Homeworking - any ideas for something non-exploitative

[mummytosteven]

Hi - I am currently a SAHM to Steven, and intend to stay that way. I am a qualified Solicitor (though not likely to return to this in the foreseeable future - too stressful TBH) and can type quite well - 66 WPM last time it was ever tested. Has anyone got any inspirations as to any work I could do at home? Doesn't have to be anything grand, just not too dire, not involving cold calling/telemarketing and at the very least minimum wage hourly rate.

somebody on here suggested indexing a while back. here is the website address: www.socind.demon.co.uk

thanks very much carlyb. Had a look at the web site which looks interesting. Are there any mumsnet indexers who could advise whether the society of indexers is the best place to obtain training, and whether you get any work after doing their course?

mummytosteven, I'm not an indexer, but work in a closely related field. I can assure you that the Society of Indexers is very reputable and one of the main benefits of membership is being part of a members' only network of job recommendations etc. It is the only professional body offering training in indexing. Whether you get work after the course depends a certain amount on luck etc but most big publishers will expect you to have trained with the Society.
Some while ago SHE magazine did a feature on interesting, reasonably-paid work from home and indexing (and the Society) came out of it very well (along with selling Usborne books and other favourites).
It was me who recommended the website btw, I know people who are doing the distance-learning course at the moment and am seriously thinking of it myself. They say it is quite hard work and it helps to really care about how information is presented. But they're enjoying it a lot.

Thanks very much for the info, Marina. Will have to seriously consider this option (and look for a SHE website to try and track down the article!!)

Bump!

Bump! (promise I won't again for a while!)

sorry for gatecrashing your thread, but I'm in a similar position (though not from the heights of solicitor!). I've looked at the indexing website - found it really interesting but just wondered realistically what the chances are of getting work afterwards - does anyone know? (also saw the SHE article)

the more the merrier Littleweed! did the SHE article have any other good suggestions?

I was interested in this too as a solicitor but now SAHM. It does look like interesting work but like littleweed I took wonder whether it would be possible to recover the course fees through work etc. I would be apprehensive about handing over £400+ if it were to come to nothing. Does anyone know whether the proof reading courses with people like Chapterhouse are well thought of - or are they unlikely to lead to work??
I couldn't track down the SHE article on their site unfortunately .