Real Work-at-Home Jobs: 12 Companies That Hire Customer Service Reps
Got great customer service skills? Well, turn it into a perfect work-at-home opportunity. Many top-brand companies are looking for work-at-home customer service reps to take inbound calls. You could be next!
Real Work-at-Home Jobs: But who are these companies?
Whether 1-800 Flowers or Walgreens—these top brand companies need home-based workers to work as customer service reps. These well-known brands outsource their customer service calls to companies that hire U.S.-based agents. Why not you?
Real Work-at-Home Jobs: What are the qualifications?
Got a great telephone voice? Well, that will get you started, but you’ll need much more, especially strong customer service skills. You’ll also need high-speed Internet access, a computer, a landline, and a quiet place to work—all of which you pay for on your own, as there is no reimbursement for these expenses.
Real Work-at-Home Jobs: How much does it pay?
Hourly rates range from an average of $8 and $15 an hour, depending on your experience, call volume and accounts. You must be able to work a minimum of 15 to 20 hours per week; however, some are able to work full-time. Some can even work overtime. Again, that depends on the company. With flexible scheduling, you’re able to work around your life, not the other way around. Plus, you can pick an account fits your background and interests.
So, where can you find real work-at-home customer service jobs? Here is a list of companies that hire home-based workers:
www.alpineaccess.com
www.liveops.com
www.workingsol.com
www.arise.com
www.customloyal.com
www.convergysworkathome.com
www.intrep.comwww.vipdesk.com
www.acddirect.com
www.westathome.com
www.hirepoint.com
www.telereach.com
Want other work-at-home ideas? Here’s are three books that you might find useful:
How to Start a Wedding Planning Business>
How to Start a Home-Based Gift Basket Business, 4th (Home-Based Business Series)
Side Hustle of the Week: Make Extra Cash with Medical Transcription
Want to significantly improve the quality of life for you and your child(ren)? The single best way to change your quality of life is to increase your earning power—and that means getting new skills.
As a single mother, college is not always an option. Before I was pregnant with my son, I received an A.A. degree in Criminal Justice; however, after my son was born, I decided that the criminal justice field was not for me. But because I was a single mother of a new baby with medical problems, I didn’t have the time, money or support system to attend a traditional college.
What was I to do?
First, I did some research to find a single-mother friendly career and training program that I would enjoy and, more importantly, one that fit my tight financial situation. Because I had worked in a doctor’s office, I decided on medical transcription. I then enrolled in medical transcription training through a distance learning program, which, at the time, turned out to be the best educational decision I could have made.
What does a medical transcriptionsit do, anyway? A medical transcriptionist listens to a physician-dictated recording of a patient’s medical visit or surgery and translates it into a written medical document for the patient’s record. Listen to an ESL doctor dictate.
Why? Well, many distance learning programs are more affordable than traditional vocational programs. And, because they are so affordable, no student loans are necessary. For example, at the time, my medical transcription training program was less than $20 bucks a month–that was a long time ago, however:-) Additionally, my medical transcription distance learning program fit my single-mother lifestyle perfectly–no need to pay a baby sitter, since I could study from the comfort of my own home. Plus, I could study when time allowed–mostly when my son was asleep. That way, I could spend time with my son without compromising my studies.
After completing the program, I successfully worked 13 years as a Medical Transcriptionist in both work-at-home and in-office settings. But the work-at-home benefits are many: I earned a great living (including benefits)—all from the comfort of my home, and I didn’t have to worry about baby sitters or transportation issues.
The bad about medical transcription?
Well, when I started out in medical transcription, there was no Internet. Yeah, imagine that! Now, however, with the proliferation of the Internet, there is much more competition than the neighborhood transcriptionist. Now, your competition is global. With that competition comes competition in pay–some notoriously low. However, it is still realistic to make $14-20/hour working from home, depending on your experience and skills (typing speed being the most significant). I know because I did, with my most recent stint (6 years ago) at an insurance company making $20/hour on temporary contract.
