~*~*~ THE RAT RACE REBELLION TELEWORK BULLETIN ~*~*~ Dear Reader, A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR I hope you’ve had a good seven days since our last bulletin, and that the Rat Race isn’t getting you down. But if it has, you’ll find respite here, as we bring you an inspirational story on shedding your skin (very important as you consider new jobs and career paths), news of free certifications at Brainbench, instructions on how to get free footwear, and a score of multicolored jobs and projects. So let the rats race on their way, and sit with us for a spell and a warm cup of rebellion. Enjoy! BRAINBENCH OFFERING FREE TESTS AGAIN Brainbench, an online testing service whose skills certifications are a plus for resumes in the online marketplace, is again offering a group of its certification tests at no charge. Most of the tests are in the IT area, but also include Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Word, and UK English -- listening comprehension and written. There’s even a free test to find out if you’re wacky. (Actually, it’s a “Personality Assessment.”) Worth a look, at http://tinyurl.com/2l75ft . JOBHUNTING? DON’T BE AFRAID TO “MOLT” ONCE IN AWHILE! I used to work in a government agency where discouragement and cynicism reigned, and everybody hated his job. It was astonishing just how deeply the “job loathing” had sunk into the place. The department heads didn’t like their jobs, the supervisors didn’t like their jobs, the staff didn’t like their jobs, the cockroaches didn’t like their jobs. The walls, the files, the rugs, the blinds -- everything was saturated with pessimism and darkness. The window panes were dim with a residue of bureaucratic embalming fluid. The people there not only hated their jobs, they hated them so intensely that they detested themselves for doing them. Many of them had been there for years -- some for decades -- and seemed to plod slowly along the halls like drayhorses, weighed down with murky thoughts and rueful memories, and a joyless view of the path to come. Kafka would have loved it (his ghost probably drank the watery coffee there), but it made me nervous -- I didn’t want to catch the disease -- and I quickly made plans to move on. The prospect of escape put me in a talkative frame of mind, and I would occasionally ask my colleagues why they didn’t leave, too. Most of them recited the things we usually do when we stay in jobs we hate -- mortgages, college tuitions, retirement handcuffs, etc. -- but one fellow leaned forward and confided to me that he’d been working on his resume. I nodded encouragingly, and when I did, he asked me if I would take a look at it and offer any suggestions that came to mind. We went down the hall to his dungeon and he led me furtively past his co-workers to his desk. (Everything was done furtively in this agency, not because of anything like a “secret mission,” but because nobody trusted anybody. He probably made an exception of me because I’d told him I was leaving.) He glanced around to make sure no one was watching, unlocked his desk drawer, and after rummaging around a bit, pulled out a resume and handed it to me. The resume was about two-thirds done, but looked pretty good for a start. Then I noticed the date next to the “draft” stamp at the top of the page. It was five years old! “Is this the last time you worked on your resume?” I asked him incredulously. He nodded. “Yeah.” “How come?” I asked. There was a book open on his desk, with vivid pictures of sea life on the pages. In one picture, a crab was molting, coming out of its old shell. He glanced at the book and thought for a moment. “I guess I don’t know how to molt.” Looking for a new job can be a chance to molt. Don’t forget how! THANKS FOR TALKING ABOUT US! Chris and I and the rest of the team log some long hours bringing job leads, jobhunting guidance, scambusting tips and other resources to people who want or need to work from home, and we always feel uplifted when our efforts help people find work. We’d like to say Thank You to the folks whose remarks on the Internet we’ve excerpted here, and to let people know that finding home-based work may take some time, but if you keep at it -- and remember to strengthen your resume and to network at every opportunity -- you’ll get there. -- "I post periodically about the Rat Race Rebellion site as I have found work there and know they are reputable people." -- “I have signed up for several things on it so far and have been very happy. There are new leads posted daily.” -- "I frequently use the ProBlogger Job Board and Rat Race Rebellion when sourcing work. These sites tend to turn up some good leads on a regular basis." -- “The last forum I was able to locate is www.RatRaceRebellion.com.... I've located and gotten many bonus work at home assignments to add to my income.” If you, too, have found work or other value through our efforts, please tell friends and family to visit us at www.ratracerebellion.com. (Our services are free, but we’re advertiser-supported.) Thanks! FROM THE R3 MAILBAG -- QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING FROM HOME, AND OTHER RAT RACE TOPICS DEAR R3: I would like to get a job as a Virtual Assistant. How do I do that? R3: Contrary to what many people think, most Virtual Assistants -- for now, at least -- do not have “jobs,” but are self-employed (independent contractors). They’re responsible for finding their own clients -- and they set their own hourly rates and work schedules. The major exception is India, where many Virtual Assistants are working for business process outsourcing companies or other corporate intermediaries, who obtain work from companies and