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Work At Home Success Story

© Leslie Truex

Up until a few years ago, Jenna Gray would not have been able to do the work she does now. "The internet is the only reason I am able to work-at-home today." Like many other visitors to the site, Jenna was looking for a way to work at home so she could spend more time with her family. "I kept looking for someone to pay me to type or do mindless work but it just isn't out there. And I didn't have a job that could translate into a work-at-home situation." Jenna discovered an online resource providing free information and resources on working at home. "Once I started using this site, I learned a lot about work-at-home jobs. Within a couple of weeks I had several paying jobs all done at home using my computer and the internet!"

Jenna's story shows that work-at-home jobs are prevalent and that finding a way to work at home is possible. Nevertheless, it is important to note that in none of Jenna's jobs is she considered an employee. "I am a contract worker which means there is no salary or benefits and I am responsible for my own taxes. I don't mind though. I am fortunate enough to have insurance through my husband. And even though I am a contract worker, the work is steady."

So what types of work does Jenna do? "I do several things. I write research documents for one company that pays $10 per page. I have two research positions for new internet-based companies that need help in gathering information for their sites. Plus, I check often for new jobs that I can do. Right now I am applying to another research position."

Working many jobs requires organization and a talent for handling multiple projects. For Jenna, this doesn't seem to be a problem. "I like it. Most of these jobs allow me to work as much or as little as I want. And I can work when I want which is usually in the morning when my kids are at pre-school and at night when they are in bed. And its not that hard to keep track of projects with a calendar and daily planner."

It took several months before Jenna felt she had enough work to quit her full time job outside the home. Interestingly, Jenna only needs to earn about half the income in her work-at-home job as she did in her old job. "The question most people ask me is whether or not I am earning enough and if the income is stable enough. I don't earn as much as I used to but I don't have to anymore because I don't have childcare and other work related expenses except for taxes. And, I now have some tax advantages like home office deductions. While I don't have a set salary, I would say I average about $800-$1200 per month working from home."