Most people who come home to stay with their children, or to escape the rat race of corporate America, are under mistaken impressions when it comes to how they will be able to support themselves without a regular job. Many of these people fall victim to scams, or give up their jobless dreams quite quickly when they realize it is not what they thought it would be.



There are several myths circulating about working at home. Here are five that I debunk on a regular basis.

Myth #1: You can get a regular job at home

Many, many people believe that they can simply apply for a regular job, at a regular company when they decide to come home. They think that they simply open the online version of the classified ads, and companies are lining up waiting to hire them.

The truth is, its not that simple.

Unless you bring your job home with you, meaning you convince your boss to let you telecommute, or unless you are a highly skilled specialist, there really aren't too many regular jobs looking for home based employees.

The exceptions to this would be customer service telephone positions and possibly ghost writing, but do not expect to make the same amount of money as you would in a typical work setting, or to take advantage of any benefits plan.

Myth #2: A home based business is a scam

The true way to make money at home, and the way that most successful work at home parents choose, is to open their own home based business.

This business can be anything from manufacturing and selling their own invention, to having an ebay store, becoming a webmaster, or participating in direct sales or network marketing.

The commonality that all of these at home parents share is that they set their own hours, work for themselves, and get paid by their own efforts.

Myth #3: You shouldn't have to invest any money to work at home

The myth of entitlement is frightening to me. Many Americans believe that companies and business opportunities should bend over backwards to entice them into participation.

The truth is that in order to start your own business, you will have to invest some of your own money. It doesn't have to be a lot of money. In most cases, starting your own business can be as inexpensive as $100-500.

Everyone, no matter what their circumstances, can come up with $100-500. The harder it is to acquire that money, the more likely you will be to put all your effort into building your business.

But the feeling that you shouldn't have to pay to start a business, or work at home is silly. If you had a job in the workplace, you would be required to dress in a uniform, which costs money. You would be required to secure transportation to your position, which costs money.

In short there are a whole host of expenses you would have in order to maintain a regular job, including child care expenses. Why would working at home be any different?

Myth #4: You can't make any money at home

Starting a home based business is not easy money. Often you will need to work for several months without turning a profit for your business to be successful. This can cause financial stress in a home if not planned for.

But the opportunity for realistic income is great. You can make money at home, so long as you enter into your opportunity with dedication and interest.

Plan to work your business as you would a job, showing up on time, and giving your best effort. If you treat your business as a hobby, you will fail. Treat it as the most important job you have ever had, and you will succeed.

Research the opportunities you are looking into thoroughly. Take the time to ask others in the industry questions, and go over any possible scenarios you have before you put time, effort, and money into it.

Myth #5: You can get rich quick

Unfortunately, there are many scammers out there looking for those desperate to make money at home. They offer everything from paid surveys, to stuffing envelopes, to Nigeria schemes, and even inflated claims within the network marketing industry, all designed to trick unsuspecting people out of their hard earned money.

Many of these scammers are those looking for a quick buck, who prey on those also looking for a quick buck. They promise people that in return for their payment, they will show you how to have money practically fall into your lap. Heck, they might as well say that they will sell you a money tree.

Do not believe that you will earn $10,000 a month by subscribing to a program. Do not believe that the person who has posted the ad is making that kind of money.

These kinds of advertisements are Get Rich Quick schemes, and they are lies. You will only lose your money, and your hope.

Building a business takes time. You may come to a point several years down the road where you will make $10,000 a month, but it won't be by using the tactics that the get rich quickers use.