Several times per year I get emails from former colleagues or friends stating that they lost their job or are sick of the corporate world. Since I work from home, their emails always end with a request for the current home-based options available. Here are 40 businesses you can start from home. Click through any of the links to learn more about the business and read interviews with business owners in these industries.
- Web Design
- Laundry Business
- Customer Service
- Transcription
- Web Content Writer
- Copywriter
- Social Media Expert
- Virtual Assistant
- Blogger or Affiliate Marketer
- eBay Seller
- Homemade Crafts
- Tailor
- Consultant
- Coach or Mentor
- Virtual Professional Organizer
- Direct Sales
- House Sitter
- Pet Sitter
- Day Care
- Write and Sell eBooks
- Tutor
- Meal Delivery
- Caterer
- Cake Decorator
- Personal Trainer
- Candle Maker
- Soap Maker
- Housecleaner
- Event Coordinator
- Jewelry Maker
- Interior Decorator
- Landscaper or Gardener
- Sell Produce from Your Own Garden
- Music Teacher
- Wedding Planner
- Pet Groomer
- Antique Restoration
- Photographer
- Accountant
- Resume Writer
As you can see, some of these options can be operated entirely out of your home. Others you will need to venture out to earn your living. There is something for everyone, however. Assess your needs, passions and skill set.











Twitter: myseocommunity
says:
Thanks to the great potential of the internet, it’s now quite easy to earn a decent income from the comfort of one’s own home. More and more people to turning to home-based businesses as it offers them with a be-your-own-boss opportunity. Though it’s not tough to launch a home business, one must first come up with a unique idea. Unless you have something really unique and different to offer, achieving success with a home-based business isn’t possible.
Thanks for sharing this huge list, Angie!
Obaidul Haque recently posted ..Interview with Guest Blogger – Ann Smarty | Search Engine Journal
Twitter: itechcode
says:
Nice List Angie. I think Freelance writing is the best option. Yes its really awesome list if any one want to start his or her business from home. Thanks a lot for sharing with us.
Amit Shaw recently posted ..5 Premium WordPress Plugins That Are Worth Every Penny
Nice list, I think using the internet to make money is more trendy in the current times.
Reggie recently posted ..The Power of Testimonials in Promoting Your Affiliate Marketing Programs
Twitter: Elena__Anne
says:
I had never thought how many-many jobs can be done from home. The key to success, is being disciplined and teach others that live in home, that you need a few hours alone without being interrupted. Nice post Angie.

Elena Anne recently posted ..Prevent Osteoporosis With Resistance Exercise
Great list! Thanks for putting it together
Corinne recently posted ..Knowing When to Say No
Great to see some GENUINE work from home business ideas, some good suggestions.
Matt Kinsella recently posted ..Real Life Coaching For Real Success
Twitter: PNWLending
says:
With unemployment rates still high in this country, it’s really nice to know that we don’t have to rely on Corporate America to help us provide for ourselves and others. Thanks to the internet, people can make a living doing the things they are passionate about. Thanks for the 40 suggestions.
Scott@Hard-Money Loans Seattle recently posted ..Hard Money Commercial Real Estate Loans in Bellevue
I’ve been working from home for 9 years, and it’s the BEST. Yes, you have to be a self-starter, but the lack of interruptions is wonderful; work gets done in far less time. I work as a virtual administrator for a legal association, and wrote a book about the glass ceiling on the side!
Twitter: Elena__Anne
says:
Wow that is a surprising list. I knew that the things you could do from home to make money were growing, but some of those items I would have not guessed. I think that these opportunities are great and while a great deal of people know about them, too many people still do not. I have met many housewives that wish that they to could bring home the bacon but see no way to do that. With the all these options from home what could you be lacking. If you want to be a tailor just do it!
Twitter: HousewifeEmpire
says:
Great list! I’m always looking for new ways to supplement my freelance income! Glad I stumbled on your blog!
Lots of great ideas! Thanks for helping get the creative juices flowing…
Jamie recently posted ..Family Time with Katniss
Twitter: Dataentrybd
says:
I tried my best to find a type of work which you could do from home and that is not in your list, but there is none. Very well done. Your list has all possible work those one can do from home. I am just curious to know if you covered ‘SEM’ or Search Engine Marketing, in your list. You might have covered that under ‘Social media marketing’ or ‘Virtual assistant’ but it can be a name by itself.
Thanks
Jamil Ahmed recently posted ..Changes in Google Privacy Policy
A lot of these businesses you can combine into a single business, or just two at a time should you have the necessary time. Soap Maker? I don’t know if I’d want to venture into that after watching the movie Fight Club.
Mike@Investing in Silver recently posted ..Silver Canadian Maple Leafs
This is a good way to inform others on the easy way they can make money. I have tried being a virtual assistant, article writing, affilaite marketing and web designing. It is a good way to start a home business.
Nice article. I’ve noticed an increase in people working as Recruiters, Employment Consultants and HR Assistants from their home office. Especially those with past experience.
Paul recently posted ..NDT Level II Technician – Windsor, ON
Twitter: madeinusablog
says:
This post is a great resource. I’m an RN by trade but have been exploring ways to work more flexibly from home to be there for my son. I’m not sure you can make a living blogging (at least I haven’t), but I would love to supplement my family’s income through my love of writing. Great leads to brainstorm here!
Sarah recently posted ..We Run the World: Women Entrepreneurs Leading the Made in America Movement
What a great resource.. I have two family members looking for work at the moment.. I will send em over!
Brad recently posted ..Vitamins for Energy – A REAL SOLUTION – Blue Energy
Angie, that is a great list that you have put up. I truely believe in this day and age where more and more people seem to be losing their jobs, it is essential to have good, solid ideas of things folks can do at home. Of course, it takes a bit of entrepreneurial spirit to work at home, but well worth it!
With high unemployment rates, price of gas and daycare, working from home is a good idea. Thanks for this list.
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