WFH Money

“Tips, advice, and real stories for making money from home.”

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Hi, I’m Lisa Reynolds, and welcome to Work From Home Money! Through the years I’ve worked in many customer service and support roles from home. I know what it’s like to juggle family, work schedules, and technology while trying to build a stable income without ever setting foot in a cubicle. On this blog, I share: Honest advice about working from home (the good and the bad). Tips for finding legitimate remote jobs (no scams, no gimmicks). Ways to earn and save money while building a flexible lifestyle. Lessons I’ve learned from my own journey — from seasonal call center gigs to building a dedicated home office. Whether you’re a stay-at-home parent, someone looking for extra income, or ready to swap your commute for a laptop, I want this blog to be your go-to resource. Thanks for stopping by — I’m so glad you’re here! Feel free to connect with me, share your own experiences, or drop a question in the comments. Together, we’ll unlock the keys to making money from home. — Lisa 💻✨

Employee vs. Independent Contractor: What’s the Real Difference When You Work From Home?

“Not all work-from-home jobs are created equal.”

☕ People often assume working from home means total freedom with your time. Roll out of bed at noon? Sure. Work in your pajamas? Absolutely. Clock in only when you feel like it? Not so fast.

The truth is: how much freedom you really have depends on how you’re working from home — whether you’re an employee or an independent contractor. I’ve worked under both setups, and let me tell you, they are very different experiences.

Let’s break it down.

👩‍💻 Working From Home as an Employee

Think of this as the more “traditional” way of working — just without the commute.

✅ The Pros

  • You’re paid by the hour, no guessing games.
  • Benefits like health insurance, PTO, or retirement may be included (depending on the company).
  • Taxes are automatically withheld — you don’t have to set anything aside or stress during tax season.

⚠️ The Cons

  • You usually have a strict schedule. Clock in and clock out times are non-negotiable.
  • You answer to a boss or team lead, just like you would in an office.
  • If you’re not logged in and available, you’re not getting paid.

🛠️ Working From Home as an Independent Contractor

This setup offers more flexibility, but also more responsibility.

✅ The Pros

  • You can often set your own hours and choose your projects.
  • You’re paid by the job or task, so the more you complete, the more you can earn.
  • You are your own boss — no supervisor watching over your shoulder.

⚠️ The Cons

  • No company benefits — you’re on your own for health insurance, retirement, and time off.
  • You’re not guaranteed hourly pay. If the phones are quiet or work is slow, you’re not making money.
  • Taxes aren’t withheld — you have to budget and set money aside for the IRS.

🔑 The Bottom Line

Neither option is “better” than the other — it depends on you.

  • If you love structure, security, and benefits → an employee role might be your best fit.
  • If you value freedom, flexibility, and being your own boss → an independent contractor role might make more sense.

At the end of the day, working from home isn’t one-size-fits-all. Knowing the differences helps you pick the path that works best for your lifestyle, goals, and family.

✨ Have you worked as both an employee and a contractor? Drop a comment — I’d love to hear your experience!

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