Work from home: Get rich slowly

While working from home is completely achievable, it certainly isn't for everyone. One common trend I've noticed over the years is the impatience of the freelancing "newbie". Everyone is in a hurry to see results without stopping to think about how to accomplish them.

Unfortunately, you can't take shortcuts

When people hear "work from home", for some reason many people associate it with "get rich quick" or "easy money". Unfortunately, there is nothing quick nor easy about the process.

As Doreen at Freelancing and More pointed out:

Not everyone is willing (or able) to "strike out" on their own. There are many considerations to look at.

First, you must honestly assess your ability to "stick with it" one you get started! [source]

Before you can make any money, you have to have a plan. Even if it's as simple as "I'm going to apply to one job per day at oDesk", without that plan, consider yourself on a sinking ship.

Hard work and determination is your lifeboat

Success is not going to come simply because you want it. If that's how things work, let me go on the record and say I want 1 million dollars, right now!

No, you have to work for it – put in some elbow grease into it!

If you use freelancing sites such as oDesk or Guru, work on polishing up your profile. If you provide (or want to provide) a service that produces tangible results, put those samples in your portfolio. Come up with a strategy for writing efficient cover letters.

If you don't use a job board, focus on marketing yourself. Devote some time to creating flyers. Build (or hire someone to build) a website to promote your services and portfolio. Leave some business cards at your local coffee shop. Get your name out there.

Word of mouth is a powerful tool

Once you are able to build up a reputation for providing a quality service, work will come easier to you. Eventually clients will seek you out, and you'll get to the point of having to turn some down.

But none of it will be possible unless you're willing to get your hands dirty.