~*~*~ THE RAT RACE REBELLION TELEWORK BULLETIN ~*~*~ Dear Reader, A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR This week’s issue brings our customary 20 hand-picked jobs and projects, plus a chance for major media exposure (moms only); news on the growing numbers of home-based agents (one of the few sectors with robust hiring, in the recession); a hiring note from Hilton Hotels; great books waiting for you at the library; and, like, way more! A note on next week’s Thanksgiving Bulletin: Chris and I, individually and as managers of the RRR staff, try to take our own advice about the importance of family time, so next week, as we celebrate Thanksgiving here in the US, the Bulletin will be a little lighter than usual. We’ll include the customary screened job leads and freebies, but the text side will be slenderized (the opposite of me after the meal). Enjoy, Good Luck, and Be Well. COS. SEEK AT-HOME AGENTS IN VARIOUS U.S. STATES -- REMEMBER WAYNE GRETZKY Virtual call centers are continuing to expand in various states as the “homeshoring” movement grows. If you live in the US and the recruiting hasn’t come to your state yet, but you’d like to be an agent, you might be proactive and hit companies with a “preemptive” application. Why? Remember hockey player Wayne Gretzsky’s famous recipe for success -- “Skate to where the puck is going to be.” When call centers announce hiring drives, the news spreads quickly around the Net, and we run the news here and at RRR.com as well. However, you can improve your chances even more by keeping two things in mind: -- The competition for legitimate home-based jobs is fierce, and with the recession, getting fiercer. -- If you wait until hiring drives are announced, your application may simply become one in a torrent. For ideas on companies, see our chart at http://www.ratracerebellion.com/CS_Comparison.html. For more context: -- NEW seeks 160 agents in Southern Illinois: http://www.wsiltv.com/p/news_details.php?newsID=6124&type=top -- Alpine Access seeks 1,000 agents in Okla.: http://tinyurl.com/55ovbf -- “Hundreds Line Up to Apply at Convergys” (North Carolina): http://tinyurl.com/6a6nvv HOME-BASED AGENTS IN U.S. GROWING 19% ANNUALLY, SAYS IDC Research firm IDC grabbed headlines in Jan. 2006 by predicting that US home-based call center agents would grow from 112,000 to over 300,000 by 2010. In an update released this week, IDC reports that, despite the recession, agent numbers are increasing by almost 19% annually. Of note was the following quote from IDC’s Stephen Lloynd, as reported at TMCnet.com (see link below). Lloynd specializes in homeshoring. "I am convinced that when it comes to outsourced customer care, by the time we emerge from a possibly severe global recession, homeshoring will have developed into a more formidable sibling to offshoring than many would have expected just a few years ago." Stay tuned for more, as the home-based agent model continues to grow in the US and (gradually) abroad. Links: -- The TMCnet.com article is at http://tinyurl.com/5tvbey. -- For IDC’s 2006 prediction on the growth of the agent base from 112,000 to 300,000+, see http://tinyurl.com/trzas. MEDIA SEARCH: IS THIS YOU? “TELEWORK LETS ME SPEND MORE TIME WITH MY KIDS” If you’re a mom who has found work through RRR, and working from home lets you spend significantly more time with your children (and you’d like to share your story with a major media outlet), shoot me a note with a few details at mhaaren@staffcentrix.com. The reporter is especially interested in hearing from moms who -- thanks to home-based work -- were able to take their child or children out of daycare and have them at home. RRR.COM SITE MAKEOVER -- YOUR IMPRESSIONS? As you may have noticed, we’re doing a makeover at RatRaceRebellion.com, to streamline the look and make things easier to find. Comments on the new look have been overwhelmingly positive, but a few folks have had trouble on their browsers with the site’s new colors. We hope you like our new face too, and haven’t had trouble seeing it. If you have any kudos, quips or castigations you’d like to share, please send them to yours truly at mhaaren@staffcentrix.com. RATLEY’S BELIEVE IT OR NOT -- COLLEGE COURSES ON CELL PHONES A friend of mine -- a fellow writer back in my Paris garrett days -- used to visit Spain whenever he had some extra money. On one trip, he and his girlfriend were rambling through mountain towns, and they came upon a small museum in an old man’s house. It was an art museum, with a twist. The owner, who by now was almost entirely blind, specialized in painting the artistic masterpieces of the world on the heads of pins. Visitors peered through a microscope to view the tiny chefs d’oeuvres. My friend shook his head at the enormity of it all. “You should have seen the Sistine Chapel. He said it took him 11 years! He even had Hieronymous Bosch’s ‘Garden of Earthly Delights.’ I got such a headache! Oy.” For more about college courses on cell phones, click here: http://tinyurl.com/5pteoa. RRR BOOK BAG -- “HIGHLY RECOMMENDED” When times are tight, there are few better oases than the library -- for guidance, learning, entertainment, inspiration, and maybe even some wisdom. And we might as well use it -- after all, we paid for it. Here are some of the books we’ve checked out lately, and why we bothered: -- “1,000 Dollars & An Idea,” by Sam Wyly. Wyly grew up poor (in money, rich in family) in Louisiana bayou country. In his seventies now, and a billionaire, he made his wealth creating Michaels Stores, Bonanza Steakhouse, and other well-known companies. Wyly conveys excellent values and lessons in telling his life story: the importance of family, focus, hard work and self-reliance, avoiding self-pity, and being true to your word. (Vegetarian readers, understandably, won’t care for his red-meat side. On the other hand, he’s an ardent “green” advocate now, and the environment needs all the help it can get.) -- The “SPQR” mystery series, by John Maddox Roberts. Set during the Roman Empire, with vivid and believable characterizations of such stalwarts as Cleopatra, Pompeii, Caesar and Cicero, these mysteries give you a classical education (well, enough of one for your next backyard barbeque) as they entertain and divert. Just listen to the captivating first line of SPQR IX, “The Princess and the Pirates”: “Let me say at the outset that Cleopatra was not beautiful.” Irresistible. (Bonus Tip -- Steven Saylor does an excellent job with similar material in his series starring a Roman detective named “Gordianus the Finder.” Two fasces up!) -- “Across Europe by Kangaroo,” by Joseph R. Barry. We haven’t read this one yet, but it sounds awfully promising. (For more bizarre and humorous books, see http://www.squidoo.com/bizarrebooks.) THIS JUST IN…HILTON EXPECTS TO HIRE AT-HOME AGENTS IN JANUARY For more, see the Wall Street Journal article cited in lead no. 1, below. FROM THE R3 MAILBAG -- QUESTIONS ABOUT WORKING FROM HOME, AND OTHER RAT RACE TOPICS DEAR R3: I made my fortune as an entrepreneur, but my 12-year-old son isn’t the least bit interested in working for himself. All he wants to do is play Wii games and eat dip. What should I do? R3: Enlist him in the Marine Corps. FRUGAL AND SIMPLE LIVING Voila this week’s freebos. If you see something you like, be sure to grab it fast, as free stuff goes quickly on the Web. (Fine print: I’m afraid we have no control over supplies, or when the vendors decide to halt their offers or fulfillment. US-only unless otherwise indicated.) Enjoy! -- Sign up for a free T-shirt (“not guaranteed,” but you can request as many as you’d like): http://www.gitchers.com/ Free sample FlushEze Pet Waste Bags (international): http://www.pethabitats.com/free-sample.html Free Microsoft Office Accounting Express 2009 download (US & UK versions): http://www.ideawins.com/Default.aspx Free sample Bertolli's Premium Sauce: http://www.condenet.com/promo/bertolli/sweeps/saucegiveaway/entry/long/ Free Ensure Shake: https://ensure.com/registration.aspx?s=sample Free Turtle Chex Mix Bar: http://freechexbar.bettycrocker.com/TurtleChexBar/Default.aspx Free New Fit Earbud: http://us.jawbone.com/fitearbud.aspx RAT RACE QUOTE OF THE WEEK “I can eat crow, but I don’t hanker after it.” -- The Editor’s late Aunt Sally, from Virginia’s Northern Neck 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. “Alpine Access Seeks 250 Agents Now, 1200 in Q1 2009” (US) ||||| According to its CEO, quoted in a Wall Street Journal interview this week, US-based Alpine Access seeks to hire 250 Agents in 2008, and “1200 in the first quarter of 2009.” Pays approx. $9 per hour. For the WSJ article, see http://tinyurl.com/5dzm7a. To apply at Alpine Access, see the link below. (Editor’s Note: The Journal article also mentions agent recruiting at Hilton Hotels in January 2009. For more on Hilton Hotel at-home agents generally, see http://tinyurl.com/5qyuef and http://hrccjobs.com/hiltonathome.htm.) => Learn More: http://www.alpineaccess.com/external/careers/become_an_agent.html <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 2. Opinionated Bloggers ||||| Blog-debate-dialogue site Dyalogues seeks Bloggers to create dialogues and debates with friends or other Bloggers. “We're looking for bloggers that have a non-commercial blog (blogs with PayPerPost, ReviewMe or similar sponsored posts will not be accepted), that can express themselves intelligently and insightfully online.” Pays $10 