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A Mom's Guide to Working From Home

Part Two

Is That Opportunity Knocking?

By Jacqueline Rupp

If you've made the decision to work at home, the next thing you need is, of course, a job! We've detailed some of the most popular work-from-home businesses below, so you can see which one fits your personality, lifestyle and aspirations.

Description: Offer a variety of personalized administrative support to small business owners, such as writing invoices, setting appointments, planning trips and organizing personal affairs.

Pros: VAs are becoming quite popular and since it is still is a relatively new field there are many openings. Can be done entirely through telecommuting.

Cons: You will need to aggressively market yourself in the beginning to find a few clients with whom you can develop a relationship.

Experience: Administrative experience is helpful, but anyone who can handle multiple tasks and who enjoys supporting others in their businesses can be a successful VA.

Salary: Average salary is around $50 an hour.

Description: The cosmetic and plastic food storage parties of the 1950s have come back into vogue. Today, products range from toys to fine home d袯r to lingerie. The basic premise still remains the same: host a party and sell products.

Pros: You spend most of your work time at parties! Great discounts on the company's merchandise. Nora Statler, owner of two online marketing Web sites, is a testament to the party plan. "I fell in love with the merchandise and on a whim decided to give it a go, never dreaming that I could turn this into a very profitable business, and never dreaming I would be this successful this quick," she says. "I can name my own hours. The kids don't have to be sent to the babysitter. The company makes it easy to sell their products. If I need money, all I have to do is schedule a party. It's really nice to have an instant paycheck. I walk away from the party with at least $100 in my pocket that I have made."

Cons: Most party companies require you to purchase party kits and demos. In addition, the majority of the work is outside the home and you may run out of friends to invite. "They can be fine for someone wanting to make a minimal income," says Lynn Phelps, president of the National Work at Home Moms Association. "However, other factors need to be considered: mileage, kits, catalogs and other hidden costs that are involved with some of these party plans. Usually, in the end unless you're willing to devote and run your party-plan like a full-time business, you end up spending more than you're actually earning. If you consider the time that it takes to commit to finding people to have a party, your hourly income would be very small."

Experience: Little needed, however it helps if you're a "people person" and have a talent for selling.

Salary: Varies depending on the number of parties.

Tip: Comparison shop for a good plan, taking into account commission rates, inventory requirements, quotas, deliveries charges, incentives plans and support systems.

Want to see more?

• The Career Challenge: How Moms Balance Work, Family and External Pressure
• Moms at Work: The Art of Interviewing
• When Income Decreases, but the Bills Don't: Tips for Dealing With Unexpected Financial Crisis
• Talk about it!

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