C.,
I applaud your desire to work from home so YOU can raise your son! I have an at-home business and it has changed our lives. My Pampered Chef business not only earns a monthly income, but we also get a fabulous trip each year (we area heading to the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas next month!). It also gives me the professional satisfaction/outlet that I needed after leaving a full-time executive assistant position to stay home and raise children. (Talk about whiplash!)
I love that I help others do what I do...or simply make dinner time at home quicker and easier with our tools and recipes. But you know, if you aren't into Pampered Chef, you should look at other direct sales companies. The start up cost is low, training is a snap, the commission is good and the perks are the best. You earn money, products (so pick something you love), usually a trip is offered, but even more than that, you get the recognition and camaraderie of a group of friends and supportive team members.
There are lots of companies out there. If you love to cook, want to learn to cook or need new kitchen items, please let me know--I'd love to talk to you about what I do. If you love jewelry, there are a couple great companies that I can refer you to someone who does those. If you like educational/toy items, look at Discovery Toys. There are SO MANY out there, and since I am in direct sales, I know lots of others and successful reps I can refer you to. (You want to get in with a successful team...and not all of them are. Personal referals are always safest.)
No matter what you choose to do, you are looking in the right direction! You can make up lost income very easily by working from home...and the tax benefits are great! You don't have to "earn" the same amount that you did at a traditional job to have the same amount of available income to your family. Feel free to email me (____@____.com). I'll be glad to help you find something, don't feel that I will pressure you toward what I do. I believe in this occupation (direct sales) too much to be so narrow minded!