work from home jobs/careers for single mom?

[ktgrok]

A very very good friend from my hometown is going through a divorce - for very good reason. She has two boys, ages 5 (preschool this year) and just turned 2. The 5 yr old has specific antibody deficiency, and because of that is sick much more often,and for longer, than most kids. He was in preschool this year (free VPK) but was out sick 5 or 6 weeks total. Because of this my friend is trying to figure out a job with enough flexibility to work from home either full time (possibly homeschooling to keep him well more often) or at least able to be home when he is sick and can't go to school. There are other issues being looked at, including possibly ASD, definitely SPD, mood issues, etc. How much of this is from just chronically being sick, plus the medications he is on so often (steroids for lungs, albuterol, etc etc) is unknown. 

Anyway, she does not have a college degree. She has worked as a receptionist and medical assistant in dermatology, cardiology, and veterinary offices I think she did some insurance billing as well. She also has worked as a waitress, bartender, hostess, etc. 

She will be getting some money when they divorce and sell the house, splitting the proceeds, that will give her some to live on for a while, and I dont' know what she will qualify for as far as grants or scholarships for schooling, but the community college is a good one - they have 4 yr degrees not just 2 yr, plus certificates, etc. 

I've advised she talk to the job training/career counseling people both at the women's services office near her, as well as the college. But I also said I'd ask the hive, as I know some here work from home. 

Thoughts? Oh, and she's in Palm Beach County, so somewhat higher cost of living, but not like NYC or Boston. 

[Pen]

Insurance billing can probably be done from home

phone based work that allows remote location such as order taking, customer service... 

[sheryl]

I look on flexjobs (think that's the right name)

[City Mouse]

I think she is going to have a hard time. As far as I know, most work at home jobs for those without college degrees are call center type job which would not allow her to be taking care of young children at the same time. 
I was a teacher for an online charter school for many years. While we mostly worked from home, it was company policy that the employee could not be a care giver for another family member during work hours. 
I do have a friend who worked as a scheduler for a mystery shopping company. The hours were flexible, but the pay was poor. It only worked for her when her husband was working. When he got laid off she had to get a better paying job that is not work-from-home.