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What is the Right Work at Home Job for Me?

Author: Holly Reisem Hanna

114 Comments

Are you struggling to figure out what the right job is for you? Then keep reading! We’ll help you figure out what remote career path you’re personality type is best suited for.

When I started looking for a work-at-home job, I didn’t care what the job entailed. I just knew that I wanted to make some money and be at home with my daughter.

I searched online, checked out the want ads (this was back in 2007), and even asked past employers if there was ANYTHING that I could do for them. Data entry, internet research, run errands, make appointments, anything, I was desperate! Unfortunately, desperation is often what leads to scams. Sadly, I came across a ton of them.

Ask Yourself the Following Questions

When you’re looking for a work-at-home job you need to be clear in your intent; meaning you need to slow down and take a personal inventory before you begin your job search. Otherwise, you’ll waste a lot of time applying for jobs that don’t meet your criteria both professionally and personally.

  • What are your passions, skills, and prior experience?
  • Do you need health insurance?
  • Do you need flexibility or can you commit to a regular daytime schedule?
  • Do you want to start a business?
  • Are you wanting to transition into a new career? If so, are you willing to take a course or go back to school?

Figuring Out What Your Dream Job Is

When you cast your net too wide, you fail to find the right work-at-home job for you, because your search isn’t targeted.

If you don’t know what you want to do, or you’re unhappy in your current career, there are lots of ways to uncover what your passion might be. Reading books, taking career quizzes, volunteering, completing internships, and conducting informational interviews can be extremely helpful in determining what the right career path is for you. 

To assist you in your work-at-home job search, here are some common work-at-home scenarios, companies, jobs, and ideas that can help fast-track your search.

1. I Need a Work-at-Home Job with Zero Startup Fees

You hear this all the time — you should never pay for a work-at-home job. And for the most part, this is statement is true, however, many companies that hire remote workers, do require potential employees to pay for things like criminal background checks, drug screens, credit checks, and training manuals.

Luckily, there are a lot of companies that don’t charge a penny!

Here are some to get you started:

If you need more suggestions, we have a big list of work-at-home jobs that don’t charge any fees here.

Work at Home Equipment

One additional note on fees.

Many companies do require you to have your own laptop, high-speed internet connection, and headset. If you need a company-provided computer, check out this post.

If you want to start your own business, but you’re short on cash, here are a couple of articles that talk about FREE home-based business opportunities:

2. I Need to Have a Flexible Work Schedule

When my daughter was a baby, there was no way that I could commit to regular office hours. Her nap schedule was all over the place (some days she napped for 3-4 hours, and other days not at all). Eventually, I ended up enrolling her in a mother’s day out program which gave me small bits of time to work uninterrupted. If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some companies that will let you work flexible hours and schedules. You can also try your hand at freelance work — which is what I did when I first started out.

Companies With Flexible Schedules

  • 24/7 Virtual Assistant – Hires Virtual Assistants to complete tasks for clients around the globe. They hire both full-time and part-time Assistants to work around the clock.
  • ACD Direct – Hires independent contractors to work as Call Agents. These Agents select their own schedules using ADC Direct’s career portal.
  • Appen – Hires Social Media and Search Engine Evaluators, as well as Translators, Transcribers, and Data Collectors. According to their website, “opportunities range from simple surveys that can be completed in less than one hour to ongoing projects that last for months or longer.”
  • Byron – Hires US-based Virtual Assistants. You can work 1-160 hours per month any time of the day or night.
  • FancyHands – Hires Assistants for appointment setting, internet research, and data entry. Assistants are paid per task and can work around the clock.
  • NexRep – Hires home-based workers for Customer Service, Inbound Sales, and Outbound Sales positions. With NexRep, you log in to their career portal and select your own schedule.
  • Rev – Hires Transcribers, Translators, and Captioners as independent contractors to work on projects. You can work any time of the day or night in these roles.
  • TELUS International – Uses independent contractors to work on projects like translation, transcription, search engine evaluation, mystery shopping, and lots more. You can complete tasks whenever time permits, however, you’ll need to meet your deadlines.

