Many people would love to be able to work at home, but aren't really sure what their options are. If you've been trying to find a way to earn enough income while still being able to work from home, first you must figure out what type of opportunity you are looking for. Here are 4 different ways that you can work from home.

1. Telecommuting – You can have a “regular” job, with set hours. You work for an employer, and the only difference between this and the jobs that most people have is that you will be working from home. Some plusses: You have the set pay, benefits, and hours you would have working a “regular” job, and you can work at home. Minuses are that you are still working for another company, so you have set hours, and vacation time.

2. Buying a Franchise – If you are interested in a business, but don't want to start from scratch, you can buy a franchise. You will own that particular business, and be one of many in the franchise. You will run the business and everything in it, but in return for your payments, you get the use of an established name, training, advertising, etc. Plusses: You still own your own business, but will get the benefit of help from others in the same business as you. You will also receive shared advertising. Minuses: It is your own business, so you have no set pay. You have to pay a franchise fee, and sometimes monthly or yearly royalty fees.

3. Direct Selling – This is where you join a direct sales company, such as Avon, Tupperware, Mary Kay, etc. and start to sell their products. You set your own hours, and usually there is only a small payment (if any) in order to sell for a certain direct selling company. Plusses: You can work when you want, and take whatever time off that you want. There are also others in the same situation, so you can talk to them about ideas or get help. Minuses: You have no set pay, and depending on the company, there may be many others selling the same thing you are.

4. Starting your own Business – This is when you decide to do something completely on your own. It can be almost anything, but you are not tied to another company in any way. This gives you total control as to what you do, and how you do it. Plusses: You are on your own, so you don't have to answer to anyone. You work your own hours, take off when you want, etc. Minuses: You have no set pay. You are pretty much on your own, since this business belongs completely to you.

Decide which of these seems most interesting to you. It is a tough decision, but hopefully this gives you direction to find a good fit for your skills.