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What is It Like to Work Home-Based Data Entry Jobs?

Sheri Cyprus
Sheri Cyprus

For many people who work at home-based data entry jobs, looking and advertising for paying assignments is a daily process that tends to take up a lot of time that is, of course, non-paid effort. When suitable work is found, they must negotiate pricing with the client and deliver the project by an agreed on deadline. If the work involves customer service on the telephone, data entry home workers are expected to have a private workspace away from noisy children and barking dogs. For those who can find legitimate home-based data entry jobs that also fit in with any family or other obligations, this type of work can be advantageous.

The main appeal for people who do work at home data entry is not having to commute. Transportation to and from work as well as office clothing aren't needed. By using a computer with the Internet, the data entry provider can work for anywhere in the world. Being able to have such an open range of job prospects with the opportunity to earn an income in the comfort and convenience of home is, for many who work at home-based data entry jobs, worth the trouble it often takes to find legitimate ones.

Working a home-based data entry job means not having to commute.
Working a home-based data entry job means not having to commute.

Since "data entry" is such a general workplace term that implies typing or entering in already prepared information rather than having to deal with knowledge-based, original concepts and writing, it has a high potential to be used in job scams. The work at home aspect makes the appeal even stronger for the many people who don't have a degree or specialized employment experience. There are many ads, both online and offline, that advertise for people to make large incomes through home-based data entry jobs. For people who want the real opportunities, such as answering customer emails and live chats for legitimate companies, they must constantly be on the lookout for the scam jobs.

People who work home-based jobs have to balance work and family life.
People who work home-based jobs have to balance work and family life.

Most genuine, home-based data entry jobs pay more or less minimum wage. Of course, this can vary greatly, but data entry job ads that claim income ranges that are more likely for people with more specialized, knowledge-based positions are usually not genuine opportunities. Oftentimes people who work at a real home-based data entry job find it through a legitimate recruitment website that specializes in outsourcing work. They also must usually compete with other home-based data entry workers for projects on low-paying, bid work websites.

It's important when working from home to maintain a professional demeanor.
It's important when working from home to maintain a professional demeanor.

Once a home-based worker finds legitimate data entry positions, it is usually possible to leverage the experience and branch out to contact corporations who may want experienced outsourcers to handle overflow or evening work. Creating a website to showcase data entry skills and experience, complete with client testimonials, is another task people who work at home in this field do to keep working. Repeat home-based data entry jobs from satisfied clients can help keep these workers earning an income from legitimate clients.

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    • Working a home-based data entry job means not having to commute.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      Working a home-based data entry job means not having to commute.
    • People who work home-based jobs have to balance work and family life.
      By: Monkey Business
      People who work home-based jobs have to balance work and family life.
    • It's important when working from home to maintain a professional demeanor.
      By: V&P Photo Studio
      It's important when working from home to maintain a professional demeanor.