Top 5 Work From Home Jobs

As we head into Thanksgiving week with its onslaught of things to do--grocery shop, clean, do-ahead food prep--you may find yourself wishing that you had some extra hours in your day.

One way to find extra hours is to eliminate commuting. If you allow one hour each way for your commute--that’s an extra 10 hours you’re adding back into your life if you stop going to work and start telecommuting. (Full disclosure--Patch editors work from home.)

• Also See: State of California Has More Than 3,900 Job Openings Right Now - Telecommuting has grown 122 percent in the state government sector

With that in mind, here’s a list of the Top 5 Work From Home Jobs compiled by FlexJobs.

1. Writer - This is a job that actually benefits from solitude. It’s easier to focus on writing when you’re not interrupted by coworkers, ringing telephones and other workplace noise.
2. Consultant - If you’ve worked in your field for very long you’ve gained expertise that businesses need. Market yourself to companies needing coverage for workers on leave, small businesses that can’t afford a full time worker and former employers that are familiar with the quality of your work.
3. Customer Service Representative - These positions often have less flexibility as you’re expected to work specific hours.
4. Sales Representative - Your time is spent online, on the phone or in the field servicing current customers and trying to land new ones. you don’t need a desk at the office for that.
5. Engineer - This is another position that benefits from solitude. If you’re designing devices, you don’t need interruptions.

Also See:

• WalMart Hiring for Holiday Season
• Shoot For The Stars! NASA Offering Out-Of-This World Job Opportunity
• JC Penney Hiring to Fill 30,000 Spots for Holiday Season
• CHP to Go on Hiring Spree
• One of America’s Most-Dangerous Jobs May Surprise You
• Should All Companies Offer Longer Paid Leave for New Parents?
• Which California Cities Have Fared Best and Worst Since the Recession?

Search for work at home positions on the Patch Jobs page.