by Mary Clark

Created on: December 16, 2008   Last Updated: February 10, 2012

The relevant words we need to analyze in this topic heading if we are to provide an honest and informative point of view are the words "real" and "jobs."

A job is a paid position of employment.

There are some who might defend the mindset that earning fifty cents a day on a paid to post website is a job; or that earning a dollar a month clicking links online is a job, and, in the most liberal sense of the definition, they are jobs. You have an individual performing a specific task for a monetary stipend, but does it fit the criteria of a real job.

Here is where it gets tricky. The phrase "real job" infers the concrete existence of an occupation or profession. It strengthens the association between an employer and their employee or the contractor and independent individuals working in tandem with them. When this happens, the definition becomes more restrictive and encompasses a task performed on a regular and recurring basis whereby the individual performing the task has the ability to earn a life sustaining wage.

Let's hold that thought for a moment. A real job is one where you earn wages capable of sustaining your living expenses and daily needs.

Is it possible to attain this level of income in an online environment? For some it can be, for the vast majority, it is not. In the brick and mortar world, high paying jobs go hand in hand with possessing the skills and abilities that attract employers willing to pay top dollar for what you can bring to their table. The same holds true for the online job market. With the right skills, a well-developed marketing plan to promote yourself and a disciplined daily routine it is possible to earn a living online.

Be forewarned that the competition for these positions is fierce and you won't walk in the front door as the new CEO of anything. You start at the bottom and work your way up through the ranks in the exact same manner as you would if you were pounding the pavements of your hometown seeking employment.

The difference is that if you follow a few basic guidelines you can create residual income streams. By sticking to what you know, applying only for positions you know you are highly qualified to perform, completing each assignment on time and in a professional manner, you will build a base foundation of employers seeking your skills.

It is possible to locate real online income but you will be embarking on a difficult path that offers great rewards once you have become grounded in the online market. Success can be found whether you are looking to answer calls for a call center, provide administrative or technical support for an organization, or taking the plunge into the world of freelance writing but it all begins and ends with the individual skills you possess.

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