If you are looking to edge your way back in to working after time out of the workplace, Freelance or Short-Term Contract Work may be a good way to go. You can earn extra money, while sharpening some skills that may have gotten a bit dull. Freelancing also gives a great deal of flexibility in terms of hours and the type of work you can do. I have worked on a freelance basis for several years on various projects, and have enjoyed the variety of work. Pay can vary tremendously, depending on the types of skills you bring to the table (and if your skills compete with offshore resources). There are many freelance opportunities, especially if you have writing talent or web design/programming experience. Below is a list of sites you can check out for freelance work.

NOTE: Some sites do charge to post your skills profile (as a form of advertising). Others charge a transaction fee on the back end at the time of payment. Be sure to carefully read the terms and conditions of any site you decide to join.

NOTE: You will most likely be a self-employed independent contractor, and be expected to pay for all your own business related expenses, including taxes. However, this means that you will be able to claim any business expenses as tax deductions (mileage, postage, home office, computer, etc.). Consult a tax professional for details.

TIP: Working freelance can be a lonely job. Meet other freelance moms at FreelanceMoms Forum.

QUICK START LIST: Sites I have gotten work from (and been paid).
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Guru.com

LIST OF SITES TO SEARCH FOR FREELANCE JOBS

http://www.gofreelance.com/browse-jobs.html (various)

http://www.ifreelance.com/ (various)

http://jobs.freelanceswitch.com/ (web professionals)

http://www.webprojobs.com/ (web professionals)

http://www.freshwebjobs.com/ (web professionals)

http://gigs.37signals.com/ (web professionals)

http://www.krop.com/ (web professionals)

http://www.sologig.com/ (various)

http://www.noagenciesplease.com/ (web professionals- UK)

http://programmermeetdesigner.com/ (web professionals)

http://www.blogpostsforsale.com/ (blog related)

http://aquent.com/FindWork/index.html (various)

http://www.authenticjobs.com/ (web professionals)

http://www.getafreelancer.com (various)

http://www.writingcareer.com/ (writing jobs)

http://www.designcrowd.com/ (web professionals)

http://www.writerlance.com/ (writing jobs)

http://www.guru.com/ (various)

http://altpick.com/jobs.php (creative talent)

http://www.coroflot.com/public/jobs_browse.asp (creative talent)

http://sfbay.craigslist.org (various- search in an area near you, or use a metaseach tool, such as http://www.crazedlist.org or http://www.craigspal.com/)

http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com/jobs/currentjobs.htm (writing jobs)

http://www.freelancers.net/ (web professionals- UK)

http://www.freelancebbs.com/ (various)

http://www.allfreelancework.com/nologinprojects.php (various)

http://www.sunoasis.com/freelance.html (writing jobs)

http://www.withcake.com/ (cakePHP developers)

http://www.burryman.com/freelance.html (list of sites)

http://cgnews.com/jobs/ (computer graphics jobs)

http://www.creativeheads.net/ (computer graphics jobs)

http://flay.com/jobs_category.cfm?CategoryID=23 (computer graphics jobs)

http://www.vfxtalk.com/index.php?page=jobs (computer graphics jobs)

http://www.filtertalent.com/main.asp (creative talent)

http://jobs.chinwag.com/ (web professionals- UK)

http://www.translatorscafe.com/cafe/default.asp (translators)

http://www.proz.com/ (translators)

http://www.people4business.com/ (various- UK)

http://people4charity.com/ (various charities- UK)

http://www.peopleperhour.com/ (various- UK)
http://www.odesk.com (various, mostly web professionals)
http://www.project4hire.com/ (various)