~*~*~ THE RAT RACE REBELLION TELEWORK BULLETIN ~*~*~ Dear Reader, A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR Today’s Bulletin brings you some of our fave tips for finding legitimate home-based work; yet another recruiting announcement -- along with a “virtual open house” -- from US call center VIPdesk; some guidance on what merchandisers do and how to find jobs in this niche; and a cool new spot for teleworkers in California that sounds like just the thing. Hand-picked jobs, projects and freebies complete the setting, so come join us at the table and dig in! Enjoy, Good Luck, and Be Well! TIPS FOR FINDING HOME-BASED WORK ONLINE Our research indicates a 48-to-1 scam ratio among work-from-home job ads on the internet, so it pays to keep your jobhunting skills sharp. Here are some quick tips for finding legitimate home-based jobs and freelance projects online. 1. Search for job openings at the sites of telework-friendly companies. We’ve put together a starter list at http://www.ratracerebellion.com/telework.htm#Companies_With_Great_Telework_Programs 2. Search industry-specific job boards using telework-oriented keywords. For example, keywords like "telecommute," "telecommuting,” "freelance," "virtual," "off-site," "remote," and "anywhere" can help separate the home-based jobs from the traditional brick-and-mortar positions. Some industry-specific job boards include: -- Dice.com (tech jobs) -- ComputerJobs.com -- JournalismJobs.com -- CreativeHotList.com (graphic design, marketing, music, photography, etc.) -- Idealist.org (non-profit jobs) -- LawJobs.com 3. Visit the forums (online discussions) at work-at-home websites like WAHM.com and WorkPlaceLikeHome.com. Participants often post leads they've found in their own searches for home-based positions. They also share feedback about their experiences with various hirers, so you can better assess a job or employer you might be considering. 4. Visit work-at-home jobs websites. (Keep in mind that many sites do not screen their leads, however, and some sites will charge a fee.) Though we can’t vouch for the leads on other websites, there are many to choose from, including workaholics4hire.com and Craigslist. (For tips on searching for jobs on Craigslist, see our article on our site for work-at-boomers, at http://www.wahboom.com/article-craigslist.html .) 5. Use "good" search terms in your favorite search engine. It may sound counterintuitive, but "work from home" is not a good phrase to use when searching for legitimate home-based work. It turns up far too many scams. Instead, use search phrases that mirror the phrases typically used by the HR professionals and others who write these ads. For example (and always use quotes when you’re searching for phrases): -- "this is a telecommuting position" -- "this is a freelance position" -- "will have the option to work from home" -- "this is a work from home position" You'll find a list of 60 of our favorite search terms posted here: http://www.ratracerebellion.com/google_search.html 6. Consider freelancing (“independent contractor” vs. employee). For some people, the freelancer’s project-to-project approach works well, and may be easier -- depending on your specialty and credentials -- than finding a conventional full-time telework job. Also, for those with an entrepreneurial itch (but not the entrepreneurial compulsion), freelancing is often preferable to ramping up a full-blown home-based business. (If you do go the freelancing route, however, solid marketing skills are a must!) For the freelancing option, to supplement your own marketing efforts, register for project leads at Guru.com and Elance.com. These "project bidding" sites can be an excellent source of work for freelancers. SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR CLEAR CHANNEL RADIO SPONSORS IN NORFOLK, VA Chris and I wanted to give a special shout-out to Clear Channel Communications’ Norfolk cluster for sponsoring our Sept. 20 telework jobfinding workshop there. We’re especially happy to be opening the workshop (restricted to the US State Dept. and other clients before) where there are so many military folks. (They receive a 15% discount.) If you’d like to put some tunes on, you’ll find them playing at -- http://www.1053kiss.com/main.html (WKUS; urban, R&B) -- http://www.cool921.com/main.html (WCDG; oldies) -- http://wjcd.com/main.html (WJCD; smooth jazz) -- http://www.103jamz.com/main.html (WOWI, urban / hip hop) For more on the workshop, see http://www.workathomehamptonroads.com/ . U.S. CALL CENTER VIPDESK “SEEKING 1,000 AGENTS,” WILL HOLD OPEN HOUSES ONLINE FOR PROSPECTIVE AGENTS US-based VIPdesk, which hires home-based customer service agents (“Brand Ambassadors”), recently announced a recruiting drive for 1,000 agents. The firm is also holding a series of “virtual open houses” (webinars) for prospective applicants. According to the company’s website, the webinars are scheduled for the following dates: -- Aug. 20, 2PM US Eastern -- Sept. 16, 2PM US Eastern -- Oct. 16, 2PM US Eastern For details on the webinars, see http://www.vipdesk.com/info/news_pressreleases_20080804.asp For details on the open positions, see lead no. 1, below. MAKING “HOME-BASED WORK” WORK Chris, who’s been working from home since she was originally brought home in a blanket from the delivery room, contributed these tips on how to make a home-based set-up more effective -- and enjoyable. 1. Do what you can to separate your "work space" from your living space. Ideally, your office will be in a separate room, but if this isn’t possible, you can still create tangible boundaries for your work space. For example, placing an inexpensive room-divider screen on the "border" of your work space will remind others in the house that you're working, and can help block out visual distractions, too (for example, that middle-schooler on a pogo stick). 