the Federal Trade Commission that back up my advice that envelope stuffing is one scheme to avoid.

The point is, when you are looking to work at home, its important you don’t take anyone’s word, even an expert’s, without proof. On the call I attended, the speaker gave information I knew to be erroneous. He provided inaccurate facts, gave misleading information, skewed the information to fit his agenda, and even suggested that the companies in question would be going out of business. What he didn’t give is any proof. No NASDAQ data of a financial down turn. No Better Business Bureau Reports indicating a history of complaints. No credible information to back up his claims.

In my opinion (note I’m giving opinion not fact), I don’t believe he could back up his statements because there was no proof. In fact, I could prove the opposite (note here I’m going to offer evidence of my claim). I could provide mainstream business magazine articles that profiled one company on the “hot list” as being a solid, stable company with extremely strong leadership. Plus, I could provide proof of awards from various business organizations.* Notice, that I didn’t use info the company offered but instead I offered proof through non-related credible resources.

Interestingly, and frighteningly, not one person on the call questioned the “expert” on his claims. But, they should have. Its important to question and research when it comes to work at home programs. Think of it this way; if you were diagnosed with a serious illness, you’d likely go to another doctor for a second opinion. Most doctors are viewed as experts and yet when it counts, you want extra proof. You shouldn’t expect any less from your work-at-home expert.
Where’s the beef?

If it appears that there is a hidden agenda or an outright claim about a program’s “incredible opportunity”, get to the meat of the program. Find out what makes it so great not in “rah rah” or vague terms, but in specific, provable facts. During the entire call, I heard how horrible these other companies were but not a single fact about why his program was better. When I was in grade school, we called these people “bullies”. Remember, when you were young and a bully called you names, your parents or teacher explained to you that bullies have low self-esteem and need to put others down to make them feel more important? That’s what I thought about the speaker on the call. He had to criticize all these other companies because he wasn’t confident that his own company could stack up.

In my opinion (note opinion again), I don’t think it could. I could easily have poked holes in his program. He had a vitamin that was twice the cost of one of his competitor’s and yet he said his competitor was overpricing. Plus the competitor has a patent and an independent scientific study to verify the product works. The speaker’s product didn’t (note claim that could be verified*). Can you see the difference? He was using his “expertise” and charisma to entice people to his program not by touting the merits of his program, but by criticizing competing programs. The important thing to recognize here is that any work at home program you join should be able to stand on its own based on a solid program and provable facts.

Expert or Pied Piper?

So how do you know when an “expert” isn’t being the Pied Piper? Clearly if they don’t have a hidden agenda and they support their statements through proof that you can verify, you are probably looking at someone who is trying to offer objective information. However, it isn’t always clear, so ask questions. There’s a great saying, “Question authority.” When you are looking at investing time and money into working at home, that is sage advice. You shouldn’t blindly follow the charismatic guy or gal who “seems” to know it all. Ask questions. Ask for proof, particularly proof that comes from credible sources outside the company. And always be skeptical about the person who leads with negativity. The most successful people I know who work at home, never dump on other programs even if they personally believe they are bad. Instead, they are extremely positive and focus on their own merits with confidence.

======================================

Leslie Truex is a stay and work-at-home mom who has been providing work-at-home information and resources since 1998 at her website, Work-At-Home Success http://www.workathomesuccess.com/. Read her current Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News ezine at http://www.workathomesuccess.com/ezine.htm

Work-At-Home Job Announcements

2005-12-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

Here are some recent work-at-home job posts. To get 55 more new jobs, details on how and where to find legitiamte work-at-home jobs, plus a free report on online companies that are frequently hiring visit: http://www.jobsathomesuccess.com/jahspecial.htm

Freelance Transcribers in Entertainment Industry
Customer Service Specialist
Bookkeeper
Moderate online discussion on tech topics, gadgets
Reality Court Show looking for researchers

Leslie

Still working while everyone is off....

2005-12-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

One of the great things about working at home and being self-employed is the flexible schedule. I can go to the gym when its the least crowded, attend my kids' school functions, do errrands while eveyrone is at their jobs, and nap. So why is it that my kids and husband are off from school and work and I'm still working????

Poor planning is one. If I'd done my work-at-home newsletter earlier in the week, I wouldn't have to do it today. If I hadn't made appointments for Friday to call people, I wouldn't be sitting at my desk preparing to dial my phone.

Still, its not so bad. I may be working but I'll probably only work a few hours (until lunch) and then be done until Tuesday. My family may be off right now, but I know there are many other people who are still working.

I want to wish you and your family a very happy holiday!

Leslie

Eight Reasons to Start Your Home Business During the Holidays

2005-12-15T13:50:00.000-08:00

Many people who want to work-at-home, put their goal on the back burner during the holidays as the chaos and stress of the season consumes daily life. However, for people who are truly serious about work at home, the holidays are one of the best times to start a business. Here's eight reasons why.

1) Discounts. Many business programs offer their start-up at discounted prices allowing you the opportunity to get started for less money. Further, many products and services you need to run your business are also on sale during this time.

2) Savings on gift giving. Depending on the business you start, you may be able to save money on holiday gifts for your friends and family. You are buying gifts anyway, why not buy them from your own business and save?

3) 'Tis the Season to Shop. The holidays are the one time of year when nearly everyone is shopping and spending a great deal of money. Depending on the business you start, you can have customers ready and willing to give you money for your products.

4) Extra money for the holidays. Who doesn't need extra cash particularly around the holidays. Start your business now and you can start earning right away. Even if you choose to join a business or affiliate program that pays monthly, you can have a check in January to help pay the debt incurred in December.

5) Tax deductions*. By starting your business in 2005, you will have deductions you can take when you file your taxes in April 2006. Home business deductions can include your start up costs, portions of your rent/mortgage and utilities, Internet costs and more. If its an expense related to your running your business, it is quite possibly a tax deduction.

6) Get a head start for 2006. Many people wait until January 1st to start on their goals. But starting a home business requires research and preparation. By starting now, you will have all the leg work in place to jump in full force in January.

7) Why not now? The biggest excuse I hear about not getting started in a home business is a lack of time. Think about the goals you set five years ago or even last year. How close are to reaching them? The truth is, you will never have more time. When the kids are in school, you won't have more time. When the Christmas party is over, you won't have more time. It just doesn't happen. We tend to fill up empty bits of time with other projects or television. Everyone I know who works at home, including me, only has 24 hours in a day just like you. Some have "jobs" they need to work around. Many have kids they need to care for while working on their business. All have other obligations they need to juggle. But they all made a decision that make working at home was a priority. As a result, they are closer than they were yesterday to reaching their goal because they made the choice to do something today.

8) Turn a wish into reality. The minute you sign up for an affiliate program or home business, or post your first product for sale on eBay, or run your first ad, you are working at home. Its no longer "I wish I could work at home." Instead, you are actually doing it. You may not be home full time or making what you want, but you have made tangible what was before an elusive wish. A huge part of working at home is momentum gained through activity. Everyone is busy but by doing something, even a little thing, each day will move you closer to your goal.

My mentor has a great saying, "Its that start that stops most people." Its really true. People want to work at home but can't seem to take the first step to actually do it. But working at home is really a process of taking action over and over again. You can't work at home, if you don't take the first step and actually get started. I encourage you to take that first step. Start today or as soon as possible. Then take the next step and actively build your business. Imagine where you could be this time next year, just by starting now!

--------------------------------------------
Leslie Truex is a stay and work-at-home mom who has been helping people work-at-home for nearly 8 years. She created and still manages Work-At-Home Success a free work-at-home information and resource site. She is the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job and the Co-Founder of Infinite Possibilities. When she's not running her online ventures, she does occasional contract work as a social worker.

* I'm not a tax expert. Please check out the tax information related to home business as the IRS.

"Will I Ever Work At Home?"

2005-12-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

© 2005 Leslie Truex

As the owner of several work-at-home related websites, I receive email daily asking about working at home. Most writers of these emails indicate they are hard working, can type, have a computer and are desperate to work-at-home. But in most cases, they will never work at home. That may seem like a harsh thing to say but in all the years I have working at home and studying working at home, the above characteristics or skills are not what determines someone's success at working at home. Yes, everyone who works at home has the above characteristics and tools but they are not the indicators of success.

Through my own experience and in talking with others, I have determined what I believe are the characteristics that determine who will succeed at working at home and who won't. Before I go into the different characteristics, let me first state that I'm not saying that the people who fit the "unlikely to work-at-home" scenario are less smart or capable. Instead, as you will see, they are usually just uninformed about or fearful of what it take to work at home. But, if they are willing to learn and do the work, they too can find success working at home.

People who are less likely to work-at-home:

Focus only on data-entry and typing jobs in their search for work.
Have paid hundreds or more to off-line and online companies suggesting one can send or place ads, mail brochures, assemble earrings etc and get paid.
Spend only left-over time in their search for work or a home business as opposed to committing regular effort.
Sign up for free, spillover programs hoping to earn $1000's off of someone else's efforts as indicated by 1000's of websites promoting worthless work-at-home programs.
Have a fear of doing something different or stepping out the comfort zone, which limits their choices.

