One I saw recently claimed that company would find all of your clients for you. You work 4-5 hours a day and make $5000/month.

Let's look at math: Assume you work 5 hours a day, Monday to Friday. That's 25 hours/week or 100 hours/month. At $5000/month, you're making a whopping $50/hour just to type!

This is not at all likely. The company could hire someone locally, pay her a monthly salary that's LESS than that, and have her work a full week.

5. IS MONEY THE ONLY REQUIREMENT OF THE JOB?

Above all, legitimate companies are looking for people who can get job done. They tell you what types of skills are required and what your responsibilities would be. Then they ask for your qualifications, a cover letter, a resume, and perhaps references.

Scammers, on other hand, ask for money. So long as you send them your money, you're instantly qualified!

6. "WORK AT HOME" IS SECONDARY TO THE JOB.

Once again, employers are looking for qualified employees or contractors. They're *not* looking for "telecommuters". However, one of job "perks" may be an option to work from home.

A headline that screams, "WORK AT HOME!" will attract every would-be telecommuter, from technical people to clerical staff to sales people and stay-at-home parents. It doesn't "pre-screen" applicants.

On other hand, legitimate job postings tend to list position title, such as PROGRAMMER/ANALYST or TELEMARKETER. This helps to "qualify" types of people who apply for job. The company's valuable time is then spent reviewing only potentially qualified applicants.

7. THE ONLY PERSON THAT CAN GUARANTEE A JOB IS THE EMPLOYER.

There are several websites offering access to databases of jobs (some free, some for a fee). These jobs are posted there by employers. Now, employer is looking for a specific type of person to fill position ... if website you've joined claims to be able to guarantee you a job - even though they're not ones doing hiring! - then it's time to look elsewhere.

Please remember that these tips apply to work at home jobs or opportunities. They *don't* necessarily apply to building of a home business! Home businesses are something else altogether, and may require you to invest at least a little money up-front. But that's another topic for another time.

Legitimate work-at-home jobs really are out there! Just be cautious when considering any telecommuting position. Don't assume everything you come across is legitimate -- and don't automatically assume it's a scam, either. Be open to new possibilities and do your research. Happy hunting!

The much-touted 'freedom' of working from home is balanced by responsibilities. Many home workers have found that establishing a routine helps to keep them on track. That means:

= Get dressed when you get up - working in your pajamas can make you feel "too" relaxed and unmotivated.

= Set 'regular' office hours. Start working at same time every day -- and STOP working at same time too. Home workers often fall into habit of working all time, since "office" is only a few steps away!

= Develop established work routines. For example, you may decide to do tedious administrative tasks every Friday afternoon. Routines help you to accomplishment work that you may otherwise be tempted to put off.

= Create self-imposed deadlines - and stick to them. Even if you work for yourself, establishing deadlines helps to keep you on track and continuously working to achieve your goals.

These are just a few things to consider before looking for at-home work. Only you can decide if it's right for you.