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The two jobs that come to mind first when people think of telecommuting quite often are transcription and data entry. There are a few similarities between the jobs:

' Good typing speed (60 WPM or better)
' Accurate typing
' Reliable computer
' Reliable internet connection (probably high speed)

Despite the similarities, the jobs themselves are quite different.

Transcription jobs require a bit more training, especially if transcribing from a recording. Medical and legal transcriptions are much more specialized. It may also require the purchase of a 4-track transcriber. A good vocabulary and grammar skills are also important. The pay rates for transcription are usually based on a per-line rate, ranging from $ 0.06 to $ 0.12.

Transcriptionists quite often get regular work with more than one company, on a freelance basis. But, there are times when people can get a full-time position, with benefits with one company. If you already have a position doing transcription in-office, it might be worth asking your employer to consider telecommuting.

Data entry jobs are less specialized, but can be equally challenging. You need to be very accurate in your typing, not only with the standard keyboard, but also with the ten key. Data entry jobs may pay an average of $8 an hour, to start. There is quite a bit of competition for the data entry.

After you decide which job is right for you, you need to decide if you want to approach it as a job, or as a business owner, offering your services to companies on a freelance basis. Both approaches have their pros and cons.

If you run your own business, you have the freedom to pick and chose your jobs, set your own schedule and vacation times. But, you also have to keep track of your income and expenditures for taxes. If you work as an employee, it saves you doing all the extra paperwork involved in running your own business.

Either way, you need to act as professionally as possible, to keep a good working relationship with the companies you deal with on a daily basis.