individuals (in the US, UK, etc.) and assign it to the VAs. VAs in India also earn much less on average than VAs in North America and Europe (though of course their cost of living is less), where hourly rates may run US$20 and up. For examples of VAs in India, see: -- http://www.yourmaninindia.com/ -- https://getfriday.com/ For examples of VAs elsewhere, see the International Virtual Assistants Association’s Directory at http://www.ivaa.org . (Historical note -- Chris and I founded IVAA in 1999 and turned it over to its members, as planned, shortly thereafter.) SPEAKING OF VIRTUAL ASSISTANT WORK, HERE’S A LEAD IN THE RADIO INDUSTRY Chris and I have long recommended to Virtual Assistants that they get involved helping people in the media -- salespeople, marketing people, or on-air talent -- who often don’t have the administrative support they need. Not only can media be inherently interesting, but you might learn how to get effective exposure for your business. And there are few things that can grow a business as rapidly as media exposure. Well, here’s a chance. Kelly Burns, a Marketing Consultant with Clear Channel Media in Norfolk, Va. (USA), contacted us recently to let us know that she’s seeking a Virtual Assistant somewhere in the US (residence in the Norfolk, Va., area would be a plus, but isn’t a requirement). We’ve uploaded the lead to our website, which would normally disqualify it from being mentioned here. (The lead is not included below, on our Bulletin-only, embargoed list.) However, I wanted to note it because media-related VA leads don’t “pop up” often (VAs usually have to go out and grab their clients, in media or otherwise), and it seems like it could be an excellent opportunity for the right person. To go straight to the lead, just click here: http://www.ratracerebellion.com/VA-clearchannel.html FRUGAL AND SIMPLE LIVING Here are this week’s freebos and frugalities, driven into the corral by our excellent weblink wranglers. (US unless otherwise noted.) Enjoy! -- Earthcaller (North America), for free computer-to-landline calls (Chris and I have been trying it out, and it works quite well): http://www.earthcaller.com -- New Balance Footwear Testers: http://weartest.newbalance.com/ -- Free Yoplait Kids Coupons: http://www.yoplait.com/products_yoplaitkids_coupons_form.aspx -- BzzAgent (US and CAN) (Test products and services and get points for merchandise and other things): http://www.bzzagent.com -- Free Colgate Toothpaste: http://tinyurl.com/35uv55 -- Free Glad Trash Bags: http://walmart.triaddigital.com/enhancedrendercontent_ektid30810.aspx RAT RACE QUOTE OF THE WEEK “If the sun don’t shine tomorrow, it’ll be another dark day.” -- A wry farmer in the rural Virginia town of the editor’s baffled childhood Rebelliously Yours, Michael Michael D. Haaren, Editor-in-Chief The Rat Race Rebellion =>=> New Leads for Home-Based Jobs and Projects <=<= *Editor’s Note: All positions are screened, but we can’t of course “guarantee” the legitimacy of any hirer or lead, so please do your own ‘due diligence’ as well! All positions are paid unless otherwise noted. The amount of compensation is included in the summary when given in the underlying lead. Also, please note that on occasion the hirer will decide to change the description or the availability of the job or project shortly AFTER the summary is published here. (Unfortunately, we have no control over this.) Therefore, be sure to read the underlying ad carefully, and apply promptly for any job that interests you. ||||| 1. Writers, Editors and Researchers for NY Times Consumer Site (“Anywhere”) ||||| ConsumerSearch.com, owned by the NY Times, is looking for freelance Writers, Editors and Researchers to update and write reviews of consumer products and services. “Resourcefulness, strong research abilities and fact-finding skills are required.” => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=895636 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 2. Freelance Writers for Mental Floss Magazine ||||| US-based magazine Mental Floss is looking for freelance Writers. “A nationally distributed newsstand publication, mental_floss tells stories about art, history, science, culture, and politics. Our articles are like your favorite professor’s lectures, peppered with jokes and anecdotes to keep things spicy.” => Learn More: http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?c=jfjlf&joid=74245 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 3. Customer Care Representatives (US) ||||| US-based NEW, which administers buyer protection plans and similar services, seeks Customer Care Reps with at least 1 year’s customer service, retail or call center experience. “Answers customer questions and resolves issues relating to claims, warranties, and servicing products. Demonstrates superior customer relations and meets quality standards.” Must have HS diploma or GED and be able to type 30 wpm. => Learn More: http://newcorp.hrmdirect.com/employment/view.php?req=12072& <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 4. Online Learning Instructional Designers for Cornell University ||||| eCornell, a subsidiary of Cornell University, is looking for contract Instructional Designers “to design and assist in the development of online learning experiences in subject areas including project leadership, systems thinking and design, and business administration.” Requirements include “Master’s degree in instructional technology, adult education, or equivalent professional experience” and “[a]bility to travel to Ithaca, NY, to meet with faculty and project team, as needed.” Must be able to travel periodically to Ithaca, NY, USA. => Learn More: http://jobs.astd.