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The Homebody: Top 3 Jobs You Can Do From Home

By Clare Kaufman
Learning & Life Columnist
January 12, 2007

Resolve to liberate yourself from the office this year by pursuing a career with more autonomy. You may be more productive on your own, or appreciate more time at home with the kids. Here are three careers that allow you to choose the environment that works best for you.

Writing. As a writer, you'll need a computer, an Internet connection, and a phone. Where you set up these communication tools is up to you. Writers often work from home, conducting research, conferring with interviewees and editors, and composing the finished product. A writer's independence extends beyond work environment; writers also determine their own hours, assignments, and specialty areas. Education determines your career direction, but it's a good idea to pursue a bachelor's degree in a communications field: writing, English, or journalism. Technical writers, who can earn significantly more, benefit from technical coursework.

Computer Programming. Techies can find the same independence in a different sort of writing career: computer programming. Computer coding takes intense concentration and solitary labor, and many programmers prefer to work from home as consultants.

Educational requirements can be rigorous, but so are the financial rewards. Computer programmers must master a variety of programming languages, and often complete university-level coursework in computer science and systems architecture as well.

In return, experienced computer programmers command six-figure salaries and enjoy intense demand for their job skills.

Child Care. Besides the obvious attraction of a career in child care--spending time with children--child care workers enjoy a range of pleasant work environments. Parks, daycare play centers, and private homes are typical settings for this job.

Some daycare centers require a bachelor's degree in early childhood education. In any case, it pays to take courses in first aid, childhood development, and nutrition.

The office is not the only site for career success. Telecommuting has introduced a new generation of pajama professionals. And active, flexible careers like these provide opportunities for those who can't spend one more minute in the industrial park.

Sources

• The Princeton Review, "Career Profile: Writer"
• The Princeton Review, "Career Profile: Computer Operator/Programmer"
• Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Child Care Workers"
• CareerOverview.com, "Computer Programming"

About the Author
Clare Kaufman is a freelance writer who covers education and career-related topics. She has a graduate degree in English.

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