Quick poll : those of you who are either self employed or working from home, what do you do?

[Pitchounette]

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Medical Underwriter

I work from home, but as an employee, for a national charity - similar field to my pre-baby job as it's marketing/PR-ish. As I'm just back to work after mat leave I'm just doing 2ish days at the mo, but have considered dipping my toe in the water as a freelancer. DS goes to a childminder on my working days... wouldn't get anything done otherwise

I do Avon and have just got a starter kit from Usborne. I also write freelance and get the occasional (like once every 3 months) call to go and help out for a few days at a publishing company that I normally write articles and reviews for. I also have a market stall selling t-shirts, books, badges, and I have recently passed a training course to be a Humanist Wedding Celebrant.

If you are going to work for yourself, look into tax credits (if you're not already getting them) and help with childcare costs. You will probably find you have to do more than one thing to survive, the direct-selling stuff is OK if you go with a reputable company but it does depend a bit on there not being too many other people working for the same company close to you. The really good ones assign you territory if you're going to sell door-to-door but if you plan to sell at, say M&T group or to your mates and half of them are already doing the books/homewares/cosmetics as it is, you'll find it harder.

I run my own business selling baby/nursery items plus also wholesale for one company. Office is at home, warehouse 20m away

Only just seen this as have been away for the summer (there are perks as well as pitfalls to be s/e) but I have an interiors business that I run from home - making up curtains, blinds, cushions etc. I did evening classes and then a p/t city and guilds whilst still earning in my old part time job. My advice to anyone thinking of setting up at home is to try hobbies first - working on your own you really need to love what you do!

Interested in CanIHaveOneOfThosePlease (apols if have name wrong) as a client of mine is looking for a dressmaker at present - you're not in London by any chance are you?

I have recently become a Barefoot books stallholder. Barefoot books are a company which celebrate art and story. The books and related gifts are just beautiful. There is a joining fee and then if you wish you can purchase a starter pack of books for £44. You can sell through home parties, to schools, toddler groups, charity events and it easily fits around you kids and other commitments. Find out more ot www.mybarefootbooks.com/louisewhite

I run a training and development consultancy with my DH

freelance editor - can be glut and famine

need to have lots of experience though

i always thought a really good business would be babysitting! Could charge a fortune round here!

Me and my business partner (two mums) have just set up a wishlist website. We can't stand the stress of Christmas shopping, the traffic, lack of time and not knowing what to buy family and friends, we're too busy organising the rest of Christmas!! We work from home and juggle family etc. Its fun, hard work but we think it is worth while as it will help us and other busy mums get organised for Christmas and ensure they, or their children get presents they really want/need. In fact we want to put it on MN, we want people to try it out (its free). Does anyone look at the business ads? where would be a good place to tell people about it?...sorry I digress from the thread! (I'll start a new one)
Pitchounette, be your own boss if you can.

Run my own marketing consultancy - home-based, we use freelance consultants. I also do a bit of business writing.

I work from home as an independant Usborne Organiser so I can look after Kieran full-time and work.

artist.