by Connie C.
Member since:
August 4, 2006

Working From Home - Any Ideas?

September 14, 2008 04:07 AM EDT (Updated: September 15, 2008 07:32 PM EDT)
views: 334 | rating: 9.7/10 (26 votes) | comments: 54

I have been looking for work at home jobs that pay a decent income but I really need to be able to be on my own schedule. I applied at West Online but have not heard from them yet.
I  have been hearing lots of good things about liveop. Many people who do work there say it is the best place they have worked when it comes to working online @ home.
I do all the regular surveys for money.  I even signed up as a ChaCha Guide but I just dont seem to fit in there. I do Gather, my lot, boomertowne and more but I am just not making enough money to make an impact on the bills. 

I need to pull in a regular pay of about 2,000 a month and I am only doing about $400-$500 a month. So I am looking for ideas.
I want a job that I enjoy doing but pay is a big part of the reason I need a job.

Do you have any experience working at home online?

Can you suggest a company that is honest and dependable?

Are there others on Gather that want a paying job that they can do online at home?
If there is, maybe we could start a group and give each other encouragement as well as personal advice.

Kevin V has suggested making a website and I have done that over the last couple weeks. I dont have it as well organized as I would like before I advertise to the public yet. 

I also applied to be an about.com guide. I am working on the prep classes for that. I think I will really enjoy that.

Click here to learn about Liveop

Click here to learn more about West at home (west online)

What is your opinion?

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Comments: 54

Stephannie H. Sep 14, 2008, 4:11am EDT
I work at home online with several sites also including the ones you have mentioned. That is roughly what I make per month also. I would love to make more but have not found anything online that pays more for our work.
Kim M. Sep 14, 2008, 4:16am EDT
I would love to have a reliable work at home job. My current job is really starting to get to me. I use to love working with customers but after doing customer service in some form or other for 19 years I'm getting sick of it. People are just getting worse and worse. I'm sick of getting cussed at and called filthy names just because some jerk can't remember their pin number they chose and I can't give them acct info. If you find anything reliable please let me know. I'll check back on this article to see if anyone else has any suggestions.
☆ ƒåitĥ ☆ Sep 14, 2008, 4:29am EDT
I would love to hear some ideas too, so thanks for posting this!
☆ ƒåitĥ ☆ Sep 14, 2008, 4:30am EDT
I hope your website does well! I created one that I'm still working on for my photography, but I'm like you and am not really ready to advertise it to the public yet.
Connie C. Sep 14, 2008, 4:41am EDT
Faith,
Have you checked out the LiveOp??? It really does sound perfect
michelle K. Sep 14, 2008, 4:42am EDT
I was trying to figure that out myself. I work as hard as I can on these websites like Gather, Mypoints, BT, Bzzagent etc...but what I realized for myself is that I can't make or bring home decent money online in relation to the time I spend online. I might get $50 one month, $100 the next and a bunch of free stuff which certainly helps, but in no way does it supplement an income or get a person ahead financially. At least it hasn't for me yet. I certainly have a lot of fun playing online, and the small checks I earn seem to come at the right time, but I came to a realization this week, when both mouses were broke to my computer and I had no way to control anything. So the three days without Internet I had to figure out what to do with my extra time. Which ended up being a lot. You know what? I got household chores done that I normally couldn't fit into my regular day, I read a book, I played more often with my son, which I realized I probably haven't done enough of because I'm to busy trying to get enough points to pay for some steaks for my freezer. Blahhh...it takes to much work and it sucks. So I really wish I could find an easy way to make money online that doesn't take an insane amount of time, but I have no idea how. I guess I better come up with another plan!

(I'm sorry about that. Apparently I needed to get something off my chest).
Carla B. Sep 14, 2008, 5:23am EDT
I don't really have any suggestions for you. I just starting doing the expeditor role at chacha, and really like it. All I have to do is edit questions, and categorize them. I enjoy it a lot more than I think I would enjoy doing the actual guide part. The pay isn't that great, though. When chacha is busy I can make over $4 an hour, but usually I don't make that much.