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2830749&keywords=&ref=1 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 5. Journalist / Producer for Radio / Podcast Program (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| US-based MBA Podcaster is looking for a Journalist / Producer to do 20-minute segments at approx. $400 per segment. “You would help our listeners understand the Business School process by interviewing administrators, other applicants, recruiters, professors, consultants, current students and alumni. Give our listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective of the MBA process.” “Be ready to show examples of previous work and concrete ideas of how you would handle this project and story ideas.” => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=656247 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 6. Medical Transcriptionists (US) ||||| US-based Voice Systems seeks full-time, independent-contractor MTs (clinic transcriptionists) with at least 6 years’ experience. “Top talents needed for multispeciality practice including cardiology, pulmomology, dermatology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, general surgery, psychology.” => Learn More: http://www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=15069 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 7. “Rock Star Programmer” (“Anywhere”) ||||| Magic Doorway, “Photographic and Image Consultants,” is looking for a full-time Rock Star Programmer. “[I]deally we want someone who is skilled in the following: —Php —RoR —Ajax —Linux/Apache —MySql” => Learn More: http://gigs.37signals.com/gigs/3395 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~Advertisement~*~*~*~*~*~*~ Chris and Mike here -- Do you need writing experience to qualify for freelance writing, blogging, proofreading or editorial jobs? Want to demonstrate your expertise for hiring managers or prospective clients? We recommend Helium (it’s free). You can get writing experience with an easy-to-start blog, and be eligible for compensation while you learn. You can also choose among many popular topics, and build your credentials while you write about what interests you. For more, visit http://www.helium.com/user-guide/how-to-earn-money-at-helium/?ad=680&placement=HAP002. ~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 8. Mediabistro Online Instructors ||||| Mediabistro, a comprehensive US-based site devoted to writers, designers, editors, etc., seeks Instructors for its online classes. “We are open to any topic ideas.” Requirements include experience in journalism or another writing position, but no teaching experience required. => Learn More: http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?joid=74403&page=3 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 9. Instructional Design Coordinator for American Express (US, CAN; 6-month position) ||||| American Express is looking for a full-time, short-term Instructional Design Coordinator with solid MS Office skills and preferably an understanding of the business travel industry. “The ideal candidate will support Business Travel North America Sales, Client Management and Advisory Services specifically in providing Instructional Design for Technical Acumen training, development, maintenance and/or customization of Onboarding & Orientation training materials and coordination of logistics for training programs including Technical Acumen and Onboarding programs.” It appears from the lead that travel will be involved. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/3dt69j <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 10. “Women in Business” Experts ||||| US-based information supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, continues to seek a part-time Expert (“Guide”) on Women in Business. “The ideal potential candidate for the women in business site could include: - an owner or manager of a woman-owned small business - an individual with experience dealing with contracts, small business loans or other issues related to women-owned small business; or a member of a woman’s business network - an author, journalist or blogger with extensive experience covering small business topics, and experience covering women in business - an academic with a focus on business administration and women-owned businesses” About.com pays Guides a minimum of US$725 per month during the first two years of their contract. => Learn More: http://beaguide.about.com/topics.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 11. Instructional Designers and Developers (US; “Anywhere in the country”) ||||| US-based training firm TrainPeople.com, which specializes in computer-based training programs, is looking for experienced Instructional Designers and Developers. “Instructional Designers must be able to perform needs analysis, develop design documents and create storyboards. Instructional Developers must take the storyboards and develop creative and innovative training programs using TrainerSoft and/or Lectora.” “Consultant can be anywhere in the country and most work is home-based.” Pays US$30-$40 per hour. => Learn More: http://jobs.astd.