Can I Really Work Full-Time From Home?

Updated on: by Miranda Grimm

Strong FoundationBy far the most commonly asked question I see: “Can I really work full-time from home?”

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It is a difficult question to address as I don’t want to entirely discourage their work at home job hunt but it is extremely important they know the truth before making any life-altering changes. The answer to this question is both yes and no- let me explain.

The first thing to understand is the impact that working as an Independent Contractor rather than an Employee has to our work at home stability. Majority of the home based jobs hire independent contractors, which means the workers are essentially self-employed and contracted to the company to complete work. Usually this is beneficial because you have more flexibility and freedom. However, it can also mean the work is not completely reliable.

As an Employee the company is invested in their workers- they are paying higher taxes, often offering benefits and therefore usually (with some exceptions) provide a stable work schedule. With employee based jobs there is still the high risk of losing hours or the job- just as there is at working ANY job- at home or not. 

If you are working as an Independent Contractor I cannot tell you how important it is that you keep other work options open. If you do not and you entirely rely on one job to pay your bills, there will come a time that you will be crying like a baby- just as I recently was.

We are living inside the world of technology. It is through technological advances that we have been given these opportunities to work at home. Technology is constantly changing. So are work at home jobs! Expect the companies to make changes that WILL affect you and WILL alter your routine! Whether you lose pay, lose work or even the job altogether, always be prepared!

 

Here is my suggested plan of action:

  • Keep 2-3 good side jobs active that do not require a minimum amount of work but can be accessed in a moments notice. Suggestions: Merchant Circle, Yahoo Contributor Network, Fancy Hands and Textbroker.
  • Keep Researching. Just because you found a good job for now, be ready that it will fall apart or change. You will be ready to act fast when the day comes and knowing where to turn is extremely important! You don’t have to apply now, but keep a couple of companies on the back of your mind.
  • Never take your job for granted. As a work at home Independent Contractor your position most likely has a line of hundreds of applicants just waiting for you to drop out so they can take your place. If you are not working up to standards, no notice is required. You can be dropped and quickly forgotten.
So, Can you make a full-time income working from home?
  • Yes- If you take the right precautions by not relying entirely on one job and keeping other options within arms reach.
  • No- If you work as an Independent Contractor and have no plans to treat your work like a business and rely solely on one contractor.

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Angie

October 10, 2011 at 1:11 pm

Fantastic post, Miranda. I do work at home full-time, and I have for several years. But, truth be told, I work way more than full-time most of the year. I have become accustomed to the ebbs and flows that come with being an Independent Contractor. That means I need to plan year-round for the dips in workflow that I *know* are coming, and those that may pop up unexpectedly.

It is a constant tight rope walk to maintain balance. Too many eggs and you will never be able to maintain a regular schedule. Too few eggs and you risk suffering a serious financial setback if one goes belly-up. It’s always a work in progress.

Anna

October 10, 2011 at 1:23 pm

Amen! I love my titling job but I’m also very thankful for my accounts @ Textbroker, Merchant Circle, and other writing sites. You never never know what is going to happen when you work at home, and I remind myself of this daily.

I may have to check out this Fancy Hands. Sounds like a good non-writing back up site.

Nicoyle

October 10, 2011 at 1:29 pm

Great advice. I also agree with Angie that it’s a good idea to balance the eggs you have so that you won’t be overwhelmed or hardly working when you need work to do.

Jess

October 10, 2011 at 1:47 pm

Miranda.

This comes at a perfect time because of the holidays approaching fast. I am preparing for my “extra” holiday cash through a few side eggs. Sometimes being creative is the best tool you have!

Lisa

October 10, 2011 at 5:58 pm

I always have more than one work-at-home job. I have found out, through my more than 15 years working from home, that someone is constantly moving “my cheese.” If you don’t know what I’m talking about read the book Who Moved my Cheese? by Spencer Johnson.

Never get too comfortable with a job or stream of income. I found this out again very recently. I was so grateful I had my transcription job. I’m always looking for another stream of income.

Katie Jones

October 10, 2011 at 7:09 pm

Fantastic post Miranda. I realize when I start to get too comfortable with something, that’s when I need to go looking for a “back up.” I hate the unpredictability that work at home positions come with, but now days, even a B&M job has those precautions. I think Jess is right on the money – it pays to be creative. Try to think of a solution to add to your income that isn’t going to cost a large amount upfront. I think it’s important for people too that sure, sometimes you can land a great JOB at home, but many times you are being hired in as an IC, that you have to work a lot of different eggs because you just never know when one might fall through. Working at home isn’t like taking a walk in a park. A lot of work is involved, but I have to say it is some of the most rewarding work I have ever done.

Miranda Grimm

October 10, 2011 at 7:32 pm

I completely agree Katie! My jobs before, outside of the home, were all in vain. The companies dissolved and nothing is showing for all that work I did. But now, I see the fruits of my labor every day. I love the path I have notched out for myself.

Richard

October 10, 2011 at 10:47 pm

Thanks for the great hint, you could also work at home as an internet marketer, and get pay a good profit.

Julie

October 11, 2011 at 12:39 am

I am loving Fancy Hands. Just started today and I made over $50! Titling and FH are going to go together just perfectly.

Tora Dionisio

December 10, 2011 at 4:32 pm

I really love this article it gives me alot of help in making money online and am also earning from it thx keep up the good work…