Today's world is driven by technology. It touches every part of our lives, both personal and professional. From the way we work to the games we play, technology is involved. It keeps us connected and improves the quality of our lives. Technology companies need help to keep them running. A tech job from home might be a perfect fit for your skills and interests.

If you're an experienced information technology professional and you enjoy problem-solving and quality customer service, you may be able to work from home providing tech support via phone, online and in person to customers nationwide. Types of opportunities can vary from full-time, part-time, freelance, or contract work.

The level of expertise needed can vary as well. Potential positions include: Help Desk, Level 2 tech support, trouble shooting, or high tech product sales. Potential support services include support for PCs, MP3 players, PDAs and other mobile devices, networking and network devices, printers and other peripherals, digital cameras and any software, connectivity or operating system level issues.

Tools for the Job

At the very least, you will need to have a computer, high speed Internet access, a telephone, and a quiet work space. Depending on the position, there may additional hardware or software requirements.

Experience will be required, and depending on the company and the position, specific certifications or education levels may be mandatory. A bachelor’s degree is generally the norm for most IT positions, but Anthony Miller, a recruiter with Volt Technical Resources in Portland, Ore., says the general rule among recruiters and hiring managers is to equate about three years of work experience to every year in a college classroom. If you have a decade or more in the field, chances are you'll be a competitive candidate.

Land a Job

A common place to find at home work is with your current or former employer. Snagging an at home position may be easier than you think as research proves at home contractors save companies money.

Job listing sites like dice.com and ComputerJobs.com can be good places to look for jobs. You can also operate as a freelancer and looks for clients on a per-project basis. Web design and programming are excellent skills for freelancing.

If you decide to work for a company, Dice writer Sonja Lelii suggests going to networking events or ask colleagues about which agencies have good reputations. Target reputable firms and go online and read about the companies and what types of technologies they specialize in. It's also important to know what type of medical benefits and training they offer. Potential companies include ComputerAssistant.com, GeeksOnTime.com, PlumChoice.com, and SupportFreaks.com.

The application process, which differs with each company, may include background checks, credit checks and drug testing.

Get Support

Growing numbers of moms are finding that working from home is extremely rewarding, both personally and professionally. There is more support than ever for home-based working moms with groups like HireMyMom.com, and HBWM.com (Home Based Working Moms), an online community and professional association of moms who work at home or want to.