2. Child care -- Hire a distraction for your distracters! Though many people work from home primarily to be with their children and not have them raised by third party caregivers, hiring a sitter for even a few hours a week may be just what you need to back big projects into a corner uninterruptedly. Some alternatives to the usual babysitting arrangements might include: -- Arranging "kid swap" days with a neighbor who also works from home (or would just like a few child-free hours each week). "I'll take yours from 10AM - 2PM on Monday, if you take mine from 10-2 on Thursday!” -- Work when the children are napping or tucked into bed at night. -- Have your spouse or partner take over "kid patrol" for a couple of hours (if not more) 2-3 days a week. Note: Be sure to use this time wisely -- Spend it on those projects you simply cannot work on while the kids are around. 3. Get dressed. (Bunny slippers have a way of “bunnying” your brain!) In informal polls of the 4,000+ people we've trained to work from home, 89% indicate that while the idea of working in their pajamas sounds appealing, they are far more effective if they get dressed - even if "getting dressed" means putting on their "good" sweats! 4. Avoid family antagonism toward your work or business with a firm schedule. Family members may sometimes feel they have to “compete” with your work or business for your time and attention. They’ll be more accepting -- and will find it easier to resist distracting you -- if they know that "their turn" with you is coming at a certain time. Certainly, there will be days when it's not possible to stop at a fixed hour, but if you hit your marks the majority of the time, your family will be more apt to give you your “space” when you're working. 5. Set goals and rewards for yourself. A self-promise of a walk, a television break, a movie, or other small reward can work wonders for keeping you on track when distractions arise. 6. Don't forget to take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself! Eat well, exercise, breathe deeply (we forget this when slumped over keyboards), and try to find time to relax. At a time when so few people have health insurance, the importance of tending to the physical side can’t be overstated. What’s more, if you have children, they’re taking cues from you, so try to be as happy and healthy as you'd like them to be! 7. Plan or panic! Murphy's Law is alive and kicking, so it's always better to prepare for the probability that something small or bigger will go wrong. When working from home, have a backup ISP, a backup hard drive, a backup power source, a backup plan! 8. Have a "to do" list. Start each day with a prioritized list of things you must do, and be sure to focus on the most important items during your most productive time of day. When appropriate, assign a deadline to projects as well! 9. Train friends and family to understand that you are home, but you are WORKING. The people you love the most can be your biggest distracters when you're working from home. Suddenly, conversations start with, "Since you're home, I was wondering if you could..." To avoid or minimize this, -- Let friends and neighbors know what your working hours are, and when you'll be available to spend time with them. Find appropriate ways to remind them regularly. -- Always refer to what you do at home in a professional way. -- Set up a business-only instant messenger account, and shut down the private account during the day. TELEWORKER CO-WORKPLACE “CUBES & CRAYONS” GETS THE MIX We were delighted to discover recently a co-working facility (where home-based workers can go to de-isolate themselves, get stuff done, and make new friends) named “Cubes & Crayons,” which combines a co-working environment with child care. (Eureka!) Located in Menlo Park, Cal., and online at http://www.cubesandcrayons.com/ , this seems just the sort of innovation the telework movement could really use. (It wouldn’t fit the budget of all home-based workers, to be sure, but then again, unfortunately, neither does conventional child care.) Thanks to Jim Ware’s blog at The Future of Work -- a great place to find virtual-workplace news, at http://www.thefutureofwork.net/blog/ -- for the cue. FROM THE R3 MAILBAG -- QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING FROM HOME, AND OTHER RAT RACE TOPICS DEAR R3: As much as I don't like working in a so-called "traditional" environment, I also have to admit I prefer to have people around when I work. I've been hearing about “merchandising,” and I wonder if you can tell me anything about it, and where the jobs would be listed. R3: Merchandising could be ideal for you, since it would allow you to work from a home base, while working around people (in stores) as well. Merchandisers’ duties vary depending on the vendor and the location, but typically involve going to stores and setting up promotional displays or signage, arranging shelves or hangers, setting out coupons and brochures, counting inventory, changing prices, etc. Essentially, you are responsible for being a liaison for the company -- building a good relationship with the merchants who carry their products, and making sure the buyer experience is positive. Among the companies that hire merchandisers are American Greetings, Procter & Gamble, Verizon, and Hallmark. A great place to learn more about merchandising and to find job listings, too, is NARMS (National Association for Retail Marketing Services), at http://www.narms.com/ . Click on their "JobBank" for openings. FRUGAL AND SIMPLE LIVING Without preamble, except this one, here are this