If you’re looking for a job with night hours, here is a list of companies that allow you to work at nighttime. Or perhaps starting a home-based business or working as a freelancer is more your speed, if so, check out this article for some flexible business ideas.

3. Help Me Earn Extra Money From Home

When I was searching for the right work-at-home job, I did many of these side gigs to bring in money. While most people use these methods to bring in extra cash, some people make full-time careers out of working side gigs. In fact, Lori Cheek launched her mobile dating app just by completing side jobs.

4. I Want to Call the Shots and Be My Own Boss

I’ve been working for myself since 2009, and I absolutely love it! I’m able to increase or decrease my hours as needed. I’m doing work that I love, and there’s no limit to how much I can make, pretty awesome! If you’d like to be your own boss here are some great work-at-home businesses to consider.

Need more ideas? Check out this article, 99 Work-at-Home Career Ideas for Women.

5. I Don’t Want to Take Phone Calls!

One of the most prevalent work-at-home jobs is that of the Customer Service Agent. While this is a good gig for many individuals, a lot of people just don’t want to be on the phone, which I totally understand. If you’re looking for a non-phone job here are some gigs to consider.

Copywriter – Are You Persuasive?

Copywriters write the words in TV commercials, radio ads, magazines, newspapers, billboards, flyers, websites, catalogs, and direct mailings – wherever something is being sold, copywriters are hard at work writing alluring and compelling advertisements.

Medical Coder and Biller – Want to Work in the Healthcare Field?

Medical coders and billers accurately code medical procedures, treatments, and services so that facilities can bill these items to insurance for payment. For this position, you’ll need to take a training course and get certified.

Resume Writer – Do You Have a Way With Words?

Professional Resume Writers use words and formatting to create powerful images to sell a job seeker to a potential employer.

Social Media Manager – Are You a Social Butterfly?

Social Media Managers help companies and businesses market themselves through various social media channels. In-depth knowledge of the different platforms and having your own active accounts is an excellent way to get started.

Teacher – Do You Enjoy Working With Kids?

If you have an active teaching certificate and a Bachelor’s Degree you may be eligible to teach online. Everything from kindergarten to grade 12 is available with lots of variety in subject matter and topics.

Check out this post for more opportunities for teachers and tutors.

Translator – Are You Fluent in More Than One Language?

If you can speak more than one language and you’re accurate, you may be eligible to complete translation work. Many companies will require you to take a fluency test, but once you pass, you’re ready to go.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Here are more jobs that don’t require phone work.

6. I Need Health Insurance

If you’re not covered under your significant other’s health plan, you will need to find a company that offers insurance. If you can work full-time hours, you’ll have a relatively easy time finding companies that offer health benefits.

  • AnywhereWorks – Hires full-time Client Experience Associates, Intake Advisors, Bilingual Phone Reps, and more.
  • Boldly – Hires Executive Assistants, Bilingual Executive Assistants, Marketing Assistants, and Legal Assistants.
  • Chili Piper – Hires Engineers, Marketers, Designers, Analysts, and more.
  • Enterprise – Hires Bilingual Rental Reservation Reps and Customer Service Reps.
  • Nike – Hires Equipment Designers, Apparel Designers, Digital Community Managers, Sales Executives, Business Planners, Administrative Assistants, and Business Analysts.
  • OSG – Hires Engineers, Sales, Marketing, Customer Service, and Business Operations.
  • Smith.ai – Hires Virtual Receptionists.
  • Staples – Remote Technical Support, Account Managers, HR, Finance, Sales, and more.
  • Starbucks – Hires remote Human Resource Associates and Administrative Assistants.

Looking for more companies that offer employee benefits, check out this list.

7. I Want to Use My College Degree

While I have two college degrees, I knew that when I became a stay-at-home mom I did not want to work in either of these fields. However, if you have a college degree in a field that you still enjoy — there are lots of companies that hire remote professionals like doctors, nurses, and lawyers.

Here is a list of some of the most common professional niches and companies that hire for these roles:

Which is the Right Work-at-Home Job for You?

Figuring out which is the right remote job will take a little exploration into the varying factors of your life. Once you create a list of items you need, and the variables that you don’t want, you can start narrowing down the opportunities that are best suited for you.

