We Are Not in This Alone

People who grew up in the 60’s and early 70’s may have been blindsided by the computer age. In the Day, we could not just go on line for answers or snippets of information. The revolution just happened and now that the computer is the preeminent instrument of dissemination, our brethren has adjusted one way or another. For some it has been easy, others became frustrated, still others stubbornly refuse to have anything to do with the new technology, which is their prerogative. However, they also may be left behind.

The computer age has shrunk the world and completely transformed how we do business and interact with one another, and it has done so in less than twenty years. When you are 50+, twenty years does not seem like such a long time. Therefore, as with the buggy whip, the old ways of doing business have grown so archaic that they are just too cumbersome to be effective any more. Of course for depth and incite, there is still no substitute for sifting through hard copy volumes. Still, a computer data- base has probably directed which volumes to pull.

Unless you are traveling in the Third World, you will not find a doctor’s office, law practice, library, or auto mechanic’s shop that does not depend on the computer and the internet for something.

Most Americans, including the stubborn holdouts, acknowledge the amazing utility and convenience of internet technology, which advances so swiftly that what was state of the art one day may seem obsolete the next. Now that everything has sped up, conversely, everything has slowed down in that today the average person can easily and inexpensively access tools allowing them to work from their home. So for the new breed of internet users, the ones who were born before there were laptops in the bassinet; a user-friendly guiding light sure comes in handy when exploring, learning about and adjusting to the computer age with its supplemental bonus.

There are websites in cyberspace offering direction and guidance to the novice seeking work from home information. Some are good, some not so good, some are just plain lousy or disingenuous. The good thing is a person can sift through the material, retain what they wish and reject the rest.

As a work for home newbie, I sought out a professional site were I would be comfortable and feel welcome. This seemed like a tall order. I wanted updated listings of telecommuting jobs and work from home opportunities. But also, and this was very important; a forum where I could exchange real, honest, down-home information on everything from technical advice to relevant chit-chat with people whose goals, desires and interests mirrored mine. I needed to find where I could listen, learn and rant if I wanted to. A place where I felt as though I was not in this alone, because for many, the work form home, telecommuter shebang is very big, new, different and uncertain. All support would be welcome.

Therefore, I searched around and discovered the site titled Virtual Vocations. I state unequivocally and without fear of being accused of pandering, I had found what I was looking for.

Previously I had vowed not to pay a dime for any such service, but after examining Virtual Vocations, I decided to gamble and pay for admission. I discovered that it is well worth the small price. In fact, it is worth a heck of a lot more. That is quite a statement coming from a skinflint like me.

This web site is well organized and easy to navigate. New jobs are posted daily and arranged chronologically. The forum is updated everyday and users ask questions and give answers containing relevant information. One recent post asks for feedback on a job offer posted elsewhere on the internet. A Reader replies that it looks like a scam and states why they think so. This is very valuable, it holds weight and it assured me that these visitors were looking out for each other.

This site also features a catalogue containing dozens of articles. They cover everything from tax tips, to how to make the most of your home office time when kids are present. It is just full of useful information, some of it written very matter of fact, some not so much, others with humor and wit. All worth reading.

There is a resume section where one can get professional assistance in writing or modifying a resume. In addition, another category provides for checking on individual accounts, which includes listings of subscriber jobs, inquires.

I hope that this article encourages anyone who is contemplating a work from home commitment, has already done so, or is the transition phase, a strong belief that you are not in this alone; because you are not.

Posted:Friday, September 26, 2008