I don't really know of anywhere else to suggest. Hopefully someone can help you, though!
Amanda "middle of nowhere" C. Sep 14, 2008, 6:09am EDT
Connie you should check out Willow. I don't have the Web site, you'll have to do a search. I wrote a magazine article about them several months ago and it seemed to be a very legitimate program. You have to work at least 10 hours a week. Available hours are announced on one day, so you have to act quickly or you'll be stuck with hours you don't want. They guarantee a minimum of $10. You do have to incorporate. It's basically customer service and they doit for a lot of companies. Like Barnes and Noble and Sears. The best thing it's all incoming calls. You do have to have a dedicated computer.
Marianne R. Sep 14, 2008, 8:33am EDT
I don't know how to make that kind of money online a month. My online earnings are a supplement.
sheila ~the hapless housewife~ j. Sep 14, 2008, 9:11am EDT
I wish I could find a legitimate one.
Sassy ... the calm and cool Cat Sep 14, 2008, 10:13am EDT
Good luck, I have no further suggestions. just stopping in with a '10' and a comment for you
JoAnn C. Sep 14, 2008, 10:19am EDT
hope you are able to find something Connie
Sandy (back in Ohio...blah!) Sep 14, 2008, 11:51am EDT
I wish i could find a legitimate online job as well.
CyberGwen ! Sep 14, 2008, 11:55am EDT
The only one that I have found that works for me is ChaCha and that is not $2000 a month.

I have read an article from ABC, http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Parenting/Story?id=5522191&page=1

I have seen other opportunities, but I don't have a land line and really hate talking on the phone. That would mean that I would have to spend money (by setting up a land line) to make money and get over my phone thing, so I haven't tried it.
Mary McCartt Sep 14, 2008, 12:24pm EDT
I wish I could help. I dont know about any good online jobs. Best of luck to you.
Holli G. Sep 14, 2008, 1:07pm EDT
I am not of any help either, sorry! I hope you are able to find something.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 14, 2008, 1:11pm EDT
I'm looking, too. There isn't much in the way of jobs out in this area, so I really need to find something online that pays enough to help get me out of this area.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 14, 2008, 1:28pm EDT
http://www.womenforhire.com/work_from_home
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 14, 2008, 1:28pm EDT
They have some ideas. I just found that again.

I'm not certain if any of them will work for you. I need to read over it again to see if any actually work for me.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Sep 14, 2008, 1:29pm EDT
I suspect that it comes down to being involved in a number of different things in order to actually achieve that sort of online-based income per month.

Good luck, Connie.
Rachel D. Sep 14, 2008, 1:48pm EDT
I work from home online - but I'm a Chemist working remotely from home.
Holli G. Sep 14, 2008, 3:49pm EDT
That link that Heather gave is way good! I guess this is something to look at if my job decides they don't want me anymore...
Priscilla P. Sep 14, 2008, 3:50pm EDT
So much of what we read indicates that these work at home jobs are questionable if not outright scams
Marge H. Sep 14, 2008, 4:08pm EDT
I don't know of any legitimate opportunities that actually pay 2,000 a month. I wish I did.

Just a tip though, if you are looking for a job rather than a business opportunity do NOT get involved with any company that asks you to pay them for ANY reason.

Also Google any opportunity to read what others are saying about them before signing up for anything.
j - Frugal Mom - r. Sep 14, 2008, 4:19pm EDT
I don't have any ideas Connie, but good luck!
Janet "Jax" B. Sep 14, 2008, 4:27pm EDT
no ideas here either.
Netty B. Sep 14, 2008, 5:56pm EDT
I do not have any ideas for you. I wish I was making $400-$500 a month online, but then again, I am NOT the main breadwinner in my household, hubby holds that honor.
Connie C. Sep 14, 2008, 6:49pm EDT
Netty,
My husband does work. He is a mechanic on large equipment for a surface coal mine. He is also an EMT-M. But my hospital and Dr bills are killing us.
Lynn R. Sep 14, 2008, 7:03pm EDT
Connie, start that group. It looks like a lot of us are looking for the same thing. I joined another site yesterday that is suppose to pay. Shoppers Hotline. We'll see how that works out. They came to me, I didn't find them. So I don't know if you can just go on there and sign up or not. You have to scan everything you buy weekly. They provide a scanner. This could be fun or hectic. We'll see. It takes about 6 weeks to get the kit shipped to you but they deposit funds into a VISA card once it hits $50 and automatically send it to you. I'd love to work from home, especially in the winter here. GOOD LUCK!! Let me know if you find any good ones.

Also, let me know if you start that group.
Patricia G. Sep 14, 2008, 7:36pm EDT
I think the way to pull off $2000/month is likely going to be a combination of ideas--spreading your career out actually gives you more stability as well. I'm having some good results with online writing, but like any business it takes awhile to get it where it's bringing in a significant amount.