per completed dialogue. => Learn More: http://jobs.problogger.net/view/1847 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 3. Customer Support Manager (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| The Hive, a virtual organization of software developers and engineers, seeks a Customer Support Manager. “This individual will be responsible for the performance and operation of a major call center and will supervise our other call center operations. Duties include ensuring customer satisfaction in the support process, ensuring proper training of call center staff, managing call center and anti-fraud personnel and working closely with senior management.” Requirements include “[m]ultiple years experience managing large teams of 20 or more people.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5r6jhh <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 4. English and Bilingual Spanish Operators for “Third-Party Verification” ||||| US-based VoiceLog seeks Operators to verify the identity of parties in sales transactions. In-bound calls only. “Earn a guaranteed minimum $8.50 per hour for English only agents and $9.00 per hour for bi-lingual agents, with the benefits of flexible work hours and working from home! VoiceLog is looking for English, Spanish or bi-lingual independent contractor live operators with flexible hours.” Must have at least 1 year’s customer service experience, “inbound or outbound call center.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6moj2z <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 5. Personal Development Blogger ||||| Nethead seeks a Personal Development Blogger for 5-7 posts per week. “We are willing to pay around $180 to $250 per month.” => Learn More: http://jobs.problogger.net/view/1849 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 6. Freelance Line Editors for Harlequin (CAN; “greater Toronto area”) ||||| Harlequin, the romance publisher, seeks freelance Line Editors for manuscripts. Qualifications include at least 5 years’ trade publishing experience. => Learn More: http://www.jeffgaulin.com/jobs/JobDetails.asp?id=6081 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 7. Third-Party Verification Agents; Listening Competency in Spanish, Asian Languages ||||| US-based VoiceLog seeks TPV Agents with listening competency in “Korean, Vietnamese, Spanish, Cantonese, Mandarin, Tagalog, etc.” “As a Verification Agent, you will listen to recordings of sales calls to determine if the sale is valid or if there is evidence of sales fraud or undue customer confusion.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6moj2z <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ~*~*~*~*~*~*~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, click here. http://www.helium.com/?ad=680&placement=HAP002 ~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 8. Head Start Training and Technical Assistance T/TA Professionals (US; OK area) ||||| ICF International seeks full-time Head Start Professionals for American Indian and Alaska Native Head Start initiatives. “Will provide assistance by assessing the needs of the assigned Head Start grantees, working closely with the State-based TTA Services contractor, and the ACF Regional office.” Requires approx. 30% travel. “Master's Degree strongly preferred in Education, Child Development or related Social Sciences subject, Bachelor's Degree required.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/5ask9j <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 9. Instructional Designers (“Throughout the US”) ||||| “Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield…is seeking qualified [full-time] Instructional Designers for multiple locations throughout the United States.” “Requires a BA/BS degree in a related field; two years of training and development experience; seven years of experience in training, health insurance or business experience, quality and/or other related areas; and experience developing training materials for the business environment.” => Learn More: http://jobs.astd.org/jobdetail.cfm?job=3031939 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 10. Medical Transcriptionists and Editors (US; East Coast) ||||| US-based FutureNet Technologies seeks independent-contractor MTs and MEs. MTs should have at least 5 years’ acute-care experience. => Learn More: http://www.mtjobs.com/job_detail.cfm?RowID=16778 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 11. Freelance Writers and Reporters (“Anywhere”) ||||| US-oriented Front Page Magazine seeks freelance Writers and Reporters “to cover and provide commentary on national politics and foreign affairs.” => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=996646 