Associated Content VS Helium

There are a few great sites that are just perfect for the new and developing writer. These sites are designed so that anyone can publish an article easily and earn viewers. After enough views on your article, you start to get paid. Some users of these sites will tell you that they make hundreds of dollars this way monthly, however I wouldn't hold your breath on that.

www.Helium.com and www.AssociatedContent.com are at the top of my list for pay per click type sites. Helium can be fun because it has a contest section as well as a marketplace for the potential of selling your work to magazines with specific article needs. I recently sold a piece there abour accessorizing your car for $30. I have yet to see payment though so don't be too quick to put all of your eggs in this basket.
My personal preference is for Associated Content. Even though they only offer larger payments to American citizens, others are still capable of working for the pay per click wage. Every one thousand views will earn you $1.50 which doesn't sound like much but if you can get fifty articles on the site over time and each of them earn this amount regularly, it can get you some extra cash in your pocket.

The main point to these sites though is your exposure as a writer and your ability to publish your work online. Don't invest all of your time in these sites but if you have a spare how to article or some fun facts, try posting it and see what happens.

Don't Take On More Than You Can Handle

Every morning you start your day with a look at the latest job boards and listings on www.freelancewriting.com. If you apply to enough of them each day then you will certainly have a paying gig in no time. But be careful. It's easy to end up with too much work and then you will be forced to turn clients down.

Too much work may sound like a good thing but truth be told, it isn't. If enough clients reply to you and all have work they need done, you won't be able to meet the demands. Each job should be given special attention as if it's the most important job. This way no client will receive your work and feel that you did less than your best.

Knowing when to turn down work is vital. As much as you'd like to say yes to every offer, it's just not possible. And no matter what you should never let down a regular client. People that you work for often and regularly should always come first. After all, they're the ones keeping you employed. Don't make them regret it.

Virtual Assistants

Many people would like to work from home if they had the opportunity but seem to feel that they are limited in what they could be doing. There seems to be a mistaken assumption that only writers work at home. But that really isn't the case at all. Another great and fulfilling at home career is that of a virtual assistant.

All you need is a home office and the willingness to work. Employers all over the world are outsourcing administrative and clerical duties to employees stationed at home. By being an independent virtual assistant you will be responsible for many tasks including handling customer service phone calls and data entry. The beauty of a VA job is being your own boss and setting your own rates and hours.

There are many sites devoted to working as a VA from home. Check out places like:
www.virtualassistantjobs.com
www.mommysplace.net
www.2minutecommute.com

These links are a great place to get started and will link you through to more job postings and information. But remember, always stay on scam alert. Search for terms relevant to what you're seeking and try to stay away from keywords associated with work at home scams. And good luck!