Do you see yourself in any of the above characteristics? I was that person when I first started to look for work-at-home opportunities. I'm not quite sure from where the idea that working at home and getting-rich on menial work originated. It probably came from scammers who saw money in people's dreams. What I learned the hard way was that "work" is the key word in “work at home”. I haven't met anyone who works at home who hasn't worked very hard either in a telecommuting position or in a home business. Here are the characteristics I have found in people who have found success working at home.

People who successfully work from home:

Recognize that pay for employment options are scams and that free programs while they may be viable, don't work by themselves.
Are proactive in their search for telecommuting jobs or researching a home business. They don't expect the ideal situation to show up in their email. Instead, they send resumes regularly and follow-up...even to companies that might not be advertising a job but could use a contract or telecommuting worker. Neither do they expect any home business to be successful with haphazard efforts such as a single email or ad.
Spend time regularly, usually everyday in their search for work or a home business. This time is scheduled into their life just like all other activities because they know that life has a way of taking over unless you control your time.
Understand that there is no job or home business that doesn't require work. While there may be good free programs, to earn money requires consistent work to earn a regular income.
Have a desire to work at home that is bigger than their fear. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone in effort to succeed at working at home.

As you can see, the only real difference between those who succeed at working at home and those who don't is knowledge, consistent effort and a compelling desire. I know that is what made the difference for me. I got a telecommuting job by sending letters of inquiries out to potential employers outlining my experience and asking if they needed a part-time worker in my area. When I decided I wanted something more than telecommuting could offer, I researched home businesses and chose the one that best fit my needs and work habits KNOWING that I would have to put myself outside my comfort zone in whatever I chose to do. In other words, I didn't waste my time on Internet gimmicks. I searched for a proven, reputable, yet achievable program. And then I jumped in and did it even when I was scared or tired or discouraged. My dream was bigger than the obstacles, which incidentally are usually all in the mind. Once I learned how to get out of my own way, it got much easier.

The question now is what are you willing to do? How big is your dream? Is it big enough to really learn the truth about working at home and stop wasting your time looking for the job or program that doesn't exist? Is it big enough to commit time every day to achieving it even if its just 15 minutes? Is it big enough to step out of your comfort zone to do something different to reach your goal? Is it big enough to commit to for the long haul particularly when your dream seems out of reach? If it is, then you have what it takes to work at home and the answer is, "Yes, you will work at home."

=================
Leslie Truex is a stay and work-at-home mom who has been helping others work-at-home with her website Work-At-Home Success for free since 1998. She is also the author of “Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job."

Fast Cash

2005-11-13T10:40:00.000-08:00

I love working at home. But sometimes, the income is a little on the light side. I'm certain that the up and down nature of income is why many people stay away from working at home. Of course, over the years I have talked to 100's of people who are about to be laid off or have been laid off so jobs don't seem so great either.

So what is a person to do when cash is low? Particularly when the car breaks down or the holidays are coming (or in my case...both!).

I love eBay and Amazon. I don't know how people ever got along with out them. They are the best ways to make some quick cash. Some people do make a livin using these services but I prefer to use them when I need a few bucks fast.

I like Amazon's program for books, videos, and computer games. Simply input the item's number, a price and a comment and its listed. I have sold stuff within minutes of listing it. Plus, Amazon gives you a shipping credit. Last week I made an extra $100 selling a few books! Who couldn't use a $100?

Then there is eBay. eBay has gotten easier to work with but still requires more involvement than Amazon especially if you want a fancy looking page. But eBay is great for unusual things. I sold my chili pepper wreaths last year! Right now I'm getting ready to list my sons Yu Gi Oh duel disk, a Mary Kay color palette, some sunglasses, and a great internet marketing training program.

If you need a few extra bucks, go through your house and find books you've read but don't want to keep (or those you haven't read and don't plan to read). Collect old videos too and any other items in good condition that you don't use. Name brand clothing, toys, electronics and even obscure items such as chili pepper wreaths are great sells on ebay.

Don't forget, you can find great bargains at these places too that will help you save money for the holidays as well.

Leslie

What's the big deal about racing?

2005-11-05T13:56:00.000-08:00

This morning I got my butt out of bed at 6:30 am (I hate getting up early but to get up early on Saturday...well...did you see the flying pigs?). I signed up to run in a race to raise money for Katrina Relief. I have never run a race before, at least not since 2nd grade. I don't even like to run very much but it has been the most effective way to help me keep my weight down.

This race was a bi-athalon; biking and running. I don't like to ride my bike much so I partnered with someone who didn't want to run.

My normal run is about 3 to 3 1/2 miles in about 32-38 minutes.. so I run about 10 3/4 minute miles. My goal was to try and beat that.

When my partner got back on her bike, she was about 5th place out of about 30. I headed out and immediately thought my heart was going to explode from my chest. And I wasn't even running that fast!! I think maybe it was nerves? Or maybe that it was 8:23 on a Saturday morning (still prime sleeping time). At the mile mark it was 8:31 p.m. That's an 8 minute mile. No wonder I felt terrible.

I ended in 29 minutes which is less than a 10 minute mile...barely but still less. A personal best. I am proud of myself. But, I'll never do it again and I don't know why people do that to themselves. I darn near barfed when I finished.

Running a race is now 1 "something to do before I die" goal that I can mark off my list!

I think I'll work on going to Eurodisney next.

Leslie

National Novel Writing Month

2005-11-01T17:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm going to try it again. I'm going to write a 50,000 word novel (draft) as part of Nataional Novel Writing Month. Story writing is one of those hobbies that I'd love to have more time for, but I just can't seem to fit into my busy schedule. Even though I have a flexible schedule as a work-at-home mom, running several internet businesses, doing parttime social work, and taking care of the kids (notice I left out housework...), keeps me really busy. I don't have a lot of extra time for hobbies. (The truth is, when I have time, I'm not in the mood to write. And when I feel like writing, I have too many other things that take precedence.) But, this is one goal I'd like to achieve and I thought what better way than a novel writing challenge.

To reach the 50K goal, I need to average 1666 words per day. Already I'm ahead of that average with 2314 words. It also beats my accomplishment from last year which was only 1700 words. Sixteen hundred words is really not bad. If I know what I want to say, it takes just over an hour to write 1700 words. The problem is not knowing what to say or continuing to write when it's the worst piece of writing ever written.

I'm trying to ignore the inner-critic which is hard because my current writing is terrible and doesn't have the "sound" or "voice" I'd like it to have. I like the humor and quirkiness of Janet Evanovich and Jennifer Crusie but my attempt at humor and quirkiness is really bad.

For now, I'm trying to ingore the terrible writing and just get all the ideas down with the intent of tweaking it later. I'll be able to infuse humor and quirkiness (and grammar and punctuation)in later, assuming I can find the humor and quirkiness in me.

If you have a book in you, check out National Novel Writing Month at http://www.nanowrimo.org/.

Leslie

Splog

2005-10-28T08:22:00.000-07:00

Leave it to irritating internet marketers to always take a great new idea and ruin it -- and create a new word. The most recent word, Splog coined in August 2005 to represent Blogs that were all about spam. Sure many people have blogs to help promote their businesses but these splogs are simply spam ads. Why do they bother? Because blogs, with their frequently updated content, get good results on search engines.

Its even gotten worse though. I was so happy to see people leaving comments on my blog until I discovered many of them were...you guess it... spam (or splog). It looks like internet spammers have developed a way to use automated submissions to put their messages on blogs' comment areas. Blogger and many other blog hosts have implemented a safeguard and like all internet safeguards it hinders effectiveness for the site owner and creates more work for the visitor. It involves having comment-posters put in a verification code when they submit their comments. These codes are random and can only be submitted by the actual person.

What always surprises me, is how spammers and irritating internet marketers get away with this stuff. It must work or they would stop. But when I get spam I always think "You are the LAST person I'd get a mortgage... weight loss... work-at-home... watches.... or whatever crap they are peddling ... from." Who wants to do business with someone who insists on breaking nettiqette?

As someone who makes much of my income online, I work hard to NOT annoy people. I have very few solo ads on my ezine. All my lists are double-opt-in. When I do email lists, I try to make sure they get some really great information they can use. I have removed my guestbook which was spammed all the time. I have invested in programs that have safeguards (double opt in, link removal, etc).

The truth is, the spammers get richer and make life for those of us who want to earn income online the right way, much harder and more expensive.

I hope that those of you who do enjoy my little blog will continue to leave me notes even though you now have an extra step.

Leslie Truex

Madam President

2005-10-21T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have been noticing some hub-bub about Geena Davis' new show about a woman president. Since the U.S. has not yet had a female president, I can understand all the buzz about this show. However, its a bigger deal to me that the U.S. hasn't had a female president yet.

The United States touts itself the land of freedom and progressive thinking. Yet, it lags way behind many other countries in things like having a female leader. Why is that? The world has had great female leaders like Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, Indira Gandhi, Margaret Thatcher, etc.

I don't know how people can keep a straight face when they say a woman's monthly menses or emotionality stop them from voting for a woman. Oh pleeeeeeeeease.

When it comes to mental strength and endurance, women are strong enough to run a country. Lets face it, women have breasts because men couldn't handle a mammogram. Women have babies because men couldn't handle child birth.

We understand the economy better than anyone since we do most the grocery shopping, clothing children, and filling the SUV or minivan with gasoline.

