Has anyone found lucrative employment that can be done from home? or feel the need to get one? Thoughts anyone?

[Patty]

I find myself constantly thinking to myself, "What else can I do? Is there something I can do from home that could generate income?"

Once I had my first child I immediately had a change of heart in terms of whether I was going to do daycare or stay at home. Well, actually, I really had never even contemplated the idea of staying at home until my son was born and I held him in my arms! I am very much enjoying spending time with my three children at home. We have a blast everyday and, I even get to do some teaching (unbeknownst to them of course!)

My husband thinks I run a pretty tight ship, but has come to agree that it's actually a good thing for our kids! All three of our kiddos are so much more pleasant when a daily routine is adhered to. They have come to expect to do certain things throughout the day and function real well when we hit all of their daily activities- art, storytime, dancing, hands-on building, puzzles, showtime, free play, etc... All three nap in the middle of the day for 2-3 hours and are usually in bed for the night between 7 and 8pm.......SO.....what else can I do? A part of me feels that I still want to do "something". What? I haven't a clue! I have hobbies, but those aren't what I am looking for. I am looking for something that I can do while the kids are napping or down for the night that pays. It doesn't even have to be a full salary- fortunately, we're doing well and we can afford to have me stay home to be with the kids until they go to school- I just have this itch that I need to get a paying job.

Can anyone relate? Thoughts anyone?

[happygolucky21]

I had a similar feeling when I had my son. I knew that I wanted to stay home with him, and did so full-time for 19 mos. I'm a graphic designer that freelances from home, and have been since before he was born. So, when my son turned about 19 mos. it became very clear that I couldn't keep up with my deadlines and keep up with my son's energy and thirst to learn. It also became clear that he needed interaction with other children. At the time we were abroad, and our family and friends (with other children) weren't available. So, we enrolled him into a really great school that had a fantastic curriculum. Anyway, he goes to school 3 days/week, and on those days I work from home.

I have always believed in finding a way to make money doing what you love. PT graphic design allowed me to follow my passion and also take care of my home and still have a couple of days of week dedicated to my son. I think the part-time schooling for my son has be beneficial for both my son and myself. Of course, most of what I make goes to tuition, but it is worth it. He loves his classmates and teachers, and the curriculum is top-notch.

To find projects or clients I use online resources. HireMyMom.com is great. I even use sites like Craigslist to find clients.

[Cathy]

Right on, sister friend. I, too, was a graphic artist/editor who "retired" from in-office working when I had my first child about 11 years ago. Finding a job you can do while at home isn't easy, but it's possible. For years I taught at local universities (I'm an English professor, believe or stuff it) at nights. The pay blew, but it kept my brain from freezing into a mode where all I could speak competently about was diapers and bananas. But as the children grew older, I expanded my options: trainging, freelancing, editing, designing, etc. Until now. My youngest is in kindergarten and I work fairly consistenly doing a variety of consultant stuff where I make quite a bit of cash (in a very expensive area... so what defines "quite" might be different everywhere). But it's hard. You need to learn to capitalize on your strengths, recognize where you're unwilling to compromise, and find space to enjoy your children. But it can be done.

Right now I tutor children in writing (dont' judge me by what I'm quickly typing here), write training courses for the government, teach those courses, edit on a freelance basis, design curricula, layout documents, etc. Somehow it all came together.

So, do what you love. Ignore the rest. And keep plugging away at what you love be it personal chef, editing, child care, organization, etc. Create your own niche.

[Lizzie]

Well, now that my own children are gone from home, I still have my internet collectibles & small antiques shop online, still sell the occasional item on eBay, but have also started selling Silpada Designs Siver Jewelry. I'm also a floorcloth artist & major craft hound.

Selling Silpada Jewelry has been fun because it involves having parties & was founded by 2 Moms who wanted to make extra money. What they created is a business that empowers women who want to stay at home with their kids & still make some serious money. It is the best deal I've ever found & I can't tell you how many new friends I've made in the process. If you want, take a look @ my Silpada website. The jewelry is fabulous & you can get a free piece with every party someone has for you, as well as get a free piece for the hostess.

While the kids were growing up, I sold their outgrown toys & clothes on eBay & made a pretty price on all. I also sell hubby's & my clothes & things we don't want anymore. Honestly, it makes for a nice extra income without having to leave home to work or organize a huge garage sale once a year. I make way more than I would have in a garage sale. It does take some work & a digital camera, but you can do at your own pace. I was always able to pay for all the extras for the kids as well as send them to summer camp. I also made all the local estate sales & upper end garage sales & bought the better items to sell. It's always been a great deal for me. Besides, I was still able to meet my PTA & Jr. League obligations with ease.

Good Luck! Hope you find something that suits your needs.

Cheers ~ Lizzie

[Erika]

Yes I can relate. I couldn't bear to leave my baby, but I can hardly sit still either. I've written a book, which I hope to self publish later this year and am now building a website on a topic I'm passionate about. I just have an entrepreneurial spirit. If money is not an issue follow your passion. And do something you'd do for free. The rewards will be greater in the long run.

If you like writing and are interested in building a site on a topic you are passionate about you can check out how I did mine by checking my profile. Good luck to you and take your time choosing. Your time is soooo valuable.

[Lauren]

Like you, I didn't expect to become a SAHM... I never thought it was something I would WANT to do, and then I didn't expect it was something I would be ABLE to do. So I'm trying to find ways to make money at home without compromising my care for my daughter or making us go broke. We make very little money as it is, so I NEED income.

My current ideas:
grade tests from home for ETS
tutor in the evenings when my husband will be home (this is the most likely scenario, with the highest possible per hour earnings, although the most intense)
do writing/tutoring online through a website or online tutoring service
babysit while caring for my daughter (doable, but not ideal since I'd rather focus on my kiddo)

I am NOT interested in selling or making anything, or being in any kind of MLM business... so... that's what I have in my head right now! If money weren't an issue I'd just write!