With that said, I don’t want you to go into something blindly. Read some medical transcription forums to get a sense of what the industry is like now. These are two of the most popular: www.mtdaily.com and www.mtdesk.com.
Still interested in medical transcription? Here are some distance learning programs. Look for a program like Career Step, which is affordable and highly respected with medical transcription companies–companies that are your future employers; however, here is a list of approved medical transcription training programs from the Association of Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI). Also check out the AHDI site for more information on medical transcription as a career.
Remember, some programs are less expensive than others—but don’t sacrifice quality, if you can. The quality of the program you choose will impact how well you do in your career.
Here are some additional medical transcription resources:
Medical Transcription Guide: Do’s and Don’ts
Medical Transcriptionist’s Desk Reference
The AAMT Book of Style and Medical Transcription
Start Your Own Medical Transcription Business
Essentials of Medical Transcription: A Modular Approach
Advance Medical Transcription with CD-Rom: A Modular Approach
Single Mom Dating: Teenagers On Board
Admittedly, I’ve made many mistakes while dating as single mother. Most of them, however, were to protect my son. What do I mean by that? Well, in my last relationship, for example, I waited approximately eight months before introducing him to my son; that relationship lasted almost five years. Another time, I waited a year before introducing him to my son; that relationship lasted a year and some change. Needless to say, though I took precautions to ensure that these men were worthy of meeting my son, the relationships didn’t last anyway.
This time, however, I took a different approach.
Doing what I normally do, I decided not to introduce my son to my boyfriend, especially because now he’s a teenager and understands more about relationships than he did when he was younger. Well, that didn’t sit well with my son–and, it was something that I didn’t even consider. When he realized that I was talking to gentleman on the phone and thought that it might be getting serious, he asked to participate in the dating process–wow! His exact words, “Are going to wait eight months to tell me about him?”
Sometimes, as single mothers, we think we’re doing the right thing–and, we could be totally wrong. I guess, in this case, I was totally wrong. My son wanted to participate in the relationship–on some level. He wanted to feel included and valued. And, because he’s a teenager, starting to enter the dating scene himself, he also wanted to see how I, as his mother, approached dating.
This was definitely a teaching moment– for us both.
Things I’ve learned:
1) You can’t protect your children from every hurt–especially when other people are involved.
While I still believe that every man that walks into a woman’s life is not worthy of meeting the child(ren), I now believe that it’s not that cut and dry. It actually depends a lot on the child and his/her age and the circumstance. If you’ve made every effort to ensure that the man in your life is a good fit for you and your child(ren), then you’ve done your job. Don’t blame yourself if the relationship ends up not working out, after you introduce him to your child. After all, you can only control you, not the other person. Do watch how you react to the breakup, however, because your child will learn how to deal with relationships and breakups from watching you. Be honest and keep it moving.
2) Honesty is the best policy. Open communications goes a long way.
Letting my son participate in the relationship – on some levels – and allowing him to see how a healthy, loving relationship evolves by being open and honest with him has helped him as he tries to navigate the high school dating scene. For instance, I let my son know early in the relationship that my boyfriend and I (we’re both Christians) had decided not to have pre-marital sex. At first, he was like, “I don’t want to hear that.” Now, however, he sees how my BF treats me, and how I positively love, respect and adore him for it, and he’s got a respect for my BF that he’s never had for the other men I have dated. In fact, he likes a girl and said he wants to treat her like my boyfriend treats me, including–and especially–the not having sex part. Yes, being open and honest can be a very good thing, as you can see.
3) Giving equal time to everyone involved.
When the relationship is new, it’s easy to get caught up in the newness of it all and lose sight of what’s most important–your child(ren). Remember to spend just as much time with your child(ren) pre-relationship as you do now that you’re in one. If not, your child will definitely feel the difference and it could result in misplaced feelings of resentment and jealousy that could negatively impact the relationship. My son started displaying some signs of jealousy, so I discussed it with him and got down to the bottom of it: he felt like I wasn’t spending the same amount of time that I was before I was dating. Now, I make sure that we have our own bonding time, whenever he needs it.
