Hi Leslie,

I have been trying to find a legitimate work from home job for some time now so that I can stay home with my children. Everything I find that would be perfect for me seems to be a scam. The jobs that seem real require special equipment, more experience than I have got or don't pay an hourly wage or salary. Are there jobs out there for me? Rebecca from WA

Hi Rebecca,

Its unfortunate that the scammer and schemers have created the idea that people can work at home doing menial work for huge pay. If it were true, we'd meet people doing this kind of work, but when was the last time you met anyone getting paid $400 a week stuffing envelopes? Millions of people do telecommute from home and its possible that you can too. But first you need to understand the truth about telecommuting.

Truth #1: Legitimate jobs require skills and have an application process. Its not possible to simply "sign-up" for a job. Employers with work-at-home jobs are like all other employers in that they are looking for the best candidate to fill the open position. That doesn't mean you need an advanced degree but you will need to prove your ability.  A professional resume is a must. Many businesses looking for clerical work may require a typing test. 

Truth #2: Legitimate jobs are similar to those in the traditional job market. You never see an employer hiring an envelop stuffer or email processor (the online version of an envelope stuffer). Work-at-home jobs generally have the same titles and descriptions as traditional jobs such as administrative assistant, writer, bookkeeper etc.

Truth #3: Legitimate jobs may or may not pay salary and benefits. The best way to receive salaries and benefits is to turn your current job into a work-at-home job (see last week's Ask WAHS Leslie). Many companies that hire locally but allow you to work-from-home may pay an hourly wage. But most of the work-at-home jobs that can be done from anywhere, generally pay based on work completed. This work can be steady and often you can work as much or as little as you want.

Truth #4: Legitimate jobs may require some childcare arrangements. Its not reasonable to expect to earn $1000 per month working during nap times. Many work-at-home parents work during pre-school hours, set up a play group with other parents, or hire someone to come to their home a few hours a day so they can get uninterrupted work time. Remember, in a job, you are HIRED by an employer who expects work to be completed in a timely manner. Its not like a home business in which you are your own boss. 

Truth #5: Employers do not always supply the equipment. If you truly want to work at home in a job, getting high speed internet and a second phone line (which may be tax deductible) is a must. While some employers may supply specialized equipment, many don't. 

There are 1000's of work-at-home jobs available right now. But like other jobs, they do require some skill or experience. The first step is to stop looking for "typing", "assembly" or "mailing" work. Instead, take inventory of your skills and experience; work related and otherwise. Volunteer and hobbies can count towards experience in many cases. Second, include your local area in your job searches (check out Craigslist.org) as some of the best work-at-home jobs are offered by smaller, local businesses. Finally, if you are lacking in equipment or skills, considered getting them. It will increase your competitiveness and your chances of getting a job.

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.