How do I find a work-at-home job? This is a question I'm asked frequently. If there were one simple answer to this question, my site would have a lot fewer resources. But the fact is, the way to find a work-at-home job is to spend a lot of time and hard work on it. And there is no one simple, guaranteed path. (In fact, any work at home opportunity that makes it sound like there is is likely a work at home scam.)

However, there are some basic steps to finding a work-at-home job:

Assess your life.

Before you hop right in and attempt to find a work at home job, spend some time thinking about this goal. What type of job do you want to do from home? Are you trying to break away from your current career? If so, keep in mind that starting in a new career, particular one working at home, may pay less and be more difficult to break into. Do you want to spend more time with your family? If so, be sure your new career will in fact allow you to enjoy your family time.

If you are a stay-at-home mom who wants to make some extra money, it's your time and child care needs that you need to consider. You may need to hire a sitter, which will cut into your income. You must balance the two.

More to Think About:Should I Work At Home?

Start looking for a work at home job or opportunity.

I don't want to be discouraging, but it's not going to be easy. Finding a job--any job--is usually a long process, and when you narrow the pool of available jobs to work-at-home jobs, it will take longer.
Probably, the first place to start is your current job if you have one.

Can you work from home at least a few days a week in your current position? Would it be feasible to work from home in your position? If so, research your company's policy and write a telework proposal for your boss. Read more about how to turn your current job into a telecommuting job.

If you don't have a job or it is unlikely you could work from home in your current job, take a good look at your skills and then start start researching companies that hire telecommuters or home business opportunities. Unfortunately, telecommuting is often a perk reserved for established employees. However, I have developed a list of more than 200 companies that hire telecommuters directly.

Start Researching:Top Telecommute Friendly Companies

Set a goal (not a deadline).

If you'd like to work from home once your child starts school or by summer or any other date, make that your goal. Keep in mind, however, that there are many things out of your control. And while you need to keep working to meet that goal, you may not. And be sure your goal is reasonable.

Break the goal down to a weekly or daily to-do list. Set a certain amount of time per week to devote to your job-searching. And stick to it. Working at home means being disciplined with your time. Don't get sidetracked with interesting articles or social media when you are researching online.

And while you shouldn't let social media pull you away from research it can be an important part of your job search. Networking both in person is important in any job search so use social media to increase your networking capabilities.

Troubleshoot.

If you are not having any success. take a look at the steps you've been taking and look for a weak point. Are you applying to jobs you are qualified for? Is your resume error-free and paints a attractive picture of all your skills? Are you writing effective emails to potential employers?

Read Article:Why Can't I Find a Job?