If you’re still struggling to come up with the right kind of job, use a site like Robert Half to search by skills instead of occupation, and see what pops up that you’re qualified for. Staffing sites like Robert Half and Kelly Services are great places to find remote jobs, and you can test the waters of a new career by working a temp position.

Often staffing agencies can be a great stepping stone into other remote job openings. If you work for an employer as a temporary worker, and they’re impressed with your skills, they may have another permanent opening that is perfect for you.

Originally published September 16, 2015. Content updated in August 2022.

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About the Author

Headshot Holly Reisem Hanna

Holly Reisem Hanna

Holly Reisem Hanna is a former nurse who decided to start a blog to make money from home while caring for her daughter. Since its inception in 2009, The Work at Home Woman has helped millions of readers find legitimate work at home jobs and business ideas. Under Holly's guidance, The Work at Home Woman was named one of the best websites for your career by Forbes two years in a row. Holly graduated from the University of Texas and has been featured in Yahoo Finance, Woman’s World Magazine, CNN, and many others.

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Reader Interactions

114 Comments

  2. Hello, I am interested in doing research on the web. I also would enjoy talking to people as a life coach. I love people and would love to help others. Do you have training as a life coach ? I want to know if it costs for the training and how much it costs. Please contact me if you have any openings now in training for a life coach. Also i love doing research online if you can help me with that. Contact me at [email protected] thank you so much. Lisa k Lewis

    Reply to this comment

  4. I am currently enrolled in my first year of a graphic design program, so I have little experience. I am an avid crafter/painter – this is my true love. I am very good at math, but I don’t have experience with bookkeeping, etc… I am a great proofreader, but don’t have any formal training in that either. I have a Regents Bachelor of Arts with no major. Also, I despise being on the phone!! PLEASE HELP!!!

    Reply to this comment

  5. Hello, I’m Mark.

    I’m a designer and love to work remotely, can you create a post about the best job boards on remote jobs, as many are spam
    So far I found really legit sites: remoteok.io & remotive.io & remotehey.com

    Reply to this comment

  6. Hi!
    I was wondering what kind of virtual teacher jobs are out there for someone who has just finished college? Is there a way where weekends are off? What kind of job can I do if I have no experience whatsoever?

    Reply to this comment

    • Hi Martha,

      There are lots of positions for teachers (teaching, tutoring, scoring essays, teaching ESL classes) check out this post to get started: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/tutoring/

      Each company will have different requirements as far as experience — but off the bat, I know VIPKID and EF allow you to teach without teaching experience — you’ll need a Bachelor’s Degree and experience with kids (volunteering, mentoring, student teaching, etc.)

      Good luck and keep me posted!

      Reply to this comment

  10. Hello, I’m Sheila from Mauritius.

    I want to know if these home-based jobs are available for a Mauritian.

    And please, can you give a genuine site where I can apply as many are spam.

    Thank you.

    Reply to this comment

  11. Hello,

    My name is Toni Kelley. I am not a smart person but a hard worker. I was wondering if there are any work from home jobs doing something like stuffing envelopes? Or anything in that general area. I do not have a license but can walk to a post office. Also I would require an actual paycheck, not money online. I have to have proof I am working. Please send me postings of all jobs that fall into this field.

    Thank you

    Reply to this comment

  12. Hello I’m a soon to be mom and my son will be born on Aug. 22,3018 (if he doesn’t come earlier) and,I’ve been thinking really hard on staying home with him but also making money so my husband doesn’t have all that weight of bills on him. At the moment we are struggling and Im trying not to stress out and find something because I don’t want to go back to the job I already have and leave my son. I’m trying to find something were if I try a product I can show it off and maybe sell it. I was thinking maybe something with skincare, or fashion (but I’m plus size and bigger of course since pregnant). I just can’t seem to find anything that or I’m not looking hard enough ?. I need help and maybe advice because I don’t even have a lot of money either ? Thank you

    Reply to this comment

  13. Holly,

    I love reading these articles. They are always full of great ideas. I would love to be able to work from home but I am not exactly sure what or where to start. Previously, I had been a police, fire, and EMS dispatcher. I was in the military. I am just shy of a bachelor’s degree. Currently I am working at a plant nursery part time and although I enjoy it, it is only seasonal work. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated!