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=2840960&keywords=&ref=1 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 12. Tier 1 Computer Support Techs (Bilingual Span. or Canadian French a plus; “Any location”) ||||| US-based staffing firm VOLT is advertising for long-term Tier 1 Computer Support Techs with at least three years’ experience, to support the Mac and Windows. “[S]ome evening/weekend shifts will be required.” Quoting from the lead: Certification(s) including, but not limited to: * A+ * MCP * CCNA * MCSE * CCNP * Net+ => Learn More: http://jobs.volt.com/jobcart/job_details.cfm?JobID=211525 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 13. Food Writers (Australian and NZ, African, Dutch, Scandinavian; work from anywhere) ||||| Information supersite About.com, a subsidiary of the NY Times, continues to seek part-time Food Writers (“Guides”). “[W]e encourage people with food journalism and/or professional food writing experience to apply.” Pays a minimum of US$725 per month during the first two years of the Guide’s contract. => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=625412 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 14. Icon and Visual Designer (“Anywhere”) ||||| Shelfworthy, a new site for personal media management, is looking for an Icon and Visual Designer. The primary focus of this position is icon design, however the site is still a work in progress and suggestions to the overall design are welcome.” => Learn More: http://www.authenticjobs.com/jobs/2028/ <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 15. Business / Money Experts (Anywhere) ||||| Information supersite About.com, a subsidiary of the NY Times, continues to seek Business / Money Experts (“Guides”). “We're currently expanding our business and money channels and are seeking business and money writers for a number of topics, including: logistics, saving for college, business tax law, sales, operations, and wills & estate planning.” Pays a minimum of US$725 per month during the first two years of the Guide’s contract. => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=625413 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 16. Freelance Writers (Work from anywhere) ||||| Germany-based WHAKATE, a new online journal and community, seeks “published writers with writing experience in the area of time management, personal productivity and effectiveness and self development.” Requirements include 3 years’ experience. Must have experience writing for online and offline media. => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=896900 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 17. Oblix Analyst ||||| International placement firm TAC Worldwide is advertising for an Oblix Analyst for a long-term position. “Client requires candidate with Admin experience support Oblix (Oracle) CoreId and ShareID products for Production support.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/2986tp <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 18. Home and Garden Experts for About.com (“Work from anywhere in the world”) ||||| Information supersite About.com, a subsidiary of the NY Times, continues to seek part-time Home and Garden Experts (“Guides”). “We're currently expanding our home & garden channel and are seeking writers for a number of topics, including: dogs, house plants, plumbing, trees & shrubs, and garages.” Pays a minimum of US$725 per month during the first two years of the Guide’s contract. => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=625398 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 19. National Report Director for the “New Teacher Project” (US) ||||| The US-based nonprofit “New Teacher Project,” which partners with universities, school districts and others to help recruit and train new teachers, is looking for a National Report Director. “The National Report Director will report to the Vice President of the Policy and Research Business Line, and will be responsible for the leadership and direction of TNTP’s next national report.” Salary is US$100,000 or commensurate with experience. Requirements include significant experience in education policy field. => Learn More: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/265372-16 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 20. In-World Customer Relations Representatives for Virtual World (Work from anywhere) ||||| Online world Second Life continues to recruit part-time “In-World Liaisons.” “Second Life Liaisons help to maintain and shape Second Life's unique online community by assisting with community events, assisting Residents with problems both technical and social, orienting new arrivals, and channeling community concerns and feedback to Second Life's Community Managers and developers.” “Bonus points for a second language, particularly German, Chinese, Spanish, Japanese, French, Korean or Italian.” Must have spent time in Second Life (http://secondlife.com/). (Editor’s Note: Second Life is a bit like a “frontier boom town” -- before the sheriffs arrived -- and is not for everyone. The “avatars” there -- animated figures who represent people -- engage in a rather wide range of behavior.) => Learn More: https://home.eease.com/recruit2/?id=22670 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ******************************* That’s this week’s issue, Dear Reader. Until next week’s issue, don’t forget to visit us for fresh job leads at http://www.ratracerebellion.com/job_postings.htm ! Rebelliously Yours, Michael -- Michael D. Haaren, Co-Founder & Editor-in-Chief Staffcentrix, LLC Email: mhaaren@staffcentrix.com Co-author of the bestseller on working from home as a Virtual Assistant, THE 2-SECOND COMMUTE, now available at Amazon.com or http://www.2secondcommute.com. See what else we’re up to on the Web, at http://www.WAHBoom.com (our new work-at-home site for Boomers), http://www.msvas.com (our Military Spouse Virtual Assistant community), and http://www.fse-entrepreneur.com (our Foreign Service spouse e-Entrepreneur community). ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ All contents copyright 2008 Staffcentrix, LLC, "The most trusted name in home-based careers."(TM, SM) All rights reserved.