by Suzanne Fort

Created on: July 09, 2008   Last Updated: October 31, 2011

I have to admit it, I was one of those people who was ignorant enough to respond to a "Make $1,000 a month for stuffing envelopes from home". I was only 14 years old. I thought that I was going to strike it rich on a secret that no one else knew about. I thought that I could avoid working and just sit around at home stuffing envelopes and make tons of money. I got the information in the mail. They asked for fifteen dollars to send the paperwork. After I sent it, they sent me a letter stating that if I wanted to make that kind of money like they did, to scam others, like they scammed me. It was worded differently, but the point was the same. I have been leery of the idea of working at home until I had kids.

When I had my two children, the cost of daycare was outrageous. I tried getting a Medical Transcription certificate. I was told that I would get tons of work and would enjoy it. I never got a job after months of looking. If there were any jobs, they wanted hospital or clinic experience, but the clinics and hospitals don't want to hire you without experience. So, basically tons of money later, I realized that was a lousy investment.

Pet sitting was a huge money maker in Olympia at the time. I paid my 20 dollars and got my business license. I moved shortly after to a small town, where pet sitting was not even heard of. If you live in a big city, you could try and get your business license and start a pet sitting business. There are numerous books on the subject at the bookstore. I would also suggest getting bonded. If something happens when you're pet sitting, like a door breaking, then you are covered. Customers will feel more confident in your ability if you are bonded. After you get it all set up, you can make some business cards and leave them with vets and groomers. You can also leave cards on bulletin boards or anywhere else pet owners would be.

Now, for extra money, I make insurance appointments for a local insurance company. I get two dollars for people who say "no". I get five dollars if someone says "yes". I get an additional ten dollars if someone shows to their appointment. It doesn't add up to much, but helps supplement the lack of money I get with my other employment. You could try to talk to businesses that might need appointment setters and make a little extra money that way.

I have found a site where they talk about spotting a scam for "working at home" ads. It can be found at: http://www.ratracerebellion.com. They also list legit working at

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