    Reply to this comment

  16. I love the list, I envy you, your doing exactly what I have dreamed of doing for several years now but despite my having a certification as a Virtual Assistant I have struggled with knowing exactly what I want to do.
    I recently graduated with my AAS degree majoring in Administrative Assistant. I actually minored in Virtual Assistant. I also am very interested in either starting my own blog or blog for a company. Internet Researcher sounds interesting but I havent been able to find something in this area either.
    What do you think about starting a website that focuses on a city or certain area that features everything there is to know about Phoenix, AZ that shows attractions, maps of the city, etc. you know for someone researching the city because they are possibly moving there or visiting there and want to know what types of things there are to do in the Winter or Summer or they want to know the minimum wage or the cost of living in the city. Is this something that I can profit from or has it been done a million times already? If it could be successful how would I take my first steps to create such a site?

    Reply to this comment

  17. Hi holly I would like to find a real stay at home jobs. I was injured at work and it doesn’t look like I can return. I also have an 8yr old and a 4 month old. I need to find something. I can do basic computer work. Please help me find something real.

    Reply to this comment

  18. Hi, I am in real need of some direction. I am a mother of a 3 month old and my fiancee would prefer that i stay home to raise him for some time yet money is tight and my unemployment is about to run out. I have several years of customer service experience, use to do B2B marketing, appointment setting and event recruitment . I have done sales jobs over the phone but i hate it. I was also an office manager for a time and I know Microsoft programs. I am at the point where I must earn money but its hard to find something legit that i would be happy doing. I have been looking for something flexible that I can do in between baby fits, diaper changes, bath time and reading time. Can someone please direct me in a good direction.

    Reply to this comment

  19. I also worked in Customer Service for ten years for different companies and Clerical work data entry, receptionist and office work. Can you suggest company’s hiring from home? I have not been successful finding data entry jobs that pay well from home.

    Reply to this comment

  20. Great list. I am a Survey Taker working online full-time. I also sing in a band at least three to five times a year. I want to become a Freelance Writer from home. I am a great writer of poetry, essays and songwriting. Do you have any suggestions?

    Reply to this comment

  21. Hi Holly, I am looking for a work from home jobs so I just discover your site and this is very helpful. Can you assist me looking for a job that suits my interest? My background is Transaction Processing Analyst and QA Analyst in a Heath Industry and Recruitment Background Checks. Thanks.

    Reply to this comment

  22. Hi Holly! Just discovered your site; you have some very helpful info!!! I am a newlywed, relocated three hours from where I grew up. I am good with people, a bit crafty, enjoy grammar, and just really need flexible hours with no start up fees if possible. I worked the past couple years as a weight loss consultant, but would like a bit of a change (however, I am open to whatever at this point). The hubbs works second shift and is off weekends, so that’s what we are shooting for! (He also loves woodworking, so we have discussed tag-teaming some projects..) Thanks for your time!

    Reply to this comment

  23. I am good at online chatting but I suck at speaking on the phone with out having a panic attack. Are there any text chat jobs that are text exclusive, offer benefits such as health insurance and have a flexible schedule? Even better if it requires knowledge of various nerdy topics such as anime since that is where most of my knowledge lies.

    Reply to this comment

  24. I live in the Philippines and I’m looking for a job online. I’ve been struggling with onlinejobs.ph and upwork. I used to work as a Call Center Agent (BPO) for more than 4 years. I’m just a High School Graduate though. I’m staying home right now because no one will look after my kid if I work outside. I wanted either Chat/Email Support, Customer Service, Transcription. Can you suggest anything?

    Reply to this comment

  26. Hi! You have some great resources. I have been trying to find a work from home job with flexible daytime hours. I cannot use automatic dialers. I love being on the phone and would love to be paid to do business presentations for opportunity calls or something. I also tried a business years ago called Contact Us and really liked it, but think it may have been spammy so I quit. I would prefer a job where background noise would not be a big problem. I have tried direct sales and have found it is just not for me. I have to have a work at home job. Any suggestions? I love people and am very patient, but not techy.