4) Establish the rules upfront
Both the child(ren) and the man in your life need to know what to expect out of this relationship. Your child(ren) need to now exactly how much time you will spend with him and how that will impact their day-to-day lives. Your man will need to understand how he fits into the equation and that your child(ren) come first. In my case, my bf is also a single father–and a loving, nurturing one at that. Therefore, we established early on that the kids come first. If one of our children need time, we put them first. Period. This has really helped our relationship and our relationship with our kids. I also think it helps the children see that they are most important in our lives.
I hope you find these tips useful. If you have some additional insights, I would love to hear from you.
Peace, love and blessings,
Ms. No Single Mama Drama
askme@nosinglemamadrama.com
What Kind of Single Mama Drama Do You Deal With Most Often?
(polls)
Make Extra Money: Side Hustle of the Week – Virtual Assistant
If you’re a single mother looking for a way to make some extra cash to make ends meet, look no further my new column, “Side Hustle of the Week.” Don’t know what a “Side Hustle” is?
Read my previous Side Hustle posts:
Side Hustles: Make Extra Cash – Part I
Side Hustles: Make Extra Cash – Part II
Side Hustles: Make Exra Cash - Part III
Because Side Hustles are part-time, self-employment gigs that you can work from the comfort of your home and can start with little or no money, I’ve selected the perfect starter Side Hustle.
Side Hustle of the Week: Virtual Assistant
Businesses–small and large–are cutting costs to increase profit margins. Virtual Assistants are cost-effective solutions to hiring full-time employees to get routine, yet highly valued, tasks done professionally. For instance, if you can type, have bookkeeping skills, can perform data entry, or are good at MS Excel, you could be earning a significant amount of cash as virtual assistant–all from the comfort of your home!
If you don’t know what a virtual assist does go to the International Virtual Assistants Association Web site to learn more. Also, check out the book: “Virtual Assistant, The Series: Become a Highly Successful, Sought After VA.
Watch a super informative video how to become a virtual assistant.
What you need to succeed as a virtual assistant:
1) Interpersonal Skills:
To be a successful virtual assistant, you must have top-notch interpersonal skills. That is, the ability to communicate effectively, including speaking and, especially, listening skills. For instance, keeping your clients abreast of the status of their project’s status and letting them know of any bumps in the road – ahead of time – and how you’re trying to solve the issue, can make all the difference in the world. After all, the most important things you can have as you build a relationship with each of your clients is trust and accountability–and that’s starts with great communication.
3) Marketing Skills
Without customer/clients–you’re not in business, which means you are going to have to market your virutal assistance business. There are many low-cost methods, including flyers, business cards, etc. Check out Club Flyers.com, as they offer some phenomenal deals. Also, check out The Virtual Assistance Guide to Marketing (2nd Ed.)
4) Project-Management Skills
As a virtual assistant, you are going to have to manage several project at a time–that’s why its imperative that you are organized. Find a system that works for you. Use whatever tools you can to help you manage your projects effectively. If you have Microsoft Outlook, you have everything you need: calendar, to-do-lists (tasks), and contact management, etc.
5) Time-Management Skills
Your reputation as a virtual assistant –and your money– will depend on your ability to get deliverables to your client, when promised. Miss a few deadlines and your reputation is in the toilet. Quick tip: Always give yourself some wiggle room; that way, if something comes up that may compromise your deadline, you have a built-in cushion–and your client won’t be affected. In fact, you may be able to turn projects in early, earning a stellar reputation for having fast turnaround times.
1) From Suits to Sweats: How to Work at Home as a Virtual Assistant
2) Virtually Sucessful: 8 Simple Ways for Virtual Assistants to Find and Keep Clients
3) VA Secrets Revealed! An Insiders Guide to Being a Successful Virtual Assistant.
