In this post: When it comes to makingmoney online, you may be feeling a little overwhelmed and maybe even a little confused. Let’s face it, it’s a lot. Let this mega guide lead the way to clarity and excellent options.
Welcome! You Can Do This.
Whether you’re looking to launch anonline business, land a remote job, or just see if you can really earn money taking online surveys, you’ll find help here at The Work at Home Wife.
We aim to provide valuable information about:
- How to make money from home
- The tools of the trade
- How to earn a living online without having toliveonline
Every moment of working at home is a learning process and it only starts with aninternet connection. The online world changes daily. We try to keep you up to date.
I have been makingmoney onlinesince 2007, and I started researching my options long before that. You have hundreds of legitimate options to choose from. Some may require an initial investment. Some of you may be able to start for free. Some opportunities may be working for a big company. In some, you may be working for yourself.
In this post, we’ll break down some of your options in a more easy-to-process manner. We’ll give you a short introduction to each money-making idea and then a list of links to other posts where you can learn more about thetopic.
The most important thing you can do for yourselfwhile learning how to makemoney onlineand from homeis to take action.It’s easy to get so wrapped up in learning that you never make the first move toward making your goals become reality. Educate yourself, but take action and make it apassion.
What Are the Benefits of Making Money Online?
There are so many reasons people choose to work from home:
There are so many reasons people choose to work from home:
- A more flexible schedule to allow for taking care of children or aging parents
- Being able to travel
- The opportunity to create an income you desire regardless of your experience or education
- Save money on childcare
- More independence to work on projects that are important to you
- A more flexible schedule that allows for volunteer work
- No more office politics
- The ability to work with your internal creative clock instead of against it
- No more commute time
- Earn as much as you want: Simply earn extra cash in aside gig(or get paid viaa gift card) … or boost your bank account with seriously good money
Tools of the Trade: What Do I Need to Make Money on the Internet?
When it comes to landing – and keeping – a work-at-home job, there are a few basic toolsjob seekersshould definitely have in their bag. Here are my top picks:
A quality computer and other hardware
If you want to work from home, you need to have a computer – and a few other things, too. When you first start out as a remote worker, you may not have a lot ofcapital to pour into buying the latest hardware. That’s okay; just make sure you buy smart.
Think about the type of jobs you hope to land. Unless you’re a graphic designer, you probably don’t need the snazziest iMac or MacBook around. Save your cash and simply buy a new or refurbished computerthat will last you for some years and has sufficient specs to keep up with changes in office suite software and Internet-based apps. You will also need a place to do your work – it could be aspare room, the garage, the coffee shop down the street, or a local library. It all depends on the type of work and your ability to focus on the task(s) at hand.
Some work-at-home jobs, like acustomer service representative, will have a list of equipment requirements that need to be met. This is to ensure you have a stable and secure connection when processing customer requests. Other jobs, like freelance writing, may have no equipment or internet speed requirements at all. You can literally do your job anywhere anytime.
If you are looking into the steady paycheck of customer service, this is a typical requirements list (each company is different, so please refer to the individual listing for that company’s requirements):
- A desktop orlaptop less than three years old
- The minimum speed is 3GHz of processing
- Windows operating system, usually Windows 10 or 11. The exception would be Mac-specific positions like Apple At-Home Advisors
- 40 GB free hard disk space* 4GB of RAM (some companies require up to 8 GB RAM)
- Sound and video card
- DSL, Fiber Optic, or Cable internet
Read product reviews before you buy. Decide whether a desktop or alaptopis best to suit your needs (Ex. You will likely need a desktop to get a customer service position. On the other end of the spectrum, proofreading can be done on a tablet if necessary.) And, while you’re budgeting for new hardware, don’t forget to factor in a good headset – many remote jobs require them. (To increase your marketability, you can also add a decent mic and an all-in-one printer. Or even a foot pedal if you’re going into transcription.) Now, there are some (mostlyfull-time jobs) positions that will give their employees equipment.