I've got some articles on business and self-employment on my blog if you want to check them out:

http://howtocentral.blogspot.com

Also for online writing specifically, I have a site that has free resources:

http://webwritercentral.googlepages.com/home

Hope that helps! Have a great day!
Cathy N. Sep 14, 2008, 9:57pm EDT
If you have a degree, there are several companies that will pay you for grading tests. You have to qualify though. One that I worked for was Pearson Education. They want people who can gread writing tests - for the ACT, SAT, and state tests.

I would suggest selling products such as Avon to anyone. You can create a web site and the orders are sent directly to your customers.

Also, if you have your own web site you can become an affiliate for many companies and earn money from anyone who buys products by visiting your site.
Victoria H. Sep 14, 2008, 10:52pm EDT
I have no ideas whatsoever.
Rose H. Sep 15, 2008, 10:56am EDT
I doubt that you will find a site that will amount to $2000, so it has to be a combination of sites. I'd give Cha Cha another try Connie, they are one of the few legit ones out there - so is Willow. Neither is the kind of work I would enjoy though.

I've thought about writing on the web, but it will involve deadlines and the income will be sporadic. Now that I'm facing an old hospital bill and the need for a new car down the road, I'm thinking of entertaining that thought again.

I've decided to get back into mystery shopping. BTW - you can also do mystery shopping on the web and by phone. It's just a matter of finding the right company.

Right now the only site I know that I haven't tried that sounds good is called Wellness360.com and I've talked to several people here on gather who make 36 to 50 bucks a month with them. I'm looking into them today - I know they also give credits for referrals.

Good Luck and do let us know if you find something worthwhile.
Pat V. Sep 15, 2008, 3:17pm EDT
Like others have said, I think it takes a combination of things. If you have your own web site, target certain audiences and use Google Adsense or other advertising. That's almost like making money in your sleep (although not a lot, usually). There are many opportunities but the key may be to choose the ones that give you the best return for your time. Those may be different for different people according to interests and abilities.
One web site that might help is here: http://www.wahm.com/forum/default.asp
Hi Connie,
I'm glad you brought up this question which resulted in the discussion. I haven't tried working from home, but have been interested in doing something like that lately. I would be curious to see what other's opinions are on this subject and am going to check out some of the sites mentioned in the comments above. I'm also going to bookmark this so I can keep a check on it.
☀ Aunt Shanny Sep 15, 2008, 4:53pm EDT
do you have more info about west online?
☀ Aunt Shanny Sep 15, 2008, 4:54pm EDT
And Live op?
Connie C. Sep 15, 2008, 5:10pm EDT
Shannon,
I added the links to those two to the post. They are both alike. They both have great reviews.

One lady who used to be on gather worked for West online (west at home) She made Sears repair appointments from home. She loved it
Susan A. Sep 15, 2008, 5:16pm EDT
My daughter, who had several post grad degrees, started working for Pampered Chef and has just done gangbusters. It allows her to be home iwth her 2 boys yet make money. PPD CHef has sent them to Wash. San Fran and would send them to Paris or VIenna but she can't take the boys out of school or leave them with anyone --she earned these fully paid trips thru PPD CHef. It's a super company
Connie C. Sep 15, 2008, 6:55pm EDT
wow Susan, she is one of the lucky ones. Around here nothing like that sells. Not enough people and too expensive for the income of the people who do live here.
Connie C. Sep 15, 2008, 7:31pm EDT
Shannon,
It is up there too. It is just above the West one. I just forgot to Bold Type it. I will run up and do that now.
☀ Aunt Shanny Sep 16, 2008, 10:39am EDT
Thank you! I am going to check them out now.