Until next week,
Peace, love and blessings
After being in a five-year relationship and taking a well-deserved break, I’m contemplating re-entering the dating scene.
Part of me says yes–the hopeless romantic part, the one that thinks with the heart. The other part of me, however, says heck naw! That would be the more logical part, the part that thinks with the head. The part that always wins. Well, not always, but for the sake of argument, play along. You promised, remember?
At this point, I’m not dating material. Or, girlfriend material. Not wifey material, either. So, I’ve deemed myself undatable. (Undatable is not officially a word, unless you’re officially…well, undatable…and I am, so it is…lol).
Now there’s nothing terribly wrong with me. No, I’m not perfect. Yes, I have my quirks. Everyone does, even if they don’t admit to them. I do. Actually, I have a thing about admitting my imperfections. I kind of get off on it, actually. I’m weird like that.
But why am I so undatable?
(1) I hate the dating scene. I’d much rather have a c-section without anesthesia than go out on date with different man every Saturday night. And, I hate all the pre-date drama that goes along with it. The planning. The gussying up. The being “on” of it all. And, especially, the hiding the date from my teen-aged son. I hate lying to him. I much prefer when the relationship gets to feel like your favorite pair of worn-out sneakers–that’s when it’s good and comfortable. That’s what I want, but I can’t get there without dating and since I’m not ready, I’m undatable.
(2) I kind of like the single life. I love being in a relationship; don’t get me wrong. But I’ve earned the right to be self-fish and just do me. Plus, I’m kind of enjoying getting re-acquainted with the person I unintentionally lost in my last relationship. She’s kind of interesting and pretty cool. I’d forgotten just how much, so I’m undatable.
(3) Dating requires compromise, I’m not ready to do that yet, so I’m undatable. Right now, if I don’t feel like watching a violent action flick or I don’t want to make my bed up, it’s not affecting anyone else but me. And, if I meet a so-called “good man” that’s 40 and financially insecure with an less than stellar work history, he doesn’t even register on the old date-o-meter. So, because I’ve rediscovered my pickiness (I know, I know…I can’t help it) and refuse to lower my standards or compromise, I’m undatable.
Plus, there’s a really gratifying sense of freedom in singlehood–even single motherhood, especially in single motherhood.
Being undatable is not a bad thing. No ma’am it’s not. Actually, it can be the very best thing in the world for you, your child and your future mate. After being a relationship of any significance, it’s always best to take a breather and rediscover one’s self. What do you like, love and not really care for about yourself? Are you happy with your station in life? Is there room for improvement?
I haven’t answered all the questions myself, which means I’m not ready. So, until I am, I’ll remain undatble and happily so:)
But the question is how undatable are you? Why?
Looking for a fun way to make extra money? Love parties, people and fun? Why not combine them all for the ultimate side hustle that you can start today from the comfort of your own home. And, what’s better still? Your kids can help!
Here’s a video on “How to Become an Event Coordinator.”
Here’s an “A Day in the Life of an Event Planner”
In this economy, earning money from a side-hustle is not only imperative to a single mother’s survival, it has become increasing difficult. Trust me, I know. Over the past several months, as gas prices have steadily increased, the amount of projects that are available to me have dropped significantly.
But the amount of extra money I’ve earned from my side hustle has remained the same–and sometimes, I’ve managed to earn more.
How? Well, I’ve had to get creative and serve a different customer base, which allowed me to charge higher prices for my services. Now, I’m working fewer hours–and spending more time with my son–while earning the same amount of money–and sometimes a bit more.
Maybe you’ve experienced the same thing. If so, don’t get discouraged. Instead, take action. Get creative.
If you’re having a hard time generating enough revenue from your side hustle, you may have considered taking on a work-at-home part-time job–if only you could find a real opportunity, right?
Well, look no further. There are still viable work-at-home part-time (and even full-time) jobs available to you, where you can earn a significant amount of extra money to counter the increased gas prices, grocery bills and more.
But where?