A functional self-management system
Working from home takes a lot of self-discipline. Before you become a remote worker, make sure you have a good system for keeping yourself organized and on task. Use whatever works for you – make a bullet journal, organize your duties on Trello, and keep a detailed Google Calendar with Calendly for setting meetings. Just make sure you have a self-management scheme that keeps you going. We really like theFocused Collection from Erin Condren. Keeping yourown scheduleup-to-date sounds easy, right? If you are managing different deadlines, your schedule, the kids’ schedule, and everything else life throws your way; keeping organized becomes key.
A comfortable workspace
Many work-from-home jobs that you find will require you to sit at your computer for long periods each day. So it’s super important that you have a comfortable space to work! Even if it’s just a comfortable chair pulled up to an old table that’s the right height, or a spot on your couch, put some thoughtfulness for your future self into your home office. Your body will thank you. (Oh, and make sure it’s in a quiet spot!)
Companies That Hire for Work From Home
There are so many large companies that hire remote workers to work online. We are talking about everyone from small mom-and-pop shops that can’t afford the overhead of office space and health insurance to Fortune 500 companies likeAmazonand Apple. (Yes. Those companies actually hire people to work from home!)
The larger the company, the more requirements and prerequisites they likely have in place. That’s not necessarily a bad thing. Even though you may need a newer computer, they may offer health insurance and a full-time schedule. There’s always a trade-off. Know that more scheduling freedom and flexibility and less management oversight may mean lesser pay or no benefits.
Below are some great posts filled with job ideas and companies that might be just right for you! Some will have a nice mix of industries; others will allow you to dive deep based on your experience and interests.
- Stay-at-Home Jobs
- Virtual AssistantJobs
- Teach English Online
- Proofreading Jobs
- Search Engine Evaluation
- Part-Time Work from Home
- Customer Service Jobs
- Jobs That Pay Weekly
- Travel Agent Jobs
- Take Reservations
- Paralegal Jobs
- Online TutoringJobs
- Location Specific Jobs
- Resources for Retirees
- Jobs for Introverts
- No Sales
- Closed Captioning Jobs
- No Landline Required
Ways to Make Money Online With a Home Business
Have you always dreamed about owning a small business? Maybe you don’t want to work for someone else. Maybe you want total control over your schedule and your future. That’s cool, too. Home business opportunities are plentiful.
- Create Your Own Job
- Pinterest Assistant
- Sell Used Books
- Direct Sales Companies
- Home Business Ideas
- Bookkeeping Jobs
Ways to Earn Extra Money
This next category is one of my favorites. And, it applies to almost everyone looking for a goodside hustle. Why? Because it is something everyone should be doing regardless of whether they are looking for a little something to earn a few pennies during commercial breaks that require minimal effort or they are looking to create afull-time incomefrom home.
- Rakuten
- Passive Income Ideas
- Sell Photos Online
- Ways to Make Money at Home
- Ways to Make Extra Money
- Ibotta Review
- Swagbucks Review
- Apps that Pay You Money
- Get Paid to Watch Videos
- Make $10 a Day Online
- Make Money with mTurk (aka Amazon Mechanical Turk)
- Make Money as a DoorDash Delivery Driver
- Professional Grocery Shopper
- Get Paid to Drive
- Money-Making Apps
- Transcription for Beginners
- Make Money on YouTube
- Micro Job Sites
Other Ways to Make Money Online That You May Be Overlooking
When we think about earning realmoney online, our minds usually head straight to things like customer service for a company such asAmazon, becoming asocial media influence, orbecoming the bloggerposting the latest and greatest in theirnicheevery single day – because that’s what everybody is doing. Right?
There are so many other options you may be overlooking!
Some of these ideas will allow you to use your knowledge, interests, and experience to make money. Because these are areas you know, it may not take much to get yourself set up for success.
Sell Your Knowledge
Our first overlooked opportunity isselling your knowledge. In this instance, we are talking about creating anonline course, eBook, or other digital product that you can make available on the web. Because of the automation available today, you may be able to put in the work once when creating your packaged information and then enjoy those checks coming in for months or years to come.
If you are in need of quick cash, this is a project you will want to start on the side as the return may not be immediate. That being said, this is a passive income idea you should definitely take advantage of. Who doesn’t want to make money while they sleep or travel?
- In a past post, we talked to Darrell Gurney who has had over 1,000 students enroll in his course onUdemy. This is a course he charges $200 to take.
- We have also talked to women earning afull-time incomeselling digital productsfrom travel guides to eBooks onAmazonand e-junkie.