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 12. Multiple Foreign Language TPV Verification Agents ||||| US-based VoiceLog seeks Multiple Foreign Language TPV Verification Agents. “As a Verification Agent, you will listen to recordings of sales calls to determine if the sale is valid or if there is evidence of sales fraud or undue customer confusion.” “Foreign languages [listening competency] needed: Arabic, Armenian, Bosnian, Cantonese, Chinese, Farsi, German, Indonesian, Korean, Mandarin, Persian, Polish, Somalia, Russian, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese and Yugoslavian.” => Learn More: http://tinyurl.com/6moj2z <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 13. Google Ads Quality Rater -- Spanish Language (US) ||||| Google continues to seek part-time Ads Quality Raters to evaluate search results. Requirements include “[i]n-depth, up-to-date familiarity with Spanish (Spain) culture and media and with the Spanish-language World Wide Web.” “You must be able to read and write English well enough to use software with an English interface, understand complicated instructions written in English, and make yourself understood in informal written communication.” => Learn More: http://www.google.com/support/jobs/bin/answer.py?answer=54175 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 14. Customer Service Representative for the BabyCenter (US; “Occasional meetings in SF, Cal.”) ||||| US-based BabyCenter, LLC, an online global network, is looking for a full-time CSR. “Responsibilities: * Become knowledgeable and keep current in all aspects of the BabyCenter site * Communicate with customers via email using our email management tool to provide exceptional service * Maintain BabyCenter's excellent customer service reputation” => Learn More: http://www.babycenter.com/about-jobindex-customerservice <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 15. Expert on Beadwork (“Work from anywhere”) ||||| Information supersite About.com, owned by the NY Times, seeks a part-time Expert (“Guide”) on Beadwork. “Ideally, we'd love to find someone who creates original patterns and projects, but is able to demonstrate/teach classic patterns and techniques as well. Preferably, this person will be a published author or have experience teaching this skill to others.” Pays a minimum of $725 monthly during the first two years, plus potential ad revenues based on the popularity of Guide pages. (Elsewhere, About.com has said that that Guides earn on average $1,000 per month. Ed.) => Learn More: http://beaguide.about.com/applynow.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 16. Graphic Designer (“US work authorization”) ||||| US-based The Creative Group seeks “a versatile, Graphic Designer with hands-on design experience with the Windows Mobile brand.” => Learn More: http://directemployers.jobcentral.com/rhii/04410-129127.html <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 17. Editing Interns for Sports Site (“Anywhere”; unpaid) ||||| Bleacher Report, an online sports network, seeks Editing Interns. “Flexible hours.” => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=995740 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 18. Taiwan Publisher seeks Writer for “Conference English” Book ||||| Taiwan-based publisher Cosmos Culture seeks a Writer for a book on “Conference English.” “Qualifications: 1. Able to write books in correct, fluent American English. 2. Experienced in ELT, or writing textbooks for English learners. 3. Master's Degree or above.” => Learn More: http://www.writerfind.com/freelance_jobs/job5060.htm <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 19. Assistant Health Editors (“Anywhere, USA”) ||||| OrganizedWisdom.com seeks Assistant Health Editors. “Our assistant health editors will have a regular beat and will contribute new content, as well as update existing content daily, working with a team of freelance writers. You'll generate new assignments based on news, popular demand, and search trends.” “Candidates should have at least two years of professional writing and editing experience, ideally covering health and wellness. Preference will be given to those with online journalism backgrounds and/or blogging experience.” => Learn More: http://www.mediabistro.com/joblistings/jobview.asp?joid=85806&page=1 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ||||| 20. Experienced Freelance Writers, “All Topics” ||||| Online magazine Suite 101 continues to seek freelance Writers on “all topics.” “Earn lifelong income off published articles.” => Learn More: http://www.journalismjobs.com/Job_Listing.cfm?JobID=913305 <= ~*~*~*~*~*~*~ ******************************* 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.