While men have tunnel vision focus that makes it difficult to handle more than one thing at a time (like finding Bin Laden AND searching for WMD), women are natural multi-taskers. We can be extremely organized, efficient and practical. The emotional part helps insure we DON'T push "The Button" because, as natural nurturers, we have trouble with "collateral damage". That doesn't mean we won't strike when provoked. In the wild, its always the mother animal you need to watch out for as she'll do whatever to protect her family.

So come on America, open your mind to the idea of a woman president. Encourage your daughters to believe that not only can they be good at math, but they could rule the country too.

Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News Oct. 14, 2005

2005-10-18T09:08:00.000-07:00

This week's Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News is now posted. This issue you will find:

- The Top Ten Steps to Springboarding Your eBusiness
- Drivers try to cut expenses :Ideas include working at home, using mass transit and car pooling.
- What Marketing Can Do For You
- Medicare Scam Alert
- 10 New telecommuting jobs
- And more.

Pick up this week's issue here:
http://www.workathomesuccess.com/ezine.htm

Leslie Truex

Great Savings sources and freebies!

2005-10-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

One of the ways I have been able to stay and work at home is to learn to cut back on expenses. The Internet has made saving money and find deals even easier. Here are some great savings and deals. There are even some great freebies!

Free diaper bag and more http://apps.meadjohnson.com/forms/jsp/Efb/Efb.do?referrer=149
Get a Personalized Letter from Santahttp://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1367341-10365995
Deals from online retailers where you can get merchandise free, or nearly free, after a mail-in rebate. http://www.freeafterrebate.info/
50% off Best-selling Books EVERYDAY LOW PRICES! Honeymoon, The Broker, Blink... http://www.dpbolvw.net/click-1367341-10388098
Free cross stitch patterns http://www.dawnsxstitch.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/
Tons of coupons and coupon codes in a variety of areashttp://www.quicktoclick.com/
FREE Home Business Match-Up Service for MOMS!http://thebizoppnetwork.com/z/958/CD140/&dp=4888
American Baby - Free Magazine Subscriptionhttp://a.websponsors.com/c/s=45283/c=29499
Free Budgeting E-bookhttp://www.tkqlhce.com/click-1367341-10283999
Save Up To 90% Off Your Grocery Bill!http://wahsuccess.foodsaver.hop.clickbank.net
FreeGrocerySecrets.com: Save Money Now! http://wahsuccess.sales0101.hop.clickbank.net
Over $100 in printable grocery coupons right from yourbrowser. Contains no adware or spyware.http://www.jdoqocy.com/click-1367341-10395834
Get These Catalogs, Get Cash Back!http://storefront.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/store?eid=ifXMRWU3IQ8&offerid=54179&stid=23&subid=
3000FreeGoodieshttp://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-1367341-1510763
Free Grocery coupons for your favorite brands: Gerber,Science Diet, Lactaid, Kellogg's, Maalox, French's, Sweetn' Low and more.http://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?B=4780&U=60692&M=986

For those of you that like to earn cash and prizes throughsurveys, try:

Get paid to take quick online surveyshttp://www.surveyclub/go/13389
Earn Money Answering Surveys
http://www.decisionanalyst.org/acop/backend/affiliate.aspx?AffiliateID=2621
Take surveys & get a chance to win $10,000. Join NFO’sMySurvey.com. http://a.websponsors.com/c/s=45283/c=23051/

Happy savings:)

Leslie

Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News Oct. 7, 2005

2005-10-10T12:05:00.000-07:00

The latest edition of Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News is now posted at http://www.workathomesuccess.com/ezine.htm.

This week:
1. News and Updates
2. Work-At-Home Tips, Tidbits, Inspiration - Can You Afford to Work?
3. Work-At-Home Jobs - 10 new jobs posted
4. Work-At-Home in the News - Growing Impetus for Telecommuting
5. Work-At-Home Opportunities - Many great income options.
6. Marketing and Promotion -Five Traffic Generation Techniques
7. Scam Alert - Top 10 Scams to Watch Out For!
8. Reality Check - WAHM Confessions - Annoying Online Marketing

Don't forget Work-At-HomeSuccess' sister sites:
MomsAtHomeSuccess
JobsAtHomeSuccess

Untapped Telecommuting Resources

2005-10-07T05:04:00.000-07:00

© 2005 Leslie Truex

The Internet has made working at home easier and more accessible to people. It allows companies to hire the very best workers regardless of where they live. But often, people who are looking for these jobs fail to tap into one of the best telecommuting job resources: the local community. In fact, premium telecommuting positions are more likely to be found in small local businesses. These jobs include the highly coveted typing or data entry work, office support, and customer service jobs. Here are some tips to finding or creating a work-at-home job in your own backyard.

1) Internet- The Internet is a fantastic resource for finding local work IF you know where to look and how to avoid scams. To find local telecommuting jobs, stick to job searches in your local area. Most job search sites such as Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com give you the option search by state and even city; however, a better bet is to use job search sites that are specific to your area. My very favorite site for finding telecommuting jobs in specific communities is Craigslist.org. Choose a city and then the “Job” search function. Craigslist.org even has a box you can check to search only “Telecommuting” jobs. Most telecommuting jobs posted on Craiglist.org require a local resident but still give the flexibility of working at home. You still need to watch out for scams and biz ops disguised as jobs. Remember, there is never a fee for legitimate employment.

2) Local Classifieds – Although you aren’t likely to find jobs advertised as “telecommuting” in your local newspaper, local classified ads are still a good resource for finding work-at-home jobs. Look for jobs in your “help wanted” classified ads that you are capable of doing that could also be done from home. Prepare a resume and cover letter, as you would for any job however, propose a telecommuting option (see proposal below) as part of your submission. Beware of ads with 800# and as always, if there is a fee, its not a job.

3) Yellow Pages – The very best telecommuting position I ever got was found through the yellow pages. My background is in social work and when my sister told me her adoption social worker was a contact worker I thought, “I could do that.” I used my phonebook yellow pages to find adoption agencies in my area. I mailed a resume and cover letter outlining a work-at-home proposal to eight adoption agencies in my state. One contacted and hired me. You could do the same for your area of expertise.

The key to getting a local company to consider a home-based worker is to focus on the benefits telecommuting offers the employer. Employers don’t care about your childcare hassles or commute. If you can show them that they get more for their money, then you will have an active listener.

When you write, send your resume but include a cover letter that not only outlines your skills but also the benefits of telecommuting. Here are some areas to cover:

1) Outline your qualities and experience that would make you a good candidate for the job.

2) List the benefits of telecommuting including increased productivity, savings on real estate and equipment savings, and decreased absenteeism and burnout.

3) Detail any cost savings the arrangement may offer such as reduced benefits. Some companies are eligible for government funding based on their telecommuting programs. Research federal and state incentives available to companies for encouraging telecommuting.

4) List any equipment or resources you currently have available such as second phone line, computer, manuals etc.

5) Indicate how you can be contacted (phone, fax, etc).

6) Include information on how you will deal with meetings, deadlines, office activities and emergencies.

Be sure to follow-up your letter with a phone call.Telecommuting is growing significantly. Small, local based companies are at the forefront of this growth. You can tap into this great resource of home-based jobs by using the ideas and strategies above to create your own telecommuting arrangement.

For more information on telecommuting, check out Leslie Truex's ebook, Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job http://www.jobsathomesuccess.com .

Annoying Online Marketing

2005-10-07T04:36:00.000-07:00

I recently experienced an online marketing tactic that I find unprofessional and annoying. No, I'm not talking about spam, bulk emailing or pop-ups. I'm talking about online marketers that harvest names off of classified ad sites. Fortunately, I don't run into too many of these people because I don't market using online classifieds. But I work with people who sometimes do. I get an excited call that someone has emailed them about their ad. The email is my first tip-off that this may not be a legitimate inquiry as most people fill out the form, not email. But, we contact the person who proceeds to ask us if we want to make $10,000 in two weeks or get 100 customers a month. In the past, curiosity had me going through their shpele to see what they had. Now, I tell them no and get off the phone.

One program offered a "unique marketing" system that would have 100's of people in your business each month. It was only $400 and you could sell it too! Only, you didn't get paid on your first 3 sales. What's wrong with this picture? First of all, what is unique about harvesting contacts from ads? Many would call this spam. I think its unprofessional. And of course, its not at all unique.

Yesterday, I left a message for a man with a name like Sugar (that should have been my first tip off that something was weird) who called me back and wanted to know if I wanted to make $10,000 in the next two weeks. I politely told him how I felt about his marketing tactics. Wouldn't you be annoyed if people responded to your ad but were only contacting you to sell you something? He got all puffed up (I'm sure he would say he was posturing) and told me that I wasn't the type of person he was looking to do business with. I told him he was right and hung up. I don't have time for people who try to intimidate me.

Why is contacting people through their ads with an "I saw your ad" email so bad? For one, as I mentioned, many places would call it spam. I believe its completely unprofessional. Its a sign of desperation to prey on people who are already working a business to try and get them in another business. I'm sure they wouldn't like me contacting people in their business to try to get them into something else.

If you are contacting people through their classified ads to try and sell to them, I urge you to stop. If you are using classified ads to market your business, I encourage you to stop as well. There are many great ways to promote a business online that are effective and don't annoy people.

Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News Sept. 30, 2005

2005-10-03T08:37:00.000-07:00

Your Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News is now ready. This week you'll find articles on the Untapped Telecommuting Resources and 7 Credibility and Sales Boosters. Find out what organizations will face penalties if they fall short on their telecommuting goals and learn of a Fake FBI Scam Alert. Plus you'll find 10 new work-at-home jobs and many home income resources.

Get your Work-At-Home Success Jobs and News Here:
http://www.workathomesuccess.com/ezine.htm

Have a great weekend.

Leslie Truex
http://www.workathomesuccess.com

Technology cheaper than groceries!

2005-07-15T10:18:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much technology continues to decrease in price. Its great! The first new computer I ever bought was about $2000 (Tandy from Radio Shack). I have since been able to buy one for $400 (different brand)!

My first HP ink jet printer cost $350! Today I went and bought a new one with photo preview (for digital photos) on it for only $99!

Yesterday I ran over my expensive cell phone and today I got a better one with a camera for only $60 (with 2 year service agreement).

In a world in which gas is now $2.20 per gallon (where I live) and red bell peppers are $4.00 a pound, its amazing that our technological gadgets are getting less expensive.

Pretty soon, technology will be the only thing we can afford:)

What is really good news about all this is that less expensive technology makes working at home very easy to do.

Greatest American...

2005-06-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

There used to be this idea...I think it lingers some today...that at-home moms are not very informed about things other than children and Oprah. I'd like to challenge that...in fact I'd like to challenge all the American's who voted on Discovery Channel's Greatest American.

I wasn't so surprised by many who made the list and yet I was shocked by others who did. (you can see the whole list here:

What is most surprising is who didn't make the list. James Madison ... Father of the constitution of the United States of America....that document that defines our government...that makes America what it is....he's not on the list anywhere. Madonna is on the list. Michael Jackson is on the list. But in a contest about the Greatest American, the guy who helped shape our freedoms and rights isn't on the list???? What's that all about???

The Constitution is what all American's point too when they feel they have a "right" to do something? Freedom of speech, press and religion are in the constitution. The NRA uses the 2nd amendment to support the right to have guns. The right to protect oneself (including home, papers and property) from unreasonable search and seizure (ignored recently in the name of national security) is in the constitution. (To learn about the Constitution visit here.)

What does it say about Americans that James Madison isn't even on the list?

Another surprise was the top five from which the greatest American will be selected:

- George Washington...no surprise but I don't think he should get credit without the rest of the founding fathers. He didn't do it alone. He did however set the precedent that the President's term should be limited.

- Abraham Lincoln ... no surprise there and my personal favorite. A true rags to riches story. A man with integrity who held the country together.

- Martin Luther King, JR.. also a good choice although without Lincoln his impact would have been pretty small I think.

- Benjamin Franklin .... the renaissance man who discovered electricity, invented the bi-focal lens, and created the Poor Richard's almanac. He's an interesting choice but I don't like that he hunted Native Americans.

- Ronald Reagan...huh? For those of you who like Reagan, please don't see this as a negative but when you have other people like Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Edison, Jonas Salk (pharmaceuticals could take lessons in healing without greed from this guy)....it just seems there are so many more people who made a bigger and more positive impact than Ronald Reagan did.

Anyway, if you are curious about who will be voted as the Greatest American ever, you can visit the Discovery Channel here.

Woman wins the Apprentice

2005-05-20T13:31:00.000-07:00

After two years, a woman finally wins the Apprentice! I have long thought a mom would kick butt on the show. In fact, until last week, I was certain Tanna would win. Here is a mom who makes money in direct selling AND eBay. Like many moms who want to stay home, she'd developed multiple incomes and manages them while also managing the kids and house. I think work-at-home moms have the variety of skills to succeed on a show like the Apprentice. Moms have to be able to do and think many things at the same time. They need to deal with emotional meltdowns and tantrums. They need to be organized and keep the family in the routine. Thinking on one's feet and creativity are a must for work-at-home moms.

In the end, Tanna lost. I rooted for her for several weeks until the last one....moms are not supposed to mock their "kids" and in the end I believe it was her treatment of her team that lost her the prize. That and winner was really good during the last few weeks.

Leslie

Why does everything happen on Friday?

2005-05-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Those who know me might say I have some obsessive tendencies. I like things to be just so and to know what's coming next. I don't like hassles or things to happen in such a way as I can't fix it asap. One thing that has always irrked me is getting mail with inaccurate information or treatening statements without the ability fix it. For example, the water bill comes with $200 in over charges. Or the bank statement comes indicating a withdrawl I don't recognize. These mailings always come on Friday... at 5 pm...after the business closed. And there I am, stuck for the whole weekend worrying about it. I don't just worry... I perseverate on it. I think about what I'm going to say when I call the customer service people. I expect the person on the other in to NOT be helpful. I imagine all that can go wrong until I'm nearly in a frenzy. Usually, the problem is resolved quickly and painlessly on Monday and I obsess on why I obsessed the whole weekend.

Once I figured out this pattern, I stopped opening my mail after 5 pm on Friday. What I don't know won't make me crazy...until Monday.

Today I was thrust into a similar situation in which my very organized and moving along smoothly day was interrupted by a desperate plea for me to do a report that normally would take days to complete. I was told it needed to be done today because another client is being held up without this report that involves and unrelated client. Who needs that kind of pressure AND guilt? The powers-that-be knew the client was in the middle of the transaction. They knew that the report was 6 months overdue? Why did they wait until Friday to ask for help?

The task did get done and I have managed to still get my other work done as well. But my teeth have suffered (I'm a jaw clencher) and those pesky tension endorphines are still running around in my blood stream.

Some people might say, "Leslie, you need to relax" or "You need to figure out how to cope." But that is the thing, I have figured it out. I don't open my business mail on Friday. I organize my day so I know each thing that needs to be done. Everything is in order as long as no one mucks it up. The answer may be to not answer my phone on Fridays.

Leslie

Are Telecommuting Databases Worth the Price?

2005-05-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

Dear Leslie,
I'd like to have a work-at-home job but finding jobs online is proving to be a challenge. The job sites take a long to time to weed through and there are so many non-jobs posted on them. Work-at-home ezines offer good lists but they are short and only come out once a week. I have come across websites that allow you search for work-at-home jobs but they charge you for access. Do you recommend these sites? Angie TX

Hi Angie,
Four years ago when I wrote Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home Job, I was not a big fan of paid job search sites. At that time, there were not very many of them and I found them to be suspect offering jobs like assembly work and envelope stuffing. Today, I use several work-at-home job databases because they do much of the hard work (finding and researching the jobs). Nevertheless, you still need to be careful about where you spend your money. Like all fees related to working at home, some are well worth the investment and some are scams.

When choosing a database you want to check out a couple of things.
1) It shouldn't promote jobs that are known to be scams such as envelope stuffing and assembly work.
2) It should be clear that they are posting job announcements to which you can apply and not a list of companies with telecommuting programs.
3) It should not guarantee you work. No one can guarantee you a job because they don't know your skills or experience.
4) If possible, get a reliable reference. You can read my reviews of several telecommuting job databases for free at Jobs At Home Success.
5) Read the FAQ section and small print.

My favorite job databases not only have 100% telecommuting jobs that they have pre-screened for legitimacy but they offer additional services such as resume posting and/or distribution and job search tips. My favorite right now is Virtual Assistants. It has 100's of current work-at-home job listings in many categories. You can post your resume and apply right from the job announcement. It also offers other great resources such as companies that are frequently hiring. You can read my review here.

Another site I like is HomeJobStop. Its not as sophisticated or extensive as Virtual Assistants but its very affordable, offers lots of great jobs and has unlimited access. It doesn't have the resume posting or other services but for the price its a good resource. You can read my review here.

Finally, I also really like Craigslist.org which is a classified ad portal site with everything from furniture to jobs to housing and more. Craigslist doesn't allow you to search jobs nationwide. Instead, you need to select a city, choose the "Jobs" option, and on the Jobs Page, click the box that says "Telecommute". Many of the work-at-home jobs will be for people in that area however, there are many national jobs posted as well so it pays to search several cities. You can read my review here.

I do encourage you to get a good reference on work-at-home jobs. Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding a Work-At-Home Job is designed to take readers step-by-step through the process of finding legitimate work. Not only does it offer great job search resources but it also offers tips on applying for these jobs in such a way as to put your resume at the top of the pack. You can read the review of this and other telecommuting resources here.

There are 1000's of telecommuting positions posted everyday. The trick to finding them is to understand what telecommuting is and what employers are looking for. Further, focusing your search using reputable job search or work-at-home job database websites will help avoid scams and questionable "jobs". Finally, a quality resume and professional approach is a must in obtaining legitimate work.

==============================================

Ask WAHS Leslie is Leslie Truex a stay and work-at-home mom who has been helping people work at home since 1998 with her web site Work-At-Home Success. She is also the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding a Work-At-HomeJob. Ask WAHS Leslie is a weekly column. You can submit a question to Ask WAHS Leslie by emailing here.

Reason number 47 to work-at-home

2005-04-07T08:10:00.000-07:00

The other day I was reminded again at how awesome it is to work from home. The sun was out and the temperature was just right. So I took my laptop and sat on my porch swing to do my work. At 3:30 when the kids were home, I packed up a snack and took them to the park. Yep, life was great.

