Taking a short break

I am spending some time researching other work from home options.  Don't worry.  I'll be back in a day or so.

Text 121

An interesting area of working from home is texting.  The operator sits at a computer and sends SMS messages via Internet to users - usually in the UK.  Many of the UK text services are adult oriented.

Text 121 is one of these.  I worked for this company a few years back, on a non-adult line.  My job was to be fun and flirty, continue a conversation I may not have started, and try to keep the client returning the texts. It was fun for quite a while, but it's not a highly paid job. 

Unfortunately, Text 121 has begun charging an application fee.  They've also developed a reputation for mistreating operators and are not paying on time like they used to.  I'd love to tell you that this is still a good company to work for - they were when I worked for them - but it seems they've gone downhill pretty quickly lately. 

If you're just starting with texting and need some quick experience, they do hire newbies.  From what I've seen and heard, don't expect to be treated well. 

I'm very disappointed at the direction the company has taken, because I hate writing bad reviews like this. 

ACD Direct

ACD Direct was my first work from home, virtual call center job.  I enjoyed the first few months I worked with them, but because I can think for myself, because I'm human and make mistakes, I ended up despising the job and I was relieved to go work for West instead.

My experience with ACD Direct is that, in the event of a dispute between a contractor and supervisors, they immediately pull your shifts and suspend you whether or not you're in the wrong.  I suppose they might come on here and say it's just sour grapes, but I've heard the same thing from other former agents.  I ended up quitting in disgust - and it has always taken a lot for me to leave work.  I like working and I'm very loyal.

However, they did pay, and on time (except for that last check, which I thought I was going to have to sue them for).  They are a legitimate company, so if you don't mind the drama and politics, go for it.

They hire independent contractors, so you're responsible for self employment taxes.  You're responsible for your own equipment.  Get a noise cancelling headset and a quiet place in which to work.

Live Ops

Live Ops is another work at home, virtual call center.  I have not worked for them, but I know many people who have, and they are legitimate.  They do charge a $50 application fee for a background check.  Usually I insist that money should never flow from the employee to the employer, but Live Ops has done this for a long time.  (The fee used to be $30.)


They hire independent contractors.  You are responsible for self employment taxes.  They do appear to be hiring as of this posting.

You'll need your own computer, a wired, landline phone, a stable broadband connection, speakers, a headset.  I strongly recommend a separate area in your home that can be kept quiet for anyone doing phone work from home. 

If you've worked for Live Ops, feel free to post a comment and let us know what your experience has been like.  I know they're growing and a fair pace and doing well, and from what I've heard, agents working for them have been happy with the experience.

ODesk

I'm still evaluating ODesk.  It's not a company that's offering a work from home job, but more of a marketplace where providers and employers can get together.  It appears to cater more to software developers, although there are jobs available for phone work, transcription, data entry, and other office work.

I just signed up, and it will be interesting to see if I'm able to obtain any work through this site.  I didn't have much work through similar sites in the past. Guru.com, elance.com - all those places seem to want to hire people to do work valued at $15/hour for about $5.  I write for a US market, and that low of a price does not even pay my Internet bill.  I can't say I recommend any of these sites for work at home work.

I do like the tests that are available for providers to take, which shows their level of competency (hopefully).  Especially since HR managers would be hiring people sight unseen - with a test, it becomes possible for them to at least evaluate the abilities of their prospective hire.

There is no charge to sign up as a provider - a huge plus in my book.  I'm interested to find out how they evaluate the job offers, since I've seen so many scams on Monster.com and Careers.com.

I'll keep you posted on this one.  If you've had a good experience with ODesk, please comment!

Key for Cash

I just heard about Key for Cash.  My initial understanding of it was that it is data entry.  I'm taking it for a test drive, so to speak, so that I can review it properly and report back to you with my findings. 

Upon registering with Key for Cash, you are directed to take some evaluations of your keyboarding ability.  At the moment I'm a little concerned, because the site discusses the "paid section of the site" - and I do not pay to find work.  Money always flows from the company to the contractor (with a very few exceptions).

I have scored int he 93rd percentile, so I guess I will see what happens next.

Inbound Telemarketing Positions

Today I'm going to talk about a company I used to work for.  West is a very reputable firm that provides inbound phone sales to several large companies.  I worked for them for about a year before beginning my virtual assistance business (it got to be too challenging to try to take calls with a three year old trying to climb up my back.)

You must have a landline and broadband.  A cell phone is  not going to cut it for this job.  You'll also need a wired headset, because you'll need both hands free. It's impossible to talk on the phone and type without a headset.   I don't know what their computer requirements are going to be anymore (it's been a while since I worked for them).  You must be able to maintain a professional atmosphere - which means no crying children, no barking dogs.  A noise cancelling headset can help with that, or you can work when the kids are at school/sleeping and put the puppies outside (which I recommend).  I used to work overnight shifts so I wouldn't have to worry about background noise.

When you go to their website, just click on "become an agent" and fill out the application.  A West representative will schedule an interview with you.  If you sound good on the phone, you'll go on to the next phase.  I wish I could tell you more about it, but it's been a solid 4 years since I applied.

I'm recommending them because they were fair with me, and I got paid on time, every other week, for my work.  I didn't always get as many shifts as I wanted, but that's been the case with every job I've ever worked.  The pay was fair.  It was a great opportunity for me to learn that I *can* work from home *and* make money doing it!

Oops!

I got so involved in other projects, I forgot my commitment to post here.  I'm back..... and researching ways of working at home, especially with children.

My children are now school aged, and although I homeschool them, that does mean that many of the issues parents face with younger children are no longer challenges I face.  I can pitch mine outside and have them play all day - you can't do that with preschoolers.

Warrior Forum

I'm spending some time over at the Warrior Forum reading up on affiliate and information marketing. One of the reasons I like internet marketing is that the price point for entry is so low, anyone can do it.  This is probably the #1 method of working at home.  If you're interested in more work at home opportunities, that's a good place to go.