At FlexJobs.com, you can find real work-at-home (telecommute) jobs. There, you can find a wide range of part-time work-at-home jobs, everything from customer service, to freelance writing, to medical transcription, to Web design. There are even virtual assistant opportunities, too.
Go ahead, check it out.
Until next time,
Peace and blessing and, as always, remember to keep it drama free.
Ms. No Single Mama Drama
In case you haven’t noticed, I haven’t written any posts since January.
But, I’m back now.
Thanks for all your comments, questions and support of all my posts, especially the Side Hustle posts.
I’ve been gone because I’ve been working on writing an eBook on HOW single mothers, or, anyone for that matter, can make extra cash–WITHOUT getting a second job.
If you, or anyone you know, is making at least $500.00 cash with a side business, moonlighting or a side hustle and would like to be featured in this book, please send me an e-mail at askme@nosinglemamadrama.com. You must be willing to state your full name and how much you’re generating with your sideline business. I’m especially interested in those that involve your children as well. Please include your e-mail address, Web site address/blog name and phone number, if you would like that information included. This is great way to promote your business!
The book will be priced at $19.99 but will feature 101 ways to make extra cash with real-life examples and information on how to market you side business–a great value, if I say so myself.
Anyhow, please feel free to write me or ask me any questions.
As always, peace and blessings and, of course, keep it drama free.
Ms. No Single Mama Drama
Got dirty dishes? Well, get Dawn Direct Foam?
If you’ve got to wash dishes by hand–and, yes, some of still have to; or, in my case, some of still want to–Dawn Direct Foam is an excellent new product to use.
Though I have a dishwasher, as a self-professed neat freak and germ-a-phobe, I prefer washing my pots and pans by hand, so when I got an offer for a FREE new product to try, I was game.
The specs:
Dawn Direct Dishwashing Foam
400 mL
12.5 Fluid OZ
250 pumps
Get a free coupon here, plus an additional $29.00 in savings.
Here’s the good, the bad, and the ugly:
The Good:
It smells fantastic and does an excellent job on cutting grease. Your pots will be squeeky clean with very little effort.
The Bad:
It’s a bit more expensive than a regular dishwashing liquid.
The Ugly: (At least, for me)
Because I’ve got OCD (Obssessive Compulsive Disorder), when it comes to pumping dishwashing liquid–I’m afraid I can resist the pump. Something inside of me–probably the germ-a-phobe–says pump, girl, pump. And, when I do, it is exhilirating. Therefore, the fact that you “don’t need to pump” but once, doesn’t exactly do it for me. However, if you’re not a pumper, I can see this product being a dream come true. Me, I’m use to pumping, so I will probably stick to a cheaper product…simply because I’m a cheap thrills kind of girl.
Peace, Love and Blessings
Ms. No Single Mama Drama
I hate child abuse–as a child, I experienced various degrees of abuse, so I can’t stand to see any child abuse in any way. And, there’s absolutely no excuse in the world for it, except in cases like mine where my abuser was/is mentally ill. However, even then, there are resources availble to families of the mentally ill to ensure the child(ren’s) safety. And, if a child is being abused, by a mentally ill parent, they should be removed from the household. Period. Why? Child abuse leaves emotional and mental scars that remain long after the physical wounds have healed.
Please watch the video below. Please note: The video is not suitable for children:
Imagine what a wonderful world it would be if no child were abused. Would we rid ourselves of career criminals, serial killers, etc.? Sandra Hanks Benoiton blogged about an Web site that makes the assertion that kids that are adopted (and probably those that have been victims of child abuse), have a higher rate of becoming serial killers than the general population.
If that’s true (and I’m not saying it is), but if it’s true, could we completely change criminal behavior by just protecting our children from abuse? Tell me what you think?
Also, I’m looking for information related to single parenting and child abuse stats and, more specifically, infanticide (where the parent takes the life of his/her child(ren). If anyone has information, please send me the link by leaving the informaiton here.
Thank you,
Peace, love and blessings
Ms. No Single Mama Drama
