I am on a mission and have been unsuccessful so far. I am looking for a valid, work-from-home (telecommuting) job that will allow me to spend time with my family and work from my home office. It doesn't have to be full time; part time would even be a start. I have searched for resources, websites, points of contact or referral information that will lead me to a possible job opportunity. So far, all I have found are the "stuff envelopes” and “Make $8,000 a month" job listings.
 
Do you have any advice, information or guidance on where I, or any other military spouse, can find legitimate telecommuting employment?
 
Wendy
Ft Hood, TX
Army; 7 years

Dear Wendy:

We get this question a lot. If we had the magical answer, I suspect we would be millionaires. In my six years of working from home I have come across several very helpful websites and resources that I would love to share with you. First, working from home is harder than it seems but it is extremely rewarding. No matter what your choice for working from home might be, you need to realize a few things before you take the plunge.

Working at home requires discipline. All too often individuals want the money but they do not want the work. Success takes work.  Images of watching day-time TV or meeting the girls for lunch everyday must be set aside. Self-employed people must keep focused on setting up the business and sticking to deadlines. Remember, you have not said goodbye to the boss. Your boss is now you, your customers, and your success.

There are several occupations you can have from home such as: transcriptionist, resume writer, virtual assistant, bookkeeper, or working for a direct sales business. You might also decide to do develop your own concept or business.

The reality is that tomorrow you will not wake up and “sign up” to work from home. Your paycheck will not be instant. 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, it is a good idea to have a resume that outlines your skills and experiences. If you choose direct sales, your sign-up might be instant, but the money will not. You will have to work hard to plan parties and online sales. You will also have a lot of networking to do if you plan on making it a long term success. Plan your work and work your plan. Lastly, if you choose to develop your own business concept, your work will encompass hours of research and development, marketing and promotion, and business planning.

I’m most certainly not trying to scare you out of working from home. It is the most rewarding thing I have ever done. Military life takes us through many twists and turns and I can always take my business with me.

As for your search, the Better Business Bureau offers tips (http://www.bbb.org/Alerts/article.asp?ID=436) on what to watch for so that you don’t get scammed. Look out for businesses that never offer you regular salaried employment, promise you huge profits and big part-time earnings, use personal testimonials but never identify the person so that you could check with them, require money for instructions or merchandise before telling you how the plan operates, assure you of guaranteed markets and a huge demand for your handiwork, tell you that no experience is necessary, or businesses that take your money and give you little or nothing in return except heartbreak and grief.

The best way I think we can answer your question is by providing you empowerment through resources. Below I have listed a very extensive list of websites that you can peruse. Please take your time and look through every available opportunity. Research everything before you jump in so that you can make an educated decision on your career choice. Good luck!

Online resources for job hunting:

www.military.com/spouse
http://www.nmfa.org/site/PageServer?pagename=home_spouseemployment
http://www.militaryspousejobsearch.org/msjs/app
http://www.milspouse.org
http://www.mscn.org
http://www.msccn.org
http://www.selfemployedweb.com/military-spouse-jobs.htm
http://www.CareerBuilder.com
http://www.Employment911.com
http://www.Monster.com
http://www.FlipDog.com
http://www.tjobs.com
http://www.Vault.com

Companies that hire “work from home”:
http://www.liveops.com
http://www.alpinesuccess.com
http://workaholics4hire.com/
http://www.workingsolutions.com/

Direct sales companies:
(For a list of over 90 opportunities visit http://www.directsellingopportunities.com/search_opportunities): 
Discovery Toys
Pampered Chef
Mary Kay
Avon
Home Interiors
Home and Garden Party
Stuff A Friend
Tupperware
Stampin’ Up
AtHome America
Slumber Parties
Arbonne
Southern Living At Home
Home & Garden Party
Homemade Gourmet
PetLane
Scent-Sations, Inc.

Online resources for networking and mentorship:
http://www.wahm.com
http://www.dswa.org/
http://www.wahmtalkradio.com
http://www.internetbasedmoms.com
http://www.advertisingmoms.com
http://www.telecommutingmoms.com/
http://www.hbwm.com/
http://www.mommysplace.net
http://www.directsalesmoms.com
http://www.moneymakingmommy.com

Have other questions? For more information or to submit your Field Problem, visit www.FieldProblems.com or e-mail FromTheField@FieldProblems.com. Please include your first name, location, branch of service, and years in/associated with the military. Questions may be edited for length and clarity.