Working from home gives individuals a chance to earn extra income by performing a variety of tasks. Sometimes, it even presents people with an opportunity to explore undeveloped talents. For example, you may be currently working as a waiter in a local restaurant, sweating and toiling for tips to make ends meet, and harboring a hidden flair for graphic design.  Or you may be an expat living abroad, frustrated with visa restrictions and needing to think creatively about how to generate both satisfying work and income.  These types of situations appear fairly often in the freelance world, where hard workers exploit their everyday and lesser-known skills to make extra money.

Many people consider freelancing a great way to tap into this unchartered territory. Freelancers work on a short-term basis, allowing them to become involved with a variety of employers (often referred to as “buyers”) and projects simultaneously. There are a variety of freelancing sites, most of which allow you to search job opportunities prior to becoming a member. While a few sites charge monthly membership and/or keep a small percentage of your earnings, it is often well-worth the investment. Freelancing encompasses a variety of fields, including writing, graphic and web design, and administrative support.

In most cases, freelancers stay in control of their schedules by working on their own terms. In fact, many remain employed full-time and devote a few hours of free time to other projects, in order to increase their income and expand their portfolios. Freelancing is a great way to gain experience because no two projects are alike.

Telecommuting is yet another type of work-at-home arrangement. While the terms “telecommuting” and “freelancing” are often used interchangeably, telecommuters usually work for one company. They commonly follow regular business hours and report back to bosses and other higher-ups by telephone or via the Internet. Some telecommuters may work partially on-site, dedicating only a day or two to home-based production.

By allowing staff members to telecommute, whether part-time or full-time, employers are reaping the rewards. According to a series of recent surveys, telecommuters experience decreased stress levels, enjoy fuller wallets by eating at home and spending less on travel, and are much less likely to look for work elsewhere. Surprisingly, reports have also shown that individuals who work from home are much more productive. In addition, telecommuting makes a contribution to the environment by keeping quite a few vehicles at home, which in turn saves costly gas and maintenance expenses for workers.

Another great component of freelancing and telecommuting is the fact that location is rarely an issue. Americans can work for Canadian companies, Canadians can work for Australian companies, and Australians can work for Middle Eastern companies. Nationality and placement both cease to become issues, eliminating the need for working Visas and relocation. This is especially true in the freelance sector, which boasts a seemingly infinite number of prospects for residents of any country.

Freelancing and telecommuting are not just limited to professional fields, as one may expect. One popular freelance position is that of a virtual assistant, or VA, who performs a variety of tasks, such as research, writing, making telephone calls, or sending e-mails on a buyer’s behalf. This provides a great opportunity for those not well-suited to any particular field by giving them the freedom to define their own services. Similarly, many online customer service jobs require a widespread list of abilities that invite applicants from many different backgrounds. Research-related jobs rarely entail pre-requisites and therefore seek freelancers who simply have a working knowledge of the Internet. However, because almost all freelance jobs you find will be based online, it is imperative that you possess basic computer skills for embarking on a full-blown search.

If you are looking for a new career or merely in need of extra income, freelancing may be the answer. The Web is your best resource in this case; by performing a simple online search, a long list of jobs will arrive at your fingertips. Be sure to use good judgment when applying for positions, and be wary of any potential work-at-home scams. When in doubt, check with the Better Business Bureau or research the company name online. In just a short time, the world could be yours… literally.

About the Author Jean Stone is a staff writer and female career specialist for Jobs Online.  In her spare time she manages a demanding family and meager social life.