Homesourcing is in

In search of a better work-life balance, more white-collar workers are taking "home-sourced" jobs, the Wall Street Journal notes.

People have done piecework from home since the dawn of the industrial revolution. Today, however, technological advances and corporate cost-cutting drives are spurring demand for a new class of white-collar employee based at home. Dubbed "home-sourced" workers, they come from fields as diverse as medical transcription, marketing, Web design and information technology. Many like their improved work-life balance even though they may receive lower wages and no benefits. ...

An independent contractor's income depends on the type of service offered. Technical specialists can charge as much as $150 an hour, says Jodi Diehl, president of the Virtual Assistants group, citing a survey of its membership. Those performing traditional administrative tasks may bill $35 an hour or less, she says.

Although home-sourced workers may have to pay for health insurance, they save on the commuting expenses, get more flexible schedules and may even gain some protection against having their jobs outsourced, according to the Journal.