The great thing about working at home isn't just the flexibility of when you work but where as well. I have worked at Barnes & Nobles and the local cafe enjoying froo froo coffee as I worked. I have worked on the beach and at the pool (although usually I try to have my work done so I can actually play). I have worked while snuggled warmly in bed and even while on the couch watching television.

But one of my favorites is when spring arrives and I finally can venture outside and enjoy the flowers and warmth while on my swing.

Leslie

Finally legitimate envelope stuffing jobs.....

2005-04-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

Finally, a real job that pays you $10 for each envelope you lick...but you don't even have to do that...just sign up and we'll lick the envelopes for you....and pay you $10,000 a week....

April Fools:)

Sorry if your hopes were raised because there never has, and never will be a legitimate job licking envelopes.

But, there is good news for people who want to work at home.

Did you know:

=> Over 10 million parents with dependent children work from home? (IDC)
=> 1 out of 5 home based businesses earn $100,000 to $500,000 per year? (Money Magazine)
=> Nearly 20,000 home based entrepreneurs earn $1 million per year? (Small Business Administration)
=> 25% of home businesses provide 100% of owner’s personal income? (Small Business Administration)
=> Nearly half of all small businesses in the U.S. are home based? (Small Business Administration)
=> Somewhere between 30 and 40 million Americans work at home in a job or home business (IDC)

This is great news! People ARE working from home. They just aren't licking envelopes. They are talking their boss into telecommuting, freelancing online, starting a business from their hobby, selling on eBay, joining business opportunities and more.

You can work at home....no foolin'! You just need to understand that you won't lick envelopes, process email, type (except for transcribers and writers), or sign-up for a do-nothing internet program. The recipe for work-at-home success is:

1) Realistic expectations (no mailing, assembly work, or do-nothing-internet programs, etc)
2) Research to understand working at home.
3) Developing a plan.
4) Take Action
5) Total commitment even when things get frustrating or discouraging.

Most people I talk to who are not having success working at home have either chosen a bad program, have not taken consistent action (daily) and/or have given up too easily and too soon. Obtain a "never quit" attitude and you too can join the over 30 million people who work at home.

Leslie

Spring Break...day 1

2005-03-21T15:24:00.000-08:00

The kids are home again...for a whole week. So far so good. We didn't have a fight until 5:55 pm ... what its about I'm not sure. I don't think they know either.

The first day of break is normally okay as they get to sleep in (which they don't do much but I do), hang out in their jammies, and play whatever they want. Its like an extra weekend day.

The problem is, Spring Break isn't just a day...its a week. By Wednesday I predict problems...more fighting, more boredom etc. I think I need to set them up on a project like stain the deck or paint the living room. They don't think that sounds very fun. But it would keep them busy!

I have told them if they can keep it together and I can get my work done, on Thursday we'll do something fun. We'll see if it works.

Its 6:45 pm now...things are calm...for now....

Mommy make-overs...

2005-02-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

I enjoy a good makeover. Its great to see a tired, frumpy, overworked mom get pampered and reveal the beauty that was there before children and life made it easier to wear sweats and go without make-up. But, I always wonder, what happens after?

Today I watched BBC's Susannah and Trinny from What Not To Wear make over several moms (and some weren't moms but lets focus on moms here) on Oprah. Most of these moms said they chose comfort over style but clearly felt pretty in their new duds and new doo. But, were they really going to wear those strappy shoes while doing the laundry?

Here are some other things that came to mind as I watched the show:

What are these moms going to wear all the other days? They only got 1 great outfit. If they are like me, they don't have the time or the money to shop for clothes that hide the flaws.

What's the deal with the husbands and male co-workers nominating these moms? These guys hadn't maintained their bachelor beauty either with their pot bellies and receding hairlines. Who are they to talk about their once beautiful wife who has let her self go?

If it were me, I'd be back to the old jeans, sweats and sneakers the next day. I may look frumpy but I'm the only one here to look at me. And lets face it...comfort take priority when the job is to clean the toilet.

Leslie

Mom's Day away...

2005-02-16T18:41:00.000-08:00

I frequently joke with my friends that I don't get out much. Working at home has lots of perks such as sleeping in or napping. But, it also means that I work where I live. By the time Friday comes, I'm really feeling the need to get out. My kids and husband don't have that same need. In fact, because they are gone most the day, they prefer to hang out at home on the weekends.

I have tried to remedy this by having my "mommy day away" one morning or afternoon a week. The best mommy day is spent sipping coffee and reading at Barnes and Noble. Sometimes my mommy day is spent running errands which isn't so bad because it means I get leave the house.

Once every year or so, I actually take off over night. Last year I had a mom's night out with my mom and that was terrific. We had dinner, shopped and saw a movie. Last week, I was able to drive 3 hours to see a friend and catch a live show. This may sound really weird, but this friend (actually there was a group of us) I met online. About four years ago we all got together for "sleepover" and 2 years ago we met in New York and caught a show there.

Anyway, last Wednesday after putting my kids on the bus, I drove the 3 hours to Baltimore. We hung out for a bit and then went to see the King & I. The part of Anna was played by Stefanie Powers which some people may remember from the 80's show Hart to Hart. Myself and my friends help raise money for her foundation the William Holden Wildlife Foundation (if you don't know Bill Holden rent the movie Sabrina...the first one... or Picnic). Afterwards we got to have dinner with Stefanie which was fun. Its kind of weird mingling with famous people. My father used to say, "They don't s&$t daisies." which was his way to trying to tell me the are only human. But when I meet celebrities, I don't think about their bodily functions and I couldn't help but be a little awed even though it was the third time I've met her.

But I'm getting off the point. After the dinner we hung out at my friends house. I was up to 3:30 am... I hadn't been up that late since my daughter was a baby. The next day I drove home...and back to my regular life. I'm not complaining about my life. Its terrific. I have a great husband and kids. But it was nice to have 24 hours of something else that didn't require my being a mom.
I suggest every parent...heck every body have a "day away" especially doing something that involves an interest or a hobby. Not only is it fun but its refreshing and energizing.

Leslie

What's with the reruns???

2005-02-01T17:38:00.000-08:00

Is it me or are television shows having more reruns earlier in the year? When I was growing up, weekly shows had something like 24 episodes a year. I think its 18 now. Most seasons start late September and its only February...16 weeks. I understand reruns during the holidays but it feels like the season's just started. I feel like I'm just settling in to the new characters and bam...rerun. Even Oprah has had many reruns and seems to be doing shows that just show clips of old shows. What is television coming to?

I don't watch that much television but when I do, I'd like to see something new. How about you? Do you think the reruns are starting early?

Ask WAHS Leslie: Home Business Legalities

2005-01-28T06:10:00.000-08:00

I have a syndicated column at Work-At-Home Success. It runs weekly and responds to questions that I receive about working at home. If you are a webmaster and would like to have the column synidicated to your site, visit Work At Home Success: Ask WAHS Leslie.

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Dear WAHS Leslie,I would like to start a home business but I'm confused by all the procedures. How do I get a license or permit? What does it cost? What other legalities do I need to take care of? Carl in PA

Hi Carl,
There is no one answer to your question. Every city and county has its own policies on regulating home businesses. For example, in one city, I had to get a business permit but when I moved to a new area, I wasn't required to get one. Nevertheless, in my new town, I was required to pay business personal property tax. Either way, they get a cut of my profits.
There are four bits of information you need to find out about for running a home business in your area: 1) Business license or permit; 2) Sale Tax Permit; 3) Zoning, and 4) Doing Business As announcement.

The best way to find out about the rules in your area are to contact your local city or county government. Check your phonebook for the the listings under your city or county. Every area has them listed differently. Look for business licenses or it may be under licenses, businesses. If its not clear, see if there is an information line or contact your local Chamber of Commerce or Small Business Administration office for help. In my experience, business licenses or permits cost about $50 and then each year require some extra money based on the business' earnings.
You will need a sales tax permit if your state or local area charges sales tax AND if you sell tangible goods. In most cases, services are not taxed and wouldn't require a sales tax permit. Again, its best to contact your local authorities regarding this. Hopefully the business permit office will be able to at least give you information, but sometimes the sales tax permits are given through a different office.

You will need to check the zoning in your area. The business license office should be able to help you with this. Or contact the Zoning Department in your city or county. Many areas still ban home business in their zoning ordinance. In this case, you should be able to get a waiver as long as your business won't increase traffic on your street, won't require a sign, and doesn't involve dangerous or disruptive (loud or smelly) materials. One more thing about zoning, if you rent or live in an area with a home owners association, you may be required to get permission before running a home business. Check your lease or HOA policies.

Finally, if your business has a name other than your given name, you will likely need to fill out a "Doing Business As" (DBA) form which will be run in your local paper. This is something else your local business office should be able to tell you about although you may need to go to a different office to complete it. In my experience, this cost about $10.

It is important to check out the home office laws and ordinances of your area. If you run your business without the proper permits or adhering to the laws, you could set yourself up for trouble should a neighbor complain. In most cases, the process is painless once you find the right office of your local government to help you.