week’s freebos, courtesy of our swag-bedizened Research Team! Items are US-only (alas) unless otherwise indicated. And please grab quickly if you see something you like -- Freebies are popular on the Net! Enjoy! -- Free Harlequin novels (in exchange for reader input; appears to be international): https://www.tellharlequin.com/ -- Tide coupon for $1 off: https://tidetotalcare.safeprocessing.com/?utm_source=identitysite -- Free Pedia-Pop oral electrolyte mix: http://www.pediapop.com/signup.html -- Free “Reward Universe” tees and caps (appears to be international): http://rewarduniverse.nfshost.com/Free/ -- Free Sundance organic tea: http://www.sundanceorganic.com/get_free_stuff/ -- Free Head & Shoulders products: https://pgpromotions.archway.com/headandshoulders_leverage/ RAT RACE QUOTE OF THE WEEK “To live is so startling it leaves little time for anything else.” -- Emily Dickinson 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. VIPdesk Announces Hiring Drive for 1,000 Agents (US) ||||| US-based virtual call center VIPdesk has announced a recruiting drive for 1,000 customer service agents (“Brand Ambassadors”). Agents, who are independent contractors rather than employees, will service the following clients: -- National Referral Service Company -- Online Outdoor Lifestyle Catalog Retailer -- Online Luxury Retailer -- Online Children’s Retailer Credit and background checks required. For more, see http://tinyurl.com/5qlqdb . To apply, see the link below. => Learn More: http://vipdesk.com/connectrecruiting <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 2. Medical Transcriptionists (US) ||||| US-based eTransPlus seeks full-time MTs (employees) with at least 2 years’ acute-care experience. Includes benefits, $500 sign-on bonus, and partial reimbursement for high-speed Internet. => Learn More: http://www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=16154 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 3. Linguist ||||| Canada-based consulting and placement firm Cenera is advertising for a Linguist. “Through the professional application of your skills and knowledge, you will develop information structures and formal algorithms for automatic language processing.” Requirements include (quoting): - A Graduate Degree (MA or PhD) in Linguistics; - 1-2 years of relevant experience; - Knowledge of Computational Linguistics, Corpus Linguistics, Lexicography or Morphology => Learn More: http://linguistlist.org/jobs/get-jobs.cfm?JobID=57321&SubID=185809 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 4. Quality Rater - French, for Lionbridge (US; “Seattle, Wa., area”) ||||| International firm Lionbridge Technologies, which provides translation, localization, and related services, is looking for a Quality Rater - French, with native fluency in English and French. “This project is a platform that supports online advertising products. This task is to help train algorithms for the platform.” Must know the Web and have “2-3 years experience working in documentation, editing, writing with Web-based ad content.” => Learn More: http://kirotv.usa.oodle.com/view/Quality-Rater---French/979566067/seattle/ <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 5. Freelance Copywriter ||||| LegalZoom.com seeks a freelance Copywriter with a Bachelor’s in a relevant field and at least 5 years’ experience. => Learn More: http://jobview.monster.com/GetJob.aspx?JobID=74376028 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 6. Business & Technology Bloggers (“Blogging experience not required”) ||||| Imediarecruiters.com is advertising for freelance Business and Technology Bloggers. “As a contributing blogger, you will be writing frequent posts which provide insights and valuable information to our business and technology focused readers. In addition you'll be required to actively participate in the forum and respond to comments as well as promoting your articles.” Must have strong command of English, but blogging experience not required. => Learn More: http://jobs.problogger.net/view/1539 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 7. Freelance Filmmakers and Videographers for Made-for-Internet Videos (“Anywhere”) ||||| Demand Studios seeks Filmmakers and Videographers for videos on various topics. “On average, filmmakers make $300 - $600 per assignment. Once you are part of the program, there is no limit on the number of assignments you can complete.” => Learn More: http://www.mandy.com/1/jobs3.cfm?v=29216749 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~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/?ad=680&placement=HAP002 ~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 8. Vietnamese-English Interpreters, Entry-Level and Advanced (US work eligibility) ||||| US-based Language Line Services is advertising for full- and part-time Vietnamese-English Interpreters. Various schedules available. “No experience necessary… We pay for the New Hire Orientation/Training.