When Siblings Fight

Ever wonder how to handle sibling fights? I explore ways to help parents and brothers and sisters live in more or less in harmony in my article, "Why Can't They Just Get Along?," on Crosswalk.com.

Find out how to stop most conflicts from escalating and how to create an atmosphere of peace instead of discourse in your home.

Until next time,

Sarah

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A New Focus

Starting today, I will be changing the focus of this blog, switching from work-from-home issues to parenting as part of my recent certification as a Leadership Parenting Coach through the John Rosemond Leadership Parenting Institute. I plan on blogging Tuesdays (general thoughts or observations on parenting), Wednesdays (interesting articles relating to child rearing) and Thursdays (answering reader questions about parenting). If you have a parenting issue or topic you would like to see covered, drop me a line through the contact page on this site.

I have enjoyed these years talking with you about working from home and hope you will support my new endeavor by dropping by sometimes.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Computer Network Engineer

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description:A computer network engineer is one who manages the information technology hardware and infrastructure for businesses, organizations and governments.

Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred, although some companies require post-graduate work or degrees as well.

Skills: The ability to monitor a network’s day-to-day operations, as well as organize, install and support a company’s computer networks.

Job outlook: U.S.Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of network and computer systems administrators is expected to grow 28 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for these workers is high and should continue to grow as firms invest in newer, faster technology and mobile networks..” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers:Think outside organizations or big businesses and target small businesses, such as restaurants and boutique retailers.

Preparation: Join the Association for Computing Machinery or the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Computer Society. Both groups offer certification and continuing education courses.

Get your foot in the door: Call area nonprofits to see about work for a reduced rate for a referral or letter of recommendation.

Testimony: Jenny A. in Aliso Viejo, Calif., worked around 10 hours a week managing the IT hardware and infrastructure for a local quickservice chicken restaurant chain. It was hard for her to make time during the day for work instead of letting it pile up each evening. “It’s difficult at times to deal with the constant pull in so many directions—mother, wife, job—and still find time to take care of yourself,” says Jenny. “But I loved being home with my kids.”

Until next time,

Sarah

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Avoiding E-Newsletter Errors

Having an e-newsletter can be a great way to connect and communicate with customers. But avoid these simple mistakes from "Oh No You Didn't: 3 Major Email Newsletter Mistakes" from SCORE Small Business Blog to ensure your e-newsletter doesn't end up in the circular file.

1. Making it look like spam. Most people, when getting email that they don't recognize, just delete it, figuring it's spam. Keep your headline catchy but informative. Make sure you send it from a real person to avoid getting blocked. Allow for easy opt-outs.

2. Don't build your list by purchasing email addresses. Do gather emails through your website, direct contact and through other sites. Purchased lists can backfire when recipients get annoyed with unsolicited mail.

3. Don't forget about the design. Either keep it clean or make sure the design fits the content. Don't put in too many graphics or too much copy.

You can sign up for my free e-newsletter by filling out the online form under the newsletter tab.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Inpatient/Outpatient Coder

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description:An inpatient/outpatient coder enters specific codes for hospital and doctor visits for health insurance companies, hospitals and doctor offices.

Education: A degree as a health information technician a plus. Many employers require certification through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management.

Skills: The ability to correctly code inpatient and outpatient medical visits.

Job outlook: U.S.Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) finds that “employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21% from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. An aging population will need more medical tests, treatments, and procedures. This will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance. Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare providers, should lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry.” Check out the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook for more details.

Possible employers:Contact area hospitals, doctors, specialists and other outpatient facilities to see about gaining work.

Preparation: Join the Professional Association of Health Coding Specialistsor the American Academy of Professional Coders. Both organizations offer continuing education or certification courses.

Get your foot in the door: Ask other local coders for assistance in finding clients, as some might be turning down work.

Testimony: Denise L. of Crystal, Minn., transferred her job reviewing inpatient hospital stays into an at-home job more than 10 years ago. “I had wanted to work from home for years, but had to wait for technology to catch up,” she says. “The advantages to working from home are endless.”

Until next time,

Sarah

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At Home News: Juggling School and Work

The September issue of At Home News focuses on how to juggle homeschooling with working from home.

If you're not a subscriber, you can sign up for the free monthly e-newsletter by clicking on the Newsletter tab. I never sell or give out my subscriber list.

Until next time,

Sarah

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Work-From-Home Job Spotlight: Scrapbooker

Each Thursday, I’m highlighting a work-from-home job or business.

Job Description:A scrapbooker helps clients make pages for scrapbooks.

Education: None necessary.

Skills: The ability to assist others in making memory pages or scrapbook pages.

Job outlook: Although many people scrapbook on their own, many more don’t have the time or the skills to do for themselves. A scrapbooker can help by either designing scrapbooks or holding scrapbooking classes for clients.

Possible employers:Local arts and crafts stores might be interested in holding scrapbooking classes. Also consider holding in-home scrapbooking parties, such as for a new bride or new mother.

Preparation: Make sure you’re up-to-date on all the scrapbooking trends by contacting organizations like the National Scrapbooking Association and Scrapbook Update. Put together some scrapbooks for friends and family to showcase your talents.

Get your foot in the door: Visit local senior centers or assisted living homes to hold scrapbooking classes for residents.

Until next time,

Sarah

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