Reply #18: Try something on the Internet

[JFN1]

Get a copy of a web design program like Front Page - teach yourself web design - a good friend of mine, who got laid off after 9/11 did this, and he says it's not nearly as hard as it sounds, and if you've got the time, you can build a business with it. There is a huge demand for web designers and webmasters - and its definitely a work-from-home job. And as I understand things, your language fluency can come in real handy with web design - especially if you can do translations.

Or check out http://www.cafepress.com and make your own products to sell.

You could also check out www.signingagent.com - become a notary public (it's really easy in most states) and do mortgage signings for title companies out of your home - if you live in a big enough town, they'll use you for closings for folks who can't/don't want to travel very far. Since you're in the neighborhood, they can just come to your house to sign their loan documents.

The Internet is still very, very young, and is one of the best possibilities for home employment out there. There are a lot of rip-offs out there, though, so don't give anyone money for the right to sell something for them - they should ALWAYS pay you for that. If a company wants you to pay THEM for the right to sell their products or perform their services, then it is a clear indicator that they are not making money from what they sell, and must rip off their sub-contractors to stay afloat.

I have no personal experience with working from home - but I know several people who make a pretty good living doing all of the things I mentioned above.