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6d2ceb <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 9. Expert on Travel in Germany (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| Information supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, seeks a part-time Expert (“Guide”) on travel in Germany. “The top candidates will either live or have lived in Germany, or visit regularly enough to be considered an expert. Published travel clips are a major plus, and we encourage all applicants to browse our Travel section to gain a general sense of what constitutes a successful GuideSite.” Pays a minimum of $725 monthly for the first two years, plus potential earnings based upon traffic to the pages. => Learn More: http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 10. Copywriter / Medical Writer for Eye-Disease Theme ||||| US-based nonprofit Lighthouse International, helping people with vision loss, seeks a Copywriter / Medical Writer “to overhaul the eye disease content currently housed on our website, www.Lighthouse.org.” “The ideal candidate should have at least five years of medical writing experience as well as expertise and experience in the vision field.” => Learn More: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/303149-155 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 11. Freelance Writers, Curators, and Columnists (“Experience not required”) ||||| A “new online personal tech publication” seeks freelance Writers, Curators and Columnists. “Experience not required, but would be a plus.” (“A curator's primary task is to mold product pages from many separate data points, into a profile that describes a product, company, or tech industry term, both accurately and informatively. Curators oversee specific pages and continually build them out – managing promotion of specific stories to our homepage and other category landing pages.”) => Learn More: http://jobs.problogger.net/view/1538 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 12. Writers, Poets, Lyricists, Playwrights ||||| US-based Thirteen Pocket Productions, a performance company, is looking for new works by Writers, Poets, Lyricists and Playwrights. “Payment negotiable.” (“$20 submission fee for plays.”) => Learn More: http://www.writerfind.com/freelance_jobs/job5027.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 13. Korean-English Interpreters, Entry Level and Advanced (US work eligibility) ||||| US-based Language Line Services is advertising for full- and part-time Korean-English Interpreters. Various schedules available. “No experience necessary… We pay for the New Hire Orientation/Training.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6zvjjt <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 14. *Outbound Sales Reps for Dish International (“Salary + Commission”) ||||| US-based satellite TV provider Dish International seeks Outbound Sales Reps. Requirements include: “Good Verbal English. Experience in outbound sales. Good internet connection. Good working PC and headset. Ability to communicate via YM and email” *(Editor’s Note: We occasionally, albeit rarely, include home-based sales positions for our readers seeking sales opportunities.) => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5knphc <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 15. Math Calculus eCourse Developers (“Anywhere”) ||||| US-based learning provider Rapid Learning, Inc., seeks “current math teachers and professors to help us develop a number of calculus online courses on both contents and narration (AP Calculus AB/BC, College Calculus, Calculus 1-3).” “Must have teaching experiences at AP Calculus or College level for minimum of one-year.” Salary “12,000.00 to 15,000.00 USD Per Course… Training provided as needed.” => Learn More: http://www.higheredjobs.com/search/details.cfm?JobCode=175327156 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 16. Web Producer for Nonprofit ||||| US-based nonprofit Curriki.org, involved in the open-source curricula/content field, seeks a part-time Web Producer with at least 3 years’ experience. ‘This freelance role works with people in every discipline within the organization, from editorial management and contractors, to researchers, marketing consultants, graphic artists, software engineers, and QA analysts.” => Learn More: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/303561-160 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 17. Video Game Bloggers ||||| Multiplayergames.com seeks Video Game Bloggers. “Requirements: 1. You love video games 2. You are an excellent writer 3. You can navigate your way around Wordpress” => Learn More: http://performancing.com/blogger-jobs/gaming-bloggers-wanted <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 18. Co-Founder / Co-Executive for Startup (US) ||||| US-based Federal Finance Corps, a nonprofit startup focused on bringing financial services to low- and moderate-income individuals, seeks an experienced Co-Founder / Co-Executive to help get the organization up and funded. “Applicants must have at least one master-level degree and at least 4 years of leadership/executive experience; or at least 8 years of significant leadership/executive experience.” “While salary will be negotiable and commensurate with your education and experience, you will, effectively, be pitching large foundations for your salary.” => Learn More: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/301108-309 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 19. Google Ad Quality Raters - Hebrew Language (US or CAN) ||||| Google continues to advertise for temporary Ad Quality Raters - Hebrew, “FLUENT SPEAKERS who are also in touch with the culture of their language.” Must also have a Bachelor’s or equivalent, and high-speed Internet. => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6oooj5 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 20. Online Psychology and Sociology Instructors for Kaplan University ||||| US-based Kaplan University, owned by the Washington Post, seeks part-time Psychology and Sociology Instructors. “Qualified candidates must possess: Minimum of a master's degree in Psychology or Sociology Minimum of one year experience teaching online at the college or university level” => Learn More: http://www.higheredjobs.com/search/details.cfm?JobCode=175328679 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ******************************* 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.