Home Sweet HomeI want to make the most out of my recuperation at home.

QUESTION: I'm recovering from a long illness and wouldlike to work from home doing something that affords me a littleextra money without taxing my energy too much. Any suggestionsother than a telemarketing or online business?
Teri Pedersen
Stamford, CT

ANSWER: Many people recovering from health problems orsuffering from chronic illnesses can work or run their ownbusinesses from home more easily than taking full-time jobs withdaily commutes and fixed schedules and responsibilities. In yourown business, you can choose the type of work you do, who you wantto work with and how much work you take on for a given day, week ormonth.

We suggest doing an inventory of your skills, interests andexisting contacts, then brainstorming ideas for serv-ices you canprovide from home.

For example, when an interior decorator we interviewed suffered aserious injury, she realized she would no longer be able to liftfurniture and accessories as she had done previously. Given herdecreased stamina and mobility, she realized she needed to changedirections. As she assessed her skills and interests, sheidentified a new niche. Because she'd always been a collectorof rare artifacts and already had contacts in the design industry,she decided to start a home business supplying other decoratorswith unique and interesting artifacts.

We also spoke with someone who was stricken with an illness thatprohibited her from eating the kinds of food she'd eaten allher life. So she began experimenting with recipes for healthyversions of her favorite desserts. After getting rave reviews fromher friends, she decided to create a line of healthy chocolates.The former model had contacts with upscale hotels and spas thatcater to models and other health-conscious consumers-they becameher first customers.

Both of these entrepreneurs were able to find ways they could workfrom home that provided them with the flexibility they needed. Hereare a few other in-demand home businesses that meet these criteria:mailing-list services, bookkeeping services, computer programming,tutoring, coaching, technical writing and financial planning.