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Ask WAHS Leslie is Leslie Truex a stay and work-at-home mom who has been helping people work at home since 1998 with her website Work At Home Success. She is also the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding a Work-At-Home Job. Ask WAHS Leslie is a weekly column. You can submit a question to Ask WAHS Leslie by emailing here.

Multiple streams = multiple chaos

2005-01-21T16:23:00.000-08:00

When I first wanted to work at home, one of the many books I read was a book that talked about having multiple income streams. This wasn't Robert Allen's book. I can't remember the name but it talked about having lots of little businesses. She equated it to spinning several pie plates at one time. It sounded like a great idea. But now I know different. If you really think about it spinning many pie plates could be messy. Do you remember the baker on Sesame Street? "Ten coconut cream pies...." And then he'd crash to ground with pies all over. I have crashed yet, but I do often feel like I'm teetering on the edge.

The problem with multiple income streams is that in many cases you can only do the bare minimum to keep it running but never enough to really get it up and running. One stream is constantly taking time away from another stream. When I think of great ideas, they take so much time to implement that other streams get neglected.

Being organized...which is a challenge for me... is a definite must in running multiple streams. But there is only so much time in a day. There is only so much you can do. There is a limit to how many streams can be effectively run to earn income.

So, am I against multiple income streams? No. But I do recommend limiting the number. And when starting, focus on one stream, getting to run as smoothly with systems and routines before beginning the next.

oops....gotta run... a pie seems to be spinning of kilter....

Leslie

Resolutions of a work-at-home mom

2005-01-01T18:33:00.000-08:00

Its January 1, 2005. Wow...where did the year go? Remember when you were a kid and it seemed like life went by so slow? Today it seems to zoom by. Its true, youth is wasted on the young.

Like most people, I take time to take stock in my life; where I am today and where I want to be this time next year. I love goal setting but I find myself not ever reaching them. I did get closer to some this year. I lost 12 pounds since June (South Beach) and I promoted twice in my home business. The end of the year I developed several more clients in my telecommuting job... great for the extra money needed during the holidays.

Often where I get stuck is turning the goals into action plans; what needs to be done day after day. This is complicated by the fact that I have so many different projects and more I want to take on. Often what happens is each gets a little time but not enough to take them to the next level.

So what are my goals this year?

Health: I'd like to lose at least 8 more pounds and improve my fitness (which isn't bad as I'm an aerobics instructor.

Biz: I plan to increase traffic (1 mil hits per month) and ezine subscribers (25,000).
I plan to increase affiliate income by 50%.
I plan to promote to senior in my biz (and get my free car...a Volvo SUV).
I plan to finish my next book Mom's Online Money (MOM) and get it published.

Family: I plan to spend more focused time with my kids. I'm around them all the time but I'm not always present if you know what I mean. I want to improve on this.
I plan to take a great vacation (DisneyWorld) with my family.
I plan to enact a date night at least 1 per month and a getaway with my hubby every few months.

I have worked last week designing my plan which includes things like working out more, a regular delivery of articles and PR regarding my business, etc. Its all set up in my Palm Desktop software so its scheduled in. I find its more likely to get done if I schedule it.

Now that its written, the odds are more in my favor as studies suggest that people who write goals have greater success. And now that you know about them... I have to achieve them or look bad.

Leslie

Ready for the holidays????

2004-12-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

Well, I can hardly believe it but I'm nearly ready for Christmas...with 3 days to go! How did that happen? As I have mentioned before, I'm organizationally challenged. I have difficulty keeping track of everything and taking care of things in a timely manner. My kids permission slips usually are returned the day they are due after 20 minutes of looking for them on my desk. Work is done last minute if it has a deadline. Some work has no deadline and of course is yet to get done.

So how did it happen that my Christmas shopping is done and the food for Christmas dinner is bought? Amazing!

Of course, most the wrapping is not done. Whew...for a minute I thought I was organized.

Leslie

Rock n Roll Sell Out???

2004-12-08T10:58:00.000-08:00

Is it me or are more and more rock songs finding their way to commercials and t.v. shows? Its not that I mind so much. The Jag commercials with Sting were kind of neat and I guess helped Sting's career. And The Who song for CSI is cool too. But who thought of pairing Buick and Aerosmith? I just don't see it. I may be wrong but when I think of Buick I think of my grandma... you know big luxury car. That's not Aerosmith. I equate Aerosmith with edginess and scantily clad women. That fits Harley more than Buick.

I have been hearing other songs too although I can't remember what they were promoting. I'm pretty sure one was a Beattles song. Shocking. But I guess Michael Jackson (who owns the Beattles music) need the cash. (That's a whole other topic better saved for another time).

Is anyone else surprised by all the classic rock songs appearing on television?

Where's the zucchini?

2004-11-24T06:33:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is a day away. I'm lucky that I'm not hosting this year although my brother delegated the vegetable dish to me. I'm not a great cook. I almost always need a recipe. So I decided I would make my favorite vegie dish; Roasted Vegetables. This is a great dish that is easy to make. Just chop, stir olive oil, and stick in the oven. The problem is, I can't find zucchinis or yellow squash.

What's the deal with that? My local grocery store hasn't had zucchini in weeks. When I mentioned it to some friends they said something about being out of season. Do zucchini's have a season. I figured in winter in Virginia, everything is shipped from some where else. Surely its zucchini season somewhere?

My next effort is to drive into town and see if one of the other grocery stores or the produce store has zucchinis. If not, I'm in big trouble.... I don't know how to cook other vegies unless they come from a can!

Leslie

Never enough time...

2004-11-10T15:34:00.000-08:00

Moms rarely have enough time. When one adds working at home to the equation, one discovers that there will never be enough time. I work hard to organize and develop systems, and try to eliminate as many unnecessary projects as I can.

Oddly enough, when I find a way to make more time, I quickly fill it with something else. Right now I have five projects going with one company, added committments to my home business, as well as all the regular stuff...cleaning, feeding, etc.

So what do I do to make it worse? I join a write a 50,000 word novel in a month challenge. Nanowrimo as its called is only done in November and like a true nit wit, I signed up. I have written about 5000 words. That leaves me with 2250 words per day I need to write to reach the goal. In 1 hour a day I can write about 1700. An hour doesn't seem like much but it turns out I like to sleep and see my family occasionally.

Do any other moms find themself continuously taking on more when they really want to take on less and less?

Mom's treats

2004-10-29T13:56:00.000-07:00

This is my first Halloween on the South Beach diet. The first challenge came today while attending parties at my children's school. It didn't help that I was running behind so I didn't get lunch. Fortunately, my son's class had some carrots. But the cookies sure looked good. My daughters class was nearly impossible. Banana Wonka Taffy.... Hershey Chocolate... Both my favorites. But... I DID IT! No even a taste of any candy.

Contrary to common belief, South Beach is not really low carb but better choice carb and fat. The truth is, I eat a lot more fat now than I have in the last several years. But what I learned that often, when removing the fat, food manufacturers add sugar...and that makes you fat too. I eat peanut butter and nuts...both of which I love. And I do eat some high carb foods but they come in the form of fiber like garbonzo beans and whole wheat bread.

I have met many people on South Beach who struggle with not eating breads or pasta....which you can eat in moderation and you should choose high fiber ones. I find that I don't miss bread or pasta except for the convenience of using them. But I do miss sweets! That has been really hard. I have tried the low carb goodies but you have to watch...they are loaded with fat and calories.

So, I have taken to make my own goodies. I found a recipe somewhere that included, unsweetened chocolate, peanut butter, oatmeal (don't use quick cook. I use steel cut oats and mill them in my blender.) and Splenda or Stevia (sweetener). It also included a cup of butter... but it was good.

My latest attempts have been more on my own. I have tried unsweetened chocolate, Splenda, and vanilla, melted, mixed then cooled to candy. But unsweetened chocolate has a bitter edge to it. My next attempt I added some skim milk. While it was edible to me, it was still a little bitter. Finally, I added margarine (non-transfatty kind), with the chocolate, sweetener, vanilla, and oats. I put them in little balls on a tray and refridgerated. They were very good.

With Thanksgiving coming, I'm working on ways to have my "cake" and eat it too. While the South Beach diet does allow splurging every-now-and-then especially on holidays, I find that once I let go, its hard to rein myself back in. So I think with my own chocolate confections, I'm going to see about cranberry sauce made with sweetener and pecan goodies without sugar...that will be hard. But pecan pie is a favorite of mine. I might just have to indulge.

Do you have any good recipes that are low carb or low sugar? Please share. I'm desperate.

Mom's tools.... laptop and coffee maker

2004-10-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

Long ago, mom's favorite tools may have been a dishwasher or self-cleaning oven, but my favorite tools are my laptop and coffee maker. Neither of them help in the homemaker role but lets face it, appliances may make life easier but cleaning is still no fun.

The choice of coffee maker should be evident; I drink decaf but still have to have my cup of coffee ... or two. And with decaf, I can have more than 2 and even late at night!

But my laptop...wow. I can work on the couch or in bed (where I am now). And the creme de la creme... work in a coffee house! The smell of fresh brewed coffee and the hum of my laptop... life doesn't get much better than that. Well, okay, it does get better but working in a cafe sure beats a real job!

Leslie

Moms and the election...

2004-10-14T11:54:00.000-07:00

In about 3 weeks we will be electing a new president. I would not describe myself as political although I always vote and I have strong opinions about how things should be. This is my blog and I'm allowed to express my opinions here. But I won't. I'm not interested in getting into some heated debate about who should be the next president.