And you're right, if it weren't for all my medical expenses (with new ones added yesterday) we would be doing well financially. We need a universal healthcare plan!
☀ Aunt Shanny Sep 16, 2008, 10:43am EDT
LiveOp didn't seem like something I could do, and West Online isn't MAC compatible. :(
Lou Anne L. Sep 16, 2008, 11:11am EDT
I am with KIM waaaaaaaaay above..love to stay at home....
I only have one true suggestion....a member of my family while raising her babies...did editing(online) I believe of court transcripts at home...
man I applaude anyone who hs figured out how to stay at home and still pay bills...I am almost as close as I can get( once the house and a few other things are done) but then we down sized considerably..basically to live with in the boundries of what I would make once I collected SS at actual retirement....that way the extra is gravy... and man, it was really hard...being debt free is darn near impossible
with the ways of the economy right now....I would up your antee
Alex In Wonderland Sep 18, 2008, 10:22am EDT
I would love to make at least $100 a week from home. I am nowhere near that with anything that I do. Mostly I am feeling the way Michelle up there feels- all that work and look at how much I could do OFFline if I wasn't working so hard for so little online.
I have thought about getting into texting but haven't gotten the courage (it's adult-type work, easier than phone sex but same idea- instead you type. And it seems there isn't much there either, but it would be another supplement.
Alex In Wonderland Sep 18, 2008, 10:23am EDT
and I forgot to mention that there are a lot of great links that people here provided! I am checking most of them out.
Kathy D. Sep 18, 2008, 1:28pm EDT
Wow Connie - I'd be happy making as much as you do now!
Erolynne Wood Oct 17, 2008, 3:51pm EDT
I work for a company called Work At Home United. They sell Melaleuca products, it is a 30$ enrollment fee (I think) or if you enroll before Otober 321st it is only 1$. They want you to advertise for Melaleuca products or for Work at Home United. I have been a member of Melaleuca for over a year and I really like their products. My cat ate the concentrated Laundry detergent and she is still alive! That is great for me because I also tend kids at home as a way of earning money. I haven't put that much effort into gaining a team so that I can earn more money but I would like to start, (the extra money would be nice) my husband and I would like to buy a house and get out of my mothers basement. Ypu can check out my website :

http://www.workathomeunited.com/erolynne
http://www.livetotalwellness.com/erolynne


or you can email me and we can chat some more abou it:

whatevererolynne@yahoo.com
vanessa h. Oct 28, 2008, 6:55pm EDT
http://www.deliveringonthepromise.com/vh
Hello, I am looking for a few hard working people who don't mind returning phone calls and setting appointments for me! I pay $10 per appoint ment. Their is no cold calling AT ALL! All home work you just need an unlimited phone I suggest skype $3.00 a month and unlimited calling! Any ways ... :)! Just message me and I will fill you in! Or you can work for yourself and I will help you step by step. Just look at the websight and tell me what you think! And Internet!
Debbie W. Dec 4, 2008, 5:13pm EST
I'd like to invite you to check out a great website that I know about called Etsy Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things handmade. You'll find a creative community of independent artists and designers and the very best in handmade goods, craft supplies and vintage. It's an excellent place to find one of a kind items, to give as gifts - or as gifts for yourself! Since you're buying directly from artists on Etsy, you have the special opportunity to form personal connections with the people who create your treasures.

Signing up is free and easy! Just click here:

http://www.etsy.com/register.php?referral=debs1967

Enjoy!
And here's my shop
Debs Crochet
http://debs1967.etsy.com
Tee B. Dec 26, 2008, 2:10pm EST
I worked for West on-site in VA. I also signed up for their West at Home program. It takes them awhile to get back with you and everything is done online. You have to get your documents notarized and fax them in. I didn't do that part. I said forget it...I would rather work on-site but they don't have one here.
Linda M. Jan 10, 2009, 11:48am EST
Become an online Tupperware consultant. For more info check out my website
my2.tupperware.com/lmosgrove
Karla M. Jan 10, 2009, 7:10pm EST
I happen to work for a site, you do reviews for various products on video, you can use a webcam or digital camera either one, your videos needs to be a minium of 1 minute long and you can earn from $5.00 to $20.00 a video. Sounds too good to be true I know. Let me show you my stats:
Description Earnings
Pay-Per-Play $91.71
Refer-A-Friend $10.00
Upfront Payment $1,466.00
Category-Bonus $472.00
Total $2,039.71
You CAN make a lot more and they do run contest to help make more money or amazon.com gift cards, last year I won $100.00 in amazon gift cards. I haven't done anything there in several months due to my health but will be starting back this week.
You get .01 per video play as well, that is EVERY month, for my stats:
my total videos: 376
my video plays: 10,140
my video plays rank: 193 my overall earnings: $2,039.71
my earnings rank: 148
my profile views: 1,516
I have avaraged $6.00 to $10.00 residual income just on video plays.
I joined this site in July of 2007..if anyone is interested send me an email to karlawmcdonald@hotmail.com or ping me here, I will just need your email address and it will need to be the account linked to paypal.
Also I have another one that I write for that is "down" right now, but when things get back to full swing I will let you all know, and it is just writing reviews.
And yes, for the first one, I do get a referal bonus of $5.00 when your first video is uploaded.
amy r. Dec 3, 2009, 7:04am EST
I just wrote a thread on this subject :) http://www.gather.com/viewArticle.action?articleId=281474977928197#cid-1688849883579375 I have been doing this for a while, also, I have a blog, freewebbux.com that might be helpful to you.

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