- Here is a greatlist of online research jobs
Help Others Do What You Do (coaching & consulting)
There are so many ways you can make money helping other people succeed and reach their goals. Depending on your background and education, you may be able to offer services as a business consultant, wellness coach, and more.
Thefounder of coach.metold us that they have had coaches earn up to $7,000 in just one day. Though that’s likely out of reach unless you have an engaged following already, you may be able to get in on some of their other offerings.
If you’re really ambitious, you can start your ownYouTube channelteaching people what you’re passionate about.
Sell Your Knowledge II (writing)
Maybe you don’t want all of the maintenance that comes with creating and upkeeping courses and eBooks. Maybe you don’t mind writing about your interests, but you just want to be done with it once it’s completed. Don’t worry. You’ve got so many options when it comes to being afreelancer, and many pay pretty well. You can combine your love of writing withsocial media managementandadvertising, managingsocial media accounts.
- Here is a listof sites that pay $50 and up for unique articles andblog posts.
- Here are more than200 ways you can get paid to writeeverything from greeting cards toFacebook ads.
- Shauna Huston shared with us how she makes extra moneyby offering resume writing serviceson Etsy.
Sell Your Knowledge III (tutoring and teaching English)
There’s good money to be made as an online tutor. If you have specialized knowledge in a subject, you can tutor a high schooler or college student who’s struggling. Even if you don’t think you have any particular expertise, if you’re a native English speaker, there are plenty of companies that will pay you for your language skills. Some of them are as simple as video chatting with foreign-language learners on an app — on your schedule! Here are some tips about breaking into online tutoring and teaching English:
- Great Ways to Make Money as an At-Home Tutor
- Online Teaching Jobs: Everything You Need to Know
- Teach English Online: 20+ Companies to Consider Plus FAQs
Work at Home Job Search Tips
Now that you know where you want to work, you need to apply. Be aware that the competition for remote positions is high. For every one job opening, there may be hundreds or thousands of applicants. But, don’t let that deter you! You can’t get a job if you don’t submit an application. Plain and simple. No one is going to magically show up on your doorstep offering you a great gig. You have to go get it.
When it comes to looking for jobs, we recommend the following job boards as legitimate ways to find work:
- FlexJobs – researching all leads to ensure no scams, no business opportunities, and nothing that doesn’t have flex potential
- Indeed – huge job board, you will need to perform due diligence to ensure listings are legitimate
- Freelance Writer’s Den – this site offers online training and a job board for freelance writers
You will find some of my best tips in the following post: how to find a work-at-home job.
Recommended Books & Courses
- Popular work-at-home courses
- Recommended tools, resources, and books on Amazon
FAQs
I remember seeingadsto work from home stuffing envelopes way back when I was in high school. That was more than 20 years ago. Now, you may be thinking, if theseadsare still around it must be legit. Not so fast!
What these opportunities typically turn up to be is a pyramid scheme. You pay a fee to sign up. You then receive a flyer saying how great stuffing envelopes are and a list of names and addresses to mail said flyer. IF those people pay that signup fee so they can mail that flyer too, you get paid a small referral fee. ONLY if they take the bait do you get paid.
The #1 reason people get scammed when looking for work from home is that they think they can make big money doing little to nothing. That just isn’t how it works. If it did, don’t you think I’d be back there stuffing envelopes right now?
Don’t fall for this stuff. If it looks too good to be true, you already know it is. Read more:
- Top Ways to Spot and Avoid Work-at-Home Scams
Who hires people with no work-at-home experience?
It can take some time to land a work-from-home job. And it can get frustrating when you run into job leads that say “previous experience required.” But, there is hope! There are actually quite a few industries that are a little more lenient. Check out this post:
I have small kids/pets/live in an apartment building, so I can’t get a phone job that requires no background noise. What are my options?
While customer service positions are some of the most readily available to those looking to work from home, they aren’t a good fit for many. The good news is there are some customer service positions that allow you to assist customers by way of email or chat. You should also consider alternate industries like transcription, search evaluation, and writing. Learn more about those opportunities and others at:
How can I get started as afreelance writerif I don’t have experience?