    Reply to this comment

  27. Hi Holly, my name is Debra and I am a retired RN. I worked 30+years. I live in a rural area and do not want to leave home for work, though I need something to do. I have an interest in nutrition and natural healing. Had breast CA five yrs ago. I have read your article about how to decide on the type of job that would suit you. I don’t need benefits, don’t want to pay a fee. I have basic computer skills and can type. My hobbies are gardening, reading, music, and have a dog, love animals. What are your suggistions for me? DEBRA PS that is a “L” in my address

    Reply to this comment

  30. I would love to find something within beauty. I freelance as a Makeup Artist in NYC but I’m looking for something that doesn’t require me to carry 40 pounds of product around the city.

    Reply to this comment

  31. I am looking for a flexible job that is completely at home and pays well without using the phone. I am trying to get pregnant and want to be prepared when I do have a baby. I currently am doing data entry for my job, but I would like to actually get up out of a chair and do things for a change (I’m very crafty). I don’t mind having some computer time though. My husband is doing full time school right now. If needed, he can jump back into the workforce, but we’d like for him to get through school as quickly as possible.
    I need help, everything that seems to pay well usually involves all the time devoted on a computer, using a phone, or I’m not qualified. And everything I think I would enjoy doing either doesn’t pay enough or comes with too many risks to count on it. What can I do?

    Reply to this comment

    • Hi Jessica, If you want to be out and about, not at a computer, perhaps you should look at on-demand opportunities like driving for Uber, walking dogs with Wag Walking, or providing child care services for care.com. There are also other possibilities, like being a photographer, starting an Etsy store, or joining a direct sales company — but in these positions, you’re a business owner, not an employee. Most work-at-home jobs require a lot of computer time or phone work. Give this article a look; it can help you narrow down and refine your search: https://www.theworkathomewoman.com/finding-your-niche/

      Reply to this comment

  32. Sitel was a waste of my time. Signed up, did 3 tests, and even got an interview only to be told that they aren’t looking for anyone right now. Of couse she told me she will keep my name on there in case they need someone with my skill set. Pretty much meant I didn’t qualify. Probably because I don’t have a high school diploma even though I do have experience in customer service. Oh well….the search continues!

    Reply to this comment

  34. I have two kids who love to make noise and I have no car but I need extra money for bills l did surveys at a telemarketing company for two years owned my own cleaning service for six years mostly construction clean up and I need a flexible at home job that works for my lifestyle

    Reply to this comment

  36. Hi holly. I’ve been with the fast food industry for 9 years as a shift manger. I know my way around customers service and cashier. And I’m looking for a job to be a stay at home mom with my five kids. Is there anything out there for me.

    Reply to this comment

  37. Hi I’m a male just turning 50. I’ve got some health issues and trying to find a work from home business or job. Something that pays decent and no startup costs or fees. I’m st rock bottom right now with no money coming. My skills are cooking and truck driving. But a fast learner have thought about doing accounting. Just need money to pay bills and provide for my family as life hasn’t been easy.

    Reply to this comment

  38. I am excellent at editing others’ writing. I have a keen eye for detail. I am also very efficient at typing step by step instrunctions. I want to do customer service with typing only as I often lose my voice, but, as I am a full-time student, I am looking for something that gives me autonomy with my hours. Some weeks I need an extra day to study and wish I had the power to decide to do 4×10 or 5×8 on a whim.

    Reply to this comment

  43. Hello I am looking for a stay at home job, I am 56 and have medical conditions that I may have to quit my full time job.I was looking for a on line or web based company that sells plus size women’s clothing made in US. Any ideas?

    Reply to this comment

  44. I am currently an office manager, but also have 20 years retail experience. I also went to school for interior design. My issue is I have a MacBook and most wah jobs require a pc. I am great with Color but my area in over saturated with designers

    Reply to this comment

  49. I was laid off a year ago medical reasons. I am desperate to find a work from home job. I was in the dental field for 15 years and wrote in great detail what was done for each patient during each visit. I am very proficient in inputting data and I will go to great lengths to make sure the job is done right. Do you have any suggestions for me? Thank you for your time!

    Reply to this comment

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    Watch two short videos to learn about the products and how you can make an income staying at home with Kyani.

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