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Typing work from home is the type of endeavor that mostly anyone can do with fast fingers. It only requires a computer, and your quick typing skills. Anyone from any educational background can be a typist. If you don’t know how to type quickly, it is a skill that can be practiced easily online, and it may take only a month or so to be truly fast. Often with typing jobs, the descriptions for the jobs will have a words-per-minute ratio you need to fulfill in order to become employed. That being said, you need to assess if you are cut out for this work based on your words-per-minute skills. If you lack the skills and want to pursue freelance typing jobs, you need to practice daily through online courses, which are often free.
A word of warning: typing work from home is not usually all that exciting. You might be doing menial work that is repetitive and dull. So, get prepared for being bored at some intervals. Boredom comes with every job, even the supposedly exciting ones; however, being a typist is often referred to as being a dull position.
Let’s explore the different typing work from home that you can do:
Data Entry
It is almost self-explanatory: data entry is peering over data or information given to you by an employer, and inputting it into a certain organizational system. These systems are usually powered by Excel or similar software. The type of data you would be looking at would be information about employees, clients, or products. You may be compiling lists and/or organizing data into a more succinct form. It does not sound terribly exciting, does it? However, it can be a good job to start off with in your career as a typist or writer.
Most data entry jobs only require you to have a high school education and maybe not even that. The only mandatory elements of the job is having good grammar, quick typing skills, and an eye for detail. You should also be familiar with software that deals with organizing data. For those who are computer-literate, but do not have a bachelor’s degree, typing work from home can be a real find to pay the bills.
On the website Chron, it states that, “According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for data entry clerks is $13.95 as recently as 2011. Although salary varies widely depending on location, type of company and complexity of work, experienced data entry clerks can earn as much as $19.77 per hour. However, entry-level data entry clerks usually start out at the lower end of the pay spectrum, earning between $9.27 and $10.91 per hour” (Dyer, M.H.). So, it seems that after a few years, you can make a solid living as a data entry specialist.
Transcription
A transcriptionist listens to someone (or a group of people) talking and writes down what he or she is saying accurately. If you are doing this job on a freelance basis, you will be listening to audio sent to you by a company. The audio files usually relate to a lecture, debate, meeting, speech, presentation, and more. You need to have a good ear for language and fast typing skills, but not much else. No college degree is required, and previous experience is not always asked for. Much of the typing work from home you can find is entry-level. Another good thing about this position is that you will constantly learn about new disciplines, and it is often more interesting than data entry.
There are several types of transcriptionists, and they all make different salaries on average. “General transcriptionists make wages that are in between what medical transcriptionists and data entry typists make, according to Transcript Divas Transcription Services. The Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that the average annual wage for medical transcriptionists is $33,350, or $16.03 per hour, based on 2009 data. Data entry keyers make $28,000 annually, or $13.46 per hour. The midway point between these figures is $30,675, or about $14.75 per hour” (Bizfluent). In light of these numbers, it can be seen that transcriptionists not only have more interesting work, but generally make more money.
The best places to find typing work from home
For data entry jobs, you can visit AccuTran Global, Axion Data Entry Services, Birch Creek Communications, Clickworker, DionData Solutions, The Smart Crowd, SigTrack, Microworkers, Amazon mTurk, and Working Solutions. It is best to apply on several of these sites to have the best chance of landing gigs. Also, by applying on several sites, you can compare each site for their advantages and disadvantages (The Work at Home Wife).
In terms of transcription jobs, Rev, Scribie, GoTranscript, Casting Words, and Appenscribe fit the bill for good transcription employers. They usually employ people based on word rates per minute. Once again, it is a fine idea to register on several sites simultaneously to get enough work to live on (Best of Budgets).
Advice for Data Entry Specialists
1. Do your best to remain mentally fit
Data entry work can be dull, but you don’t have to have a dull mind. Keep yourself sharp, as one missing detail can mean failing at your job.
2. Multitask well
You will need to do research, writing, editing, and looking at data at the same time if you want to be an efficient data entry specialist. Learn to balance between many tasks effectively.
3. Do your research
In order to make sure your data is accurate, you need to do research from time to time. Also, if you get information from an unreliable source, you need to double-check its accuracy.
4. Organize files well
You don’t want to make a mess of your information. Make sure all your information is correctly labeled and placed so you can easily access it and that others can access it as well without trouble.
5. Have a regular working schedule
The problem with being a freelance worker is that you have to force yourself to manage your own time. That being said, it is also advantageous, as you can also adjust to the time you work best.
6. Use hotkeys
Knowing your way around your keyboard can save you massive amounts of time. Don’t be a data entry dude who knows how to use only a mouse and no hotkeys.
7. Pump up your writing speed by practicing and taking writing tests. It will earn you more money, so it’s worth it.
Advice for Transcriptionists
1. Balance between speed and accuracy
Aim for this delicate midroad. There is no need to throw your fingers on the keyboard for speed if your accuracy is lacking.
2. Maintain good listening skills
Clear those ears and learn to listen attentively. If you can’t focus while listening, this type of work is not for you.
3. Do research to correct doubts
If you doubt your knowledge in anything, especially spelling and grammar, conduct research about it. There is no room for know-it-alls in this business.
4. Find your favorite transcription software
Try several out and find the one you vibe with the most. Each program has its advantages and disadvantages.
5. Know your client’s instructions well
If you don’t follow what your client wants, there is no use in getting the job done. You are not being suppressed if you do exactly what the client wants.
6. Make a workstation for yourself
Get comfortable and drown out distractions, if possible. Make your working environment as conducive for transcription as possible. Typing work from home is easier with the preferred atmosphere intact.
7. Take breaks
Most people take short breaks while transcribing, approximately around every 15 minutes of transcription. You need to have a fresh mind in order to complete the work satisfactorily. And also, without breaks, you won’t enjoy the position.
Quotes about typing from famous people
“Imagine that everything you are typing is being read by the person you are applying to for your first job. Imagine that it’s all going to be seen by your parents and your grandparents and your grandchildren as well.”
Tim Berners-Lee
“If you type adeptly with 10 fingers, you’re typing faster than your mind is working.”
James A. Michener
“I started out typing and filing and answering the phones for a little nine-person firm. And that nine-person firm gave me my chance to find my own way.”
Carly Fiorina
Endnote
Typing work from home can be seen as dull, or interesting—it all depends on your attitude. Whether or not you are doing typing work for extra cash or a full-time job, it requires attention, accurate writing skills, and knowing how to research. Good luck!
References:
Dyer, M.H. “What Is the Pay Scale for Entry-Level Data Entry Positions?” Chron.com, 9 Nov. 2016, work.chron.com/pay-scale-entrylevel-data-entry-positions-1360.html.
Thibodeaux, Wanda. “Salary of a General Transcriptionist.” Bizfluent, 2 Oct. 2017, bizfluent.com/info-8069899-salary-general-transcriptionist.html.
“Where to Find (Legit) Data Entry Jobs from Home.” The Work at Home Wife, 20 Mar. 2018, theworkathomewife.com/data-entry-jobs-from-home/.
“Best Transcription Jobs in 2018 to Earn Up to a Full Time Income.” Best of Budgets, 14 Feb. 2018, www.bestofbudgets.com/best-transcription-jobs-to-earn-full-time-income/.