However, I'm very uninspired by the current way things are running in this election. The American people...for the most part...are not morons. On the other hand we are busy and can't waste our time trying to decipher what the heck they are saying. Here are my personal opinions of how things should be handled.

1) There should be a handout at debates...download online. My guess is that even when they contradict each other, they are both right. They skew the numbers and information to suit their side. Bush talks about No Child Left Behind but didn't fund it. Yet he says he has more money going education than previous years. A hand out would let us see this. As a mom, I want to know about this stuff. Same with health care. They each have ideas on how to improve it but how will it really work...in the real world? Hand outs would help with this.

2) Abortion. Every election is about abortion. But what neither of the candidates seem to realize is that abortions can be decreased without legislation. (This is the social worker in me talking). Abortions, despite what people think, are usually not done on a whim. The exact a toll on women and are often seen as an only option. Adoption you say? Are you aware that the CPC's (crisis pregnancy centers) don't encourage adoption with any gusto? A report put out by the Family Research Council called "The Missing Piece" found that counselors were resistant to discuss adoption if there was any hint that the pregnant woman was resistant to hear it. There are so many awful stories and rumors about adoption as it relates to birth mothers that no wonder they don't want to consider it. Of course, like everything in life, the more info you have the better decision you can make.

The real issue here is totally missed (probably because its effects women not men who often ... are not held accountable for their part...) . Could it be she chose abortion because she is broke? Could it be because her parents will through them out of the house? Maybe her boyfriend told her it wasn't his problem, he wouldn't help so she better get an abortion (see ... its not just the women). There was a great Ann Landers or Dear Abby article once that asked why anti-abortionists harassed clinics instead of helping women with unplanned pregnancies. Why not offer to babysit so the woman can finish school or go to work. Pay for health care? Take her in when her parents through her out? Etc. So, the answer lies not in whether its legal or not...because it will happen no matter what. The answer is providing solutions to women. If it is illegal, then I think the dads should be hunted down and made to pay for helping raise the baby. Of course, that will never happen. I met a woman with 5 kids whose ex-husband only has to pay $50 per month in child support. Only in a man's world!

3) Women. I read an article that said women vote in higher ratios than men. The Census Bureau reported that 61% of eligible women voted in 2000 versus 58% of men. So why doesn't any body talk about women's issues with any real substance? Its more than just education and health care. Its doing something about deadbeat dads. Its about providing affordable child care and equal pay. It is possible that women can decide the election. Maybe we need to be more vocal but either way, we can determine the leader of this country.

4) Wishy-washy. As far as I'm concerned they both are. Bush said he'd help the environment and now we are logging on once protected land. He said support education but didn't fund No Child Left Behind. He said we are safer but won't set in motion to continue the assault weapons ban and cut law enforcement. Kerry votes one way then another on several issues. It all comes out the same in the end. I understand that they can't always do what they say...other people are involved in the decisions. And often, the decision to not support is based on a single line in the law they don't like even if they like the concept over all. But this whole back and forth "he said this", "he said that" is getting old. I hear it enough with my children!

Of course with all this said, I will vote. I don't always get my way when I vote but like my opinion of public school (see previous blogs), I think if you don't vote then you are unpatriotic. Voting is your duty to keep a free democracy. People like the freedoms and we are so free we are often lazy, inappreciative, and apathetic. If you love America and its freedoms, you must vote and participate in democracy even if it doesn't turn out the way you want.

So, make sure you are registered and vote!!!!

Leslie

Just a stay at home mom

2004-10-06T06:12:00.000-07:00

When I was growing up, women's lib with its ideas of career and independence was a big thing. So I fully expected to be a working mom when the time came. I realized that I didn't like nor was I very good at the supermom thing. Today, many women feel as I do.

While the image of a stay at home mom is somewhat improved, in the scheme of things, she still isn't as valued or held in high regard. In a world in which many people are defined by what they do, being a stay at home is seen as low man ...or woman... on the totem pole. People get this look on their faces like they are afraid I won't understand what they are talking about when I tell them I'm a mom. Being a stay at home mom doesn't mean I'm stupid or ignorant. Hey, I have a master's degree. Just because I choose not to use it doesn't mean I can't hold a meaningful conversation. My kids are older so you don't have to worry about me talking about their birth or first spit up.

The reality is, being a stay at home mom is probably the hardest job there is. There is no job as important as molding young people into productive adults. Funny, when people do bad things, society often points a finger at their parents as the root cause of the problem. "Both parents worked." "Latch key kid." etc. Yet, when meeting a stay-at-home mom they so highly underplays her contribution. (BTW...let me say that I don't think that kids who have working parents will grow up to do bad things. I was a latch-key kid myself. I'm only pointing out society's contradicting attitudes). How can someone be "just a stay at home mom" when society places so much emphasis on families' contribution to social ills?

I'm a stay at home and proud of it.

Now hand over the bon-bons! Oprah is on!

Leslie

Lost blog

2004-10-01T13:50:00.000-07:00

I posted a blog the other day but an error prevented it from posting. And I just didn't want to write the whole thing out again.

Today was my "mommy day" which is my day off for myself. So now I'm a bit more rested and ready to re-write my blog.

The other day, I sent a note with both my kids telling their teachers to keep them after school because I had a teacher conference with my son's teacher. When I arrived at school, I found my son wandering the hallway. "What are you doing?" "Looking for Hannah," he replied. Huh...? "Isn't she with her teacher?" No. After some scrambling I discovered my daughter had a substitute that day who said she put Hannah on the bus as she hadn't seen a note to do otherwise. She did say she got to the class at about 9:30 which mean there must have been an aide covering the class. The aide reported the same... no note.

I called my husband and told him I had to run home to get Hannah off the bus so he would have to do the conference alone. And off I rushed...well as much as a mom can rush behind a train of school buses.

I didn't get home in time but did manage to catch her bus. I asked her why she didn't give her teacher that day a note. She told me she did but that the teacher gave it back. Huh?

I dug the note out of her backpack. On it was a note back to me saying her teacher wasn't there. So? I finally determined that the aide/sub thought my conference was with Hannah's teacher hence the note. But then I got to thinking... how would I get the message about her teacher being out by their writing it on a note and giving it back to Hannah? I wouldn't see it until I saw her... and I was planning to see her at school. Can you follow me on this? My phone numbers were on the note. If my conference was cancelled, they should have called... don't you think? And if they called, I would have said my conference was with another teacher, please keep Hannah after school and I'll pick her up there.

My real beef isn't so much that they failed to realize that I wouldn't know about her teacher not being their without a call. Its that one of them (sub or aide) lied to me. Hannah did give one of them the note and then lied to me about it. Hannah's eyes got wide when I told her that they both told me she didn't give the note. "That's a lie." Yes it is. One of them, and I think I know who, tried to pass the blame to Hannah and that isn't right. I'm not an unreasonable mom and would have understood the mess up.

Let me just say at this point in case people are thinking public schools are awful that this issue is not a public school problem. The problem is the person who lied...public school didn't create that. I support public schools wholeheartedly. They are a microcosm of society allowing my children to learn real world issues they can grow by. But more than that, public school is one of those basic freedoms and rights that our country was founded on. At the time, the idea of educating everyone was revolutionary. And like many other great visions of our forefathers, its taken for granted and not given the respect and support it deserves.

So I still support public school, but I will be having a talk with someone about lying to parents and children.

Leslie

Sleep

2004-09-29T11:20:00.000-07:00

I have been soooo tired this week...or maybe just a bit lazy. But everyday so far this week I have gone back to bed once I put the kids on the bus. I always think, "Just one more hour." But after that hour its clear I could sleep another hour or two. Wouldn't that be nice?

Unfortunately, this week has been very busy. The end of the month always is particularly in home business. Most my income runs month to month so the end of the month there is usually big push to get things done.

Of course, I never get everything done. I have finally learned the rule, "There is more to do than can ever be done." That's from Lion King and its true. I have been reading a book called Leave the Office Early by Laura Stack which helps with productivity and efficiency in a very easy baby-step manner. I work at home but it all applies. One section does report that we need enough sleep. In fact, I read that lack of sleep is bad for health. So...going back to bed is the best thing I can do to stay healthly!

Leslie

Money, Money, Money

2004-09-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

I would love to be a stay-at-home mom but I can't afford it without also working at home.
The thing about working at home is that the money doesn't always come when you most want it to. Paychecks are not necessarily sent the 1st and 16th of every month. That's why good money management is a must. The first two weeks of this month things got really tight. Thank goodness for savings accounts. But this second half of the month I'm expecting at least 5 paychecks. The real challenge then becomes not spending it all because it may be needed during the first two weeks of next month.

Nevertheless, you should always be careful about counting your money before it comes. I still haven't figured out the payment schedule for my contract job. I submitted my billing three weeks ago. The company has merged with another and its the new company that sends the checks. But my billing goes to the first company. I have this feeling my billing sits on a desk for a few days. And there may be a billing schedule such as checks are cut the 15th of the month. But no one has been able to let me know about this. UGH!

