There are many advantages to working online, not the least of which is the ability to stay at home, thus avoiding the expense, hassle and time commitments of commuting. Employers who are willing to let employees work at home can also gain advantages, including reduced office lease expenses if enough of their workers begin working from home all the time.

Telecommuting
The role of a telecommuter isn't necessarily any different than an office worker -- she just does her job from home rather than from an office. If you are interested in retaining your current job, but doing it from home at least part of the time, talk to your employer. Some jobs are more appropriate for this change than others. If you work in a "knowledge industry" such as editing, finance or writing, the majority of what you do can probably be done over the Internet from your home. Hands-on jobs such as nursing and carpentry, however, will probably never be outsourced to the Internet.

Freelancing
Many people prefer the freedom of freelancing to the security of full-time employment, while others make this transition involuntarily after being laid off or fired from their jobs. Online freelancing opportunities include writing, editing, photography and graphic design. Some forms of therapy and counseling can also be done over the Internet, provided that your clients are comfortable with it. Successful freelancing from home requires a high level of self discipline. A freelancer is faced not only with the possible distractions of children, pets and the many other goings-on in the typical household, but also with the virtually endless distractions of the Internet itself.

Running an Online Business
It is also possible to make a living online by selling things to customers and shipping them out through the mail. The best merchandise for this type of business is small, standardized and not prone to breakage. Benefits of an online retail business include the absence of storefront expenses and the ability to sell from anywhere that has an Internet connection and a nearby Post Office. Drawbacks include an increased chance of a customer complaining because she bought the merchandise without seeing it and it isn't what was expected. Building up an ongoing clientele for an online business can help to develop a consistent and dependable income.

Consulting
Consultants can easily work over the Internet, because they are paid for their knowledge, which can almost always be conveyed through email or other online venues. Many computer consultants work exclusively over the Internet, as the two fields are intricately intertwined and complimentary. Specialized consultants whose clients are thinly dispersed over wide geographic areas can use the Internet to maintain many professional relationships without having to travel constantly. Internet technology even allows tech consultants, with the owner's permission, to take over their computers remotely and work on them to install new software or troubleshoot problems.