Before getting started, there are a few things you need to know. For example, make sure you know how many hours you could devote to a job. Some jobs are not very specific as to how much time it will take, but rather they are "job" specific. That means the employer wants a specific job done by a specific time and he can't tell you how long it will take you. This is often the case with word processing, transcriptions, manual editing, etc. In this type of job, be honest with yourself. Carefully evaluate the work and make an honest assessment of your work speed. Make sure you allow for those last minute changes that come naturally to this type of work. When assessing your work load, make sure you have that undivided time available. Often we are at home with small children and we are bored. We then think we have time available for productive work. In reality, we usually have just a few minutes here and there. The key to knowing the difference is what the "concentration factor" of your time is while you are at home. How much undivided attention can you give the work?

I have taken on work at home while my children were small. Each time I ended up doing the work after everyone was in bed and into the wee hours of the night. That was the only time I could concentrate on my work without interruption. And if we take a job and end up telling the kids to leave us alone so we can work, have we forgotten why we are at home?

If, after deciding that you have the undivided time and attention, the next step is to make sure you understand the expenses involved with the job. Is there any equipment necessary to do the work? If the job is editing or word processing, do you have the same type of computer and version of software that they are using? Are there weekly meetings that they will want you to attend? Do you have reliable child care for that meeting? Will you need any special training in order to do the job? Who will pay for the training and your child care during that time? Will you need office supplies? Will the profit (after taxes) afford these expenses?

Understanding the tax requirements that working will bring is essential to make this work. Most likely you will be an independent contractor rather than an employee. Self-employment brings an extra tax that you will have to pay when you file taxes. Allow for this expense. You may also need to file estimated taxes throughout the year for the extra income not included in the W2s.

If working at home still sounds good to you, choosing a career is all that's left. Some ideas for jobs include word processing, cake decorating, calligraphy, sales of home products, answering service, aerobics instructor, accountant/bookeeper, mystery shopper, catering, antique repair, baby gift baskets, balloon delivery, and hair stylist. Places to find these jobs vary. Start by checking ads for jobs in the newspaper or that may be posted in stores. Create a flyer for yourself and your business and deliver it to the companies that could use your services.

One last thing to consider is support. Getting support while working at home is helpful since you may feel lonely. Support groups exist for work-at-home moms (WAHM), offering tips for making it work and a forum to ask questions. There are some WAHM newsletters and other WAHM resources listed on our website to help those that have chosen this avenue. I hope it "works" for you!

Jonni McCoy is an author and speaker, living in Colorado Springs, CO. Her books include Miserly Moms: Living On One Income In A Two Income Economy (1996 Holly Hall) and Frugal Families: Making the Most of Your Hard Earned Money (1998 Holly Hall). You can find her at www.miserlymoms.com