Freelance writing is such a great industry to get involved in if you want to work remotely. There’s plenty of work available and it’s typically one of the most flexible gigs in terms of scheduling. (You can often do the work whenever and wherever you choose.) Even better, it’s pretty easy to get startedfreelancingwith a degree or previous writing experience. Read more atFreelance Writing Jobs for Beginners
How can I make money selling stuff online?
There are so many ways to earn extra income by selling things online. You can cash in by getting rid of things you don’t want anymore, like clothing, books, and DVDs. You can open an online store to sell items you make or flip; services like AmazonFBA (fulfilled by Amazon) can help you with the e-commerce and shipping aspects. If you have graphic design skills, you can create a digital download of your artwork and sell it somewhere like Etsy for great passive income. Here are some more ideas:
Can I really makemoney online with asurvey site?
Yes, though you won’t earn afull-time income, so be careful that you don’t spend all day answering the questions. Surveys are best seen as a way to make extra money if you have gaps in your day, like if you have some downtime at your kid’s swim meet. See whichsurvey sitesare worth the effort here:10 Opportunities to Take Surveys for Cash
I want to start a blog, but I don’t know where to start.
Blogging can be a greatside hustle. Though the income may not be steady and it can take a while to get rolling, there are a few steps you can take to ensure success. Before you start thinking about money, you start thinking about thetopicsyou are truly passionate about. What can you talk about and learn about for days? That’s exactly what you’ll be doing for years to come, after all. Once you’ve figured out what yournicheis, then you can think about monetization and potential partners for anaffiliate marketingstrategy or a helpful sponsored post. You can also utilizesocial media platformsto gain followers and boost your SEO. Get some more tips on starting a blog here:How to Start a Blog and Make Money in 7 Steps
What dovirtual assistantsdo? How can I get started?
Virtual Assisting has come to encompass so many things over the past few years. Somevirtual assistantshandle entry-level tasks like making appointments or monitoring an email address. Others specialize in more advanced fields like scheduling book tours and podcasting.
The good news is you can create a business around your strengths and even learn new skills as you go. Here are a few posts that will help you learn more about the industry:
I want to work for myself but I am on a budget.
One of the reasons home businesses are so popular is that they often require very little investment. Depending on the business, you may be able to start working with what you have and make upgrades and investments as you go. Here are a few opportunities for you to consider:
I’ve fallen for scams before. Where can I find legitimate companies hiring?
Falling into a scam is a total bummer. But, it happens to the best of us. Rest assured, there are thousands of great legit opportunities out there waiting for you. The companies in these posts are on the up-and-up and frequent hire for work at home.
I’m looking for apart-time jobor something flexible.
Flexibility and freedom are two things that make working from home so appealing. For those of us preferring to work on our own schedules and with an hourly commitment of our choosing, you have some awesome options available. Check out these posts to learn more:
Is FlexJobs legit?
FlexJobsis 100% legit. While it may not be necessary for everyone if you have limited time available to dig around on the internet and vet companies for legitimacy it’s well worth the investment. They research each job lead to make sure it is truly remote or flexible and it isn’t a scam. I’ve had a membership for a very long time and find it well worth the small investment. In the realm of online jobmarketplaces, FlexJobs is one of the best.
If you are looking for companies that hire beginners, here’s one of my favorite searches within FlexJobs. Once you join try hitting the Advanced Search tab > Telecommuting Level 100% > Career Level Entry-Level. You can also hit buttons for full-time, flexible, employee/freelance, and more to find just what you are looking for.
I don’t have a desktop/laptop. Is there anything I can do to make money with just a tablet?
The awesome thing about working at home is you get to decide the kind of work you want to do and you can usually decide what type of equipment you want to use – with the exception of many customer service positions, of course.
If you only have alaptop or tablet, or just want to work on the go, you have some great options waiting for you.
What about taxes?
Many work-at-home companies hire you as an independent contractor as opposed to an employee. That means you are responsible for submitting your own tax payments. Taxes won’t be taken out of your check like you are probably used to. It’s so important that you keep good records of your income – and expenses. We highly recommendQuickbooks Self-Employed.
Any other recommendations?
You can see the tools we use to work at home like a pro here, plus check out our budget-friendly home office upgrades.
Published December 2016. Updated October 2022.
