The Difference Between a Work at Home Job and a Home Business

by Stephen Kreutzer

Published on this site: February 15th, 2006 - See more articles from this month

Sometimes people get confused by the terms work at home job and business opportunity. They are two different ways to work at home. Some people think they are interchangeable, but they really each have their own characteristics.

A work at home job is most like an job outside the home. The person works for a company. They are assigned work and often have a schedule to follow that is set by the company. While most work at home jobs do not hire on people as employees, they are still basically working in the role of an employee. Most work at home positions are as an independent contractor, which basically means the company does not withhold taxes and do not have to guarantee work for the person. The person is also paid by the company like in an outside job.

A home business is like any other business. The person is generally responsible for every aspect of the business from customers to products to administration. A home business owner can work with a company and sell their goods, so they do not have to worry about products and in some cases orders. However, the main point to a home business is the person is not given work to do. They are responsible for managing their business. Sometimes a company may send them a commission check, but often the business owner handles their own pay.

The two terms, work at home job and home business, are often a cause for someone to get wrapped up in a work at home opportunity they do not understand. Many people mistake a home business for a work at home job and are disappointed they have to handle so much work. Others get a work at home job and are not happy at having someone give them work to do. That is why it is important for anyone wanting to work at home to understand the difference between the two.

Stephen Kreutzer is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides home business tips on http://www.home-business-land.com.