Work-from-home gigs?

**nomadd** · 26 June 2010, 18:02

Originally posted by theroyale View Post

I've just started a longish-term contract and already I'm getting the feeling that I'm going to have a lot of free time over the next few months. I'm thinking that since I'm in chains anyway for the next few months I might as well try and get the most out of it. My question: Is it possible to land remote/work-from-home freelance gigs here in the UK? ("in the UK" because if its totally work-from-home then wouldn't you just outsource?). During my jobsearch period I remember a couple of gigs on jobserve that went along the lines of "We have a small database that is used by about 11 people in our company, and the database is completely fcuked. Can you fix it for us please? x00 pd." -- how frequent are these sort of jobs? Has any of you here actually worked on a "small" gig in between working on a fulltime gig? Has this 'small' gig been remote/workfromhome?

These roles are very infrequent, in my experience. And when they do appear, they are paying very low rates (NB. be careful of "client will pay up to XXX" - they won't.) Oh, and they usually involve "travel to the clients office", which can end up being more frequent than you planned.

Still, if you do manage to land one, all the best.

**d000hg** · 26 June 2010, 18:55

I've been working mostly on remote projects for just over 2 years. Mostly longer-term things, but I have taken short projects. You might do better hanging around techy forums than using these websites though, on the rate anyway. This is one place direct networking is a big deal.

There are 'real' companies who hire remote workers, I got one gig here.

Also I hire contractors/freelancers at times, so far mostly in cheaper places but also some in USA. And others here might be similar, so why don't you tell us what you do or post an anonymised CV?

**Old Greg** · 27 June 2010, 18:49

I work 50% + from home, but it wasn't advertised as such. I had to get myself established first and build some trust. Now as long as the project gets delivered, nobody cares where I am. I haven't been to the office for 8 weeks or so.

**nomadd** · 28 June 2010, 17:33

Originally posted by Old Greg View Post

I haven't been to the office for 8 weeks or so.

Admit it. You've forgotten where it is, haven't you.

**Old Greg** · 29 June 2010, 11:14

Originally posted by nomadd View Post

Admit it. You've forgotten where it is, haven't you.

I keep its location very firmly in mind lest I accidentally pitch up there.

**Brussels Slumdog** · 29 June 2010, 12:59

Different Rate

I worked 1 day a week remote on my last gig and it worked well for both parties as it gave me one
day a week to work uninterrupted. I have even quoted a remote rate and a site rate for a contracts that involve travelling

**diamondtools** · 1 July 2010, 06:50

Most work from home jobs are scams or marketing methods that only benefit the source. There are some companies that hire work from home agents but it usually involves a contract, etc. unless you're getting freelance jobs.

One thing you could look into is billing verification agents or something to that sort. Those are legit and some companies offer to hire you from home after they interview you and you meet their standards which are usually basic computer skills and a quiet workplace.

**cojak** · 1 July 2010, 07:57

But don't fall for the latest scams that fall into you mail box offering work but asking for your bank details- they are illegal money laundering outfits...

I had a load of these while I was looking for work, I think that some agents sell details out that are picked up by ner-do-wells....

**theroyale** · 2 July 2010, 06:51

Originally posted by diamondtools View Post

One thing you could look into is billing verification agents or something to that sort. Those are legit and some companies offer to hire you from home after they interview you and you meet their standards which are usually basic computer skills and a quiet workplace.

Billing verification agents?

Work-from-home gigs?