Work-at-Home Jobs

First things first. Don't quit your day job.

That's right. Although working online continues to grow in popularity, unless you have some killer computer skills, it is not something that is easily accomplished in a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. How long it takes will to a great extent depend on what you know before you start, and how quickly you are able to learn new skills.

But before you even consider an online career, you need to know IF you are the type of person capable of having one without ending up in bankruptcy.

As you will likely begin in your spare time, you will need to dedicate a good chunk of that time to exploring internet opportunities and learning the skills required to make them profitable. You will need to be both consistent and persistent in your pursuit of online success.

So, are you the type of person who watches TV during and after dinner on a regular basis? Are you addicted to Lost, or American Idol, or CSI Topeka, or some other mind-numbing, spirit-crushing time killer?

If so, unless your business happens to be writing TV reviews, you are probably not online job material.

Are you addicted to Twitter, Facebook, blogging, YouTube, MySpace, Weebly, HubPages, Squidoo, WetPaint, online gaming, fantasy sports or internet porn?

If so, you've got a shot.

All of the latter pursuits -- while perhaps not the most  constructive uses of time -- can be a good starting point for an online career.

And, should you be one of the persons being able to respond in the negative to both of the questions above, you've got a shot as well, because people like you do things out of choice, not need.

OK, that's enough for this post – my butt is starting to hurt.  But be sure to stop back soon for part two of "A Work-at-Home Primer." Our next topic is: "How Shall I Begin?"

If you have any questions, astute observations, constructive criticisms, or pent-up hostility -- please use the Comments section below. Finally, thanks for listening. You've been a great crowd.

I'll see you when I see you.