Working from home has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With remote work accounting for a significant portion of workdays in the US, many individuals are exploring the possibility of earning money from the comfort of their own homes. While the idea of making $100,000 a year from a work-from-home job may sound enticing, it’s essential to approach these opportunities with caution and discernment.
According to remote work expert Nicholas Bloom and his team, remote work has increased more than five-fold since the pandemic, with 28% of workdays in the US now being conducted remotely. This trend is likely here to stay, as evidenced by the growing number of remote job postings on platforms like ZipRecruiter. With remote jobs accounting for about 13% of all jobs posted so far this year, it’s clear that there are ample opportunities for individuals looking to work from home.
If you’re considering diving into the world of remote work, there are several options available that can help you start earning money from home quickly. One popular choice is teaching English as a Second Language to students around the world. Companies like Babbel, Verbling, Berlitz, and Live Lingua provide platforms, training, and students, making it easy to get started as an online tutor. This option can be lucrative, as evidenced by Megan Hardy, who earns up to $11,000 a month teaching online classes.
Data entry is another work-from-home option that requires solid typing skills and attention to detail. Many companies are still in need of individuals to transfer information from paper-based or email-based sources into databases. Virtual assistant roles have also seen a surge in demand, with responsibilities including scheduling meetings, managing phone calls, and handling administrative tasks for busy professionals. Beth Beutler, a virtual assistant, earns $1,200 a month working from home.
Customer service positions are also abundant in the remote work landscape, with companies like Amazon, Hyatt Hotels, and Insomnia Cookies offering work-from-home opportunities. Taking surveys for companies like Swagbucks and Survey Junkie can provide a source of additional income, albeit on a smaller scale. Transcriptionists are in high demand, with companies like Rev.com offering average earnings of $245 per month.
Selling items online through platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Mercari, and Poshmark can also be a profitable venture. Dani Mackey, for example, earns up to $600 a month selling clothing and other items on Poshmark. However, it’s important to be cautious when exploring work-from-home opportunities to avoid falling victim to scams.
To avoid work-from-home scams, it’s crucial to thoroughly vet job postings and companies before committing. Checking the legitimacy of the website, researching the organization on platforms like Glassdoor, and verifying the recruiter’s identity on LinkedIn are all essential steps. Additionally, never provide personal information to unverified sources, be wary of companies that ask you to purchase equipment, and conduct interviews via video call whenever possible.
In conclusion, working from home offers a plethora of opportunities for individuals looking to earn money without leaving the house. By exploring options like online tutoring, data entry, virtual assistance, customer service, surveys, transcription, and online selling, you can find a work-from-home job that suits your skills and interests. Just remember to exercise caution and due diligence to avoid falling prey to scams in the remote work landscape.