Also, affiliate programs have been problematic. Those through ClickBank and Commission Junction have been great. They do pay regularly...on time. But other programs that have their own system can be problem. I work with one affiliate program that has NEVER paid, NEVER responded to emails, and who's phone number appears to be inaccurate...and get this...its a consumer protection program that owes me over $200! Go figure. Another affiliate also didn't pay and didn't respond to email. However, in a WHOIS search I found the phone number, called the company, and am assured my check is now in the mail. We'll see.

There is definitely more security in getting regular paychecks as offered by a job... as long as the job is secure. But, I'd rather learn to manage my money and stay home.

Leslie

Confessions of an Organizationally Challenged Mom

2004-09-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Hi I'm Leslie and I'm organizationally challenged. Its not from a lack of trying. I have files, folders, holders, boxes and all the office gizmos. I have read some great books... I really like Julie Morgenstern's Organizing from the Inside Out. I watch the home decor shows for ideas. I particularly like Clean Sweep because it often organizes an office.

The problem I have is that the systems don't seem to fit my organizational style and I can't seem to make them fit. I bought a special file box that could sit right next to my desk to I could file reciepts and other things right then (the touch 1 time rule of paper management). But right now there is a bunch of stuff on top of the box so I can't get to the files.

I synthesized the binder/one place systems by Julie Morgenstern and the Fly Lady. But I've got papers and junk piled on top of those.

I was talking to a business partner today who told me that her dream job would be to be a corporate organizer. I told her that when I have enough money, I'm going to hire her to help me. Its been my dream to be able to hire someone who can watch me work for a day and then organize my office in a way that fits the way I work.

Until then, I'm on a quest to find the top of my desk because I'm pretty sure that my son's fieldtip permission slip is somewhere in the heap.

Leslie

Advantages of not having a job outside the home

2004-09-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Today I was reminded of why it advantageous to not work outside the home. My daughter is home sick with a 101.6 fever. With a job, I'd have to call in and use up a sick day allocated by the job (how do they decide that stuff anyway?)

There was a time when I found a work-at-home job... highly coveted I know. But I hated it because after years of working for myself, I had a boss to report to. I didn't like that. When my family wanted to go out of town for a few days, I had to ask permission. I quickly requested to be put in a contract position instead. This worked really well until the company merged and got a new director. Out of courtesy I emailed and said I'd be out on vacation and I got a note back saying it was "approved". Huh? I wasn't asking permission.

I had a talk with the company and said I was feeling like an employee and I didn't want that. I was actually calling to quit but they said they wanted me to stay and said they'd work it out. Well...alright.

For me, the flexibility to come and go and work when I want to is the best part of working at home. That doesn't mean I slack off. I know that I use 100% more mental energy working at home than I did for a boss. And I don't get paid unless I do work so I can't slack off. But I can set my own schedule, be available to my children, and work when its most convenient to me.

Leslie

The Battle of MOMS

2004-09-04T07:03:00.000-07:00

I finished my work early yesterday and decided to turn Dr. Phil on. I know many people don't like this guy. But ever since he started on Oprah, I have thought he was one of the better tv psychologists. My background is in social work so I do have some insight into psychology, counseling and behavior. One of my gripes with talk show psychologists is that they never explained behavior or solutions in ways people could actually translate into action. What is "better communication" etc. Dr. Phil on the other hand is able to take psycho-babble and translate it so people can actually make change.

However, yesterday, I had to turn it off. Yesterday was a show about stay-at-home vs working moms. While I think its good to discuss the various issues of stay and work at home moms so people can make the choice that is best for them, I don't think it should be presented as one being better than the other. And while Dr. Phil may not have intended that, that's what seemed to be happening.

He had this militant stay at home mom who basically thought working moms should be ashamed of leaving their children. After the few moments I watched, I really worried about that woman's children. She basically said as a mother, all is sacrificed for the children. I totally disagree and I wonder what the heck will happen to her when her kids don't want to be around her and eventually leave home. I think we do our kids a disservice when we sacrifice ourselves for them. I think its important to see that we have other hobbies and interests. There was a Cosby show once where Clair (the mother) told Theo, "My name isn't Theo's mom." Of course, as a mom, it seems like that much of the time. And with all that's involved in keeping a family going, it's easy to get lost. But I think its important for kids to see other sides of their parents such as their hobbies and interests.

Try this, ask your kids if they know your favorite food or hobby. My kids (7 and 10) will tell you I like chocolate and Starbucks coffee, I like to read JD Robb, and work. They know I'm on a low carb diet and sometime tease me with goodies. I feel it helps kids see parents as people not just parents when they can recognize our personal differences.

I also agree with the working mother who said its not just being home all the time but the quality of time with kids. I think it probably harder for working parents who are gone all day dealing with work stuff and are tired when they get home. But kids aren't dumb. And they appreciate time with their parents even if its a little bit. I don't think any parent should spend 24/7 with their kids. If the parent didn't go nuts, certainly the kids would.

Finally, for me, staying and working at home is not just about being there for the kids. Its also what I prefer. I don't like the hassle that goes with working outside the home. I prefer to set my schedule and work under my own rules. The truth is, with my kids in school now, I could go to work and still be available to them when they got home. But I'd rather work at home. No boss. No asking for time off when the kids are sick or we want to take a trip. No working under someone else's rules. I love that.

I believe the issue of working or staying home is a personal one. I do feel kids need nurturing and structure and quality time with parents. But I don't think one is better than the other. And I think that a happy mom goes a long way to keeping a family happy. So if mom needs the challenge and contribution of work to feel more complete, I'm all for it. If she finds fulfillment staying with the kids and keeping house, that's great too. And I think all moms should support each other and individual choices on the issue.

Leslie

Sleeping in and bus schedules

2004-09-02T17:49:00.000-07:00

Okay... I did it. After I put my kids on the bus, I went back to bed. Tuesday was the best sleep in day except there is a house being built next door. Its a crime how early construction workers go to work. It should be against the law to use a hammer outside before 8 am. Jeez at 6:30 these guys are hammering and throwing things into the big trash bin.

Of course, Wednesday, when I didn't have the luxury of sleeping in, they didn't show up until noon. Curses.

Today they were there but not hammering. So I decided to take a 1 hour snooze that after 1 hour I decided to extend to 2 hours. But I was up working by 9:45. I got my report done, talked to several people regarding Inspiring Parents (my home business), mentored a business colleague, and ate lunch. Not a bad day.

I had made an appointment for a phone conference at 4 today. Normally I don't work 3:30 to 7. That's my family time. But the time was most convenient for this lady so I set the appointment. Afterall...even when its late the bus drops my kids off by 3:45...plenty of time.

NOT! At 5 minutes to 4 the bus pulled up. By then I had walked home (she passes my house even though the stop is up the street) wondering if I missed it or if it was broken down. My daughter in particular doesn't transition very well. So here I was, maniac mom in the front yard..."hurry, hurry...yes great work today...get your homework out... I'll quiz you later...." And my daughter "but mommy look at this...but mommy I'm hungry...but mommy..."

Fortunately the call went well... new partner..yeah! The kids got their home work done and all was well.

Now we are on to the next crisis. Where's daddy? He has a class once a week and gets home late. But the kids worry if they go to bed and he isn't here. So my daughter is on my lap as I type, pining for daddy. I wonder if they pine for me when I'm gone? I don't get out much so I don't know. I may have to test that some time.

So now I'm off to put the kids to bed and then some R and R for myself.

Leslie

The Cush Life of a Stay/Work At Home Mom

2004-09-01T10:28:00.000-07:00

Bon Bons. Oprah and Dr. Phil. Naps. Staying home...ain't it great. Of course if you are a stay/work-at-home mom you are probably wondering..."Huh? That's not my life." Well to be honest, its not mine either. Nor is cleaning my house or cooking fancy meals. I don't have time for that. I suppose if I stayed home without having to earn money, I might...maybe... keep up with housework.

But each day I start at 6:55, putting kids on the bus and getting to work. That work involves 1 telecommuting/contract position, 1 business, and 3 websites. I also teach at a gym a few days a week (the only way I'll exercise is to get paid for it!). For example, today I wrote a report from 8 to 10, taught a class from 10:30 to 12, stopped at the grocery for milk, soda and stamps, made a business call by 12:30, and I'm currently (while typing this) on a business conference call. At 2 I'll host a business call and at 3:30 its time to get the kids. That's a long day so far but there is much I didn't do. Website updates, phone calls, bills etc. And the day isn't over. After the kids are home its homework, start dinner, eat, kids soccer or other activity, and then I'll probably be back working on my business. I take my break at 10 pm (tonight its Law and Order...or maybe reading Visions in Death by JD Robb... I sure love Eve and Roarke). Then to bed. Who has time for cleaning?

After that, what will be left to say in the future in this blog? Well the "confessions" have to do with the wacky, crazy, challenging, silly, and sometimes boring things that happen. Here is one:

There is an idea that working at home, you can spend the day in your jammies. Well, I don't wear my jammies because I don't want to walk to the bus stop in my jammies. But, I do throw on shorts or sweats...no shower. And I go the whole day like that until about 4 pm when I think about my husband coming home from working and how scummy I look. My sister teases me about not getting dressed until 4 pm but I think she's jealous because she has to dress up and go to an office each day.

I do have some other very fun stories of life as a stay and work-at-home mom. Please come back to hear more "confessions".

Leslie