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Jobs That You Could Do in Your Pajamas

Source: Yahoo

Work at Home Jobs

Interested in working from home? Take a look at these job possibilities.

Americans everywhere are dying to log on from home, and why not? Telecommuting can provide workers with the schedule that is typically reserved for those without a day job: flexibility, independence, and a life beyond work.
In fact, 73 percent of job-shoppers list flexibility as one of the most important factors considered when looking for their next position, according to the 2013 study conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of MomCorps, a professional staffing solutions and flexible career development firm.
This same study also showed that the trend of telecommuting is no longer limited to stay-at-home mothers: The millennial demographic is the most active in making this shift from the traditional workplace, with 84 percent of adults aged 18-34 years old reporting "at least some" flexibility in their current position.
"Because [young people] are the most technically savvy generation and come loaded with massive skills, much of the employment sector is bending over backwards to acquire these skilled workers," shares Jodi Olin, chief sales officer and co-founder of professional part-time placement service 10 Til 2.
However, if you're not a working mom or millennial, don't let this discourage you - this shift translates into new rules for everyone.
Ready to see which positions are the first to adapt to these changes? Here are five of our favorite potential at-home career paths.

Career #1: Graphic Designers

Find Degree Programs Do you have an eye for design? When trying to explain something to your friends, do you often find yourself drawing them a picture? Perhaps graphic design is for you. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, these professionals design visuals that are intended to communicate ideas to consumers. They can be found most commonly working in manufacturing, specialized design services, advertising, publishing, public relations, and related services.
Pajama Factor: Medium
If you want to call the shots and sport your PJs whenever you want, you might be in luck. According to the Department of Labor, 24 percent of graphic designers were self-employed in 2012. Of course, self-employed graphic designers may need to meet with clients in the evenings or weekends, adds the Department. For those who prefer a 9-to-5, you're in luck, too. The Department notes that some graphic designers do telecommute.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Graphic Design Program.
Pursue This Career: Typically, graphic designers need a bachelor's degree in this field. However, if you have a bachelor's in another subject, you can still pursue "technical training in graphic design."

Career #2: Accountants

Find Degree Programs If you have a love for numbers - as well as pajamas - consider pursuing a career in accounting. As an accountant, your job is to examine and prepare financial records such as tax returns and account books, says the U.S. Department of Labor. Accountants must also organize and maintain these records, and explain any findings from their examinations to their clients.
Pajama Factor: Low to High
Although meeting with clients to present findings may necessitate a trip through your closet, calculating financial records does not require a uniform. According to the Department of Labor, some accountants do work from home. Additionally, accountants with flexible schedules are quite popular when the IRS is lurking: "Accounting-related flexible jobs are [often] in high demand [during certain times] because of tax season," explains chief executive officer of FlexJobs, Sara Sutton Fell.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Accounting Program.
Pursuing This Career: Per the Department of Labor, most accountants will require a bachelor's degree in accounting or some related field at a minimum. Some employers would rather hire workers with a master's degree in accounting or a master's in business administration with a concentration in accounting, so consider these degrees if you wish to widen your options when pursuing an accounting career.

Career #3: Computer Support Specialists

Find Degree Programs Do you see yourself saving a company's computer network in your footy pajamas? An integral part of information technologies, or IT, these professionals are described by the U.S. Department of Labor as the go-to for computer users that make sure computer components of an organization are running smoothly.
The Department of Labor also notes that these specialists help analyze, troubleshoot, and evaluate computer software or equipment problems, with network support specialists helping out the IT employees in their organization, while computer user support specialists handle non-IT users with computer issues.
Pajama Factor: Medium to High
The Department tells us that many computer support specialists need to be available 24 hours a day, so getting the call when you're in your PJs may be inevitable. Furthermore, the Department reports that due to faster computer networks, some support specialists may be able to work from a home office, particularly help-desk technicians.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Information Systems Program.
Pursuing This Career: If this career sounds like your cup of tea, consider this: According to the Department, some computer support jobs require only an associate's degree or even just postsecondary classes. Others may require a bachelor's degree. For more technical positions, look to majoring in information science, engineering, or computer science.

Career #4: Management Analysts

Find Degree Programs Are you well organized and a master strategist? You might be fit for a role as a management analyst. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, management analysts are the folks who come up with ways to heighten the efficiency of the organizations they serve. They offer advice to managers on factors such as how to decrease costs and increase revenues.
Pajama Factor: Medium
A full 21 percent of management analysts were self-employed in 2012, according to the Department of Labor. The Department also points out that these analysts are free to choose when and where to work. Depending on what they choose, they may also be free to choose what (and what not) to wear.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Business Administration Program.
Pursuing This Career: To pursue a career as a management analyst, you'll probably need a bachelor's degree at a minimum, according to the Department, which also notes that candidates with an MBA may be preferable to some employers. Few schools offer management consulting programs, but the Department states that many fields may provide a suitable education. Consider fields such as business, accounting, finance, marketing, psychology, computer and information science, economics, political science and government, management, and English.

Career #5: Computer and Information Research Scientists

Find Degree Programs If you've ever marveled at the gadgets coming out of the Consumer Electronics Show, you might want to think about a career in computer and information research science. The U.S. Department of Labor tells us that creating computer algorithms and simplifying them for efficiency is typically one of the elements of a career in computer and information research, with data mining, robotics, and programming as some of the specialties in this position.
Pajama Factor: Low
Don't tell me you've never worked on your computer in your pajamas. The Department of Labor says that computer and information research scientists doing independent research could potentially find themselves with flexible work schedules.
Next step: Click to Find the Right Computer Science Program.
Pursuing This Career: Most jobs require a PhD in computer science or a related area, says the Department. If this type of work sounds like something you'd want to strive for, you'll need at least a bachelor's to get into PhD programs.

Preparing for a Telecommuting Job

While all five of these careers could potentially be done, at least in part, from the comfort of your own home, it's important to remain realistic about the implications of telecommuting. Disconnectedness, demonstrating productivity, and maintaining a solid work-life balance are all very real problems newcomers to telecommuting might face.
"This isn't a time where you'll want to employ the sink-or-swim method, but rather prepare beforehand to ensure success," advises MomCorp's chief executive officer, Allison O'Kelly.

Consider these three tips:

1. Get Your People Fix

"Being involved in a community is vital for your success because having a support system, readily available resources, and a variety of connections provides encouragement and companionship," O'Kelly explains.

2. Demonstrate Your Productivity

"Professionals often worry their supervisor will think they're at home watching TV and eating bonbons. And those who actually do that aren't helping the rest of us," shares O'Kelly. So how do we combat this? "Set protocols and train your brain to focus on work while at work," she says. "Yes, you can let the dog out or balance a couple quick tasks while working at home, but try to work as if you were still in the office to be as efficient as possible."

3. Work Out the Work-Life Balance

Typically, those working from home spend even more time behind their desks, making the possibility of work-life balance extinction all too real. Sutton Fell sums it up succinctly, "You do need to work at maintaining work-life balance because working flexible hours or from home can blur the lines between your work and personal lives." Whether this means tapping into the bounty of fresh vegetables in your garden for lunch, or meeting your kids at the bus stop, don't forget why you're opting to work from home. Ultimately, the control and freedom in your schedule can only be a benefit if you make it one.