Having a home-based business has been a popular goal for many years. Working at home, with all the freedom that goes with it, is extremely alluring. On a more practical note, though, home-based businesses mean protection from unemployment.

Job security is a thing of the distant past. Employers no longer regard people as valuable assets, but costly necessities to be cut wherever possible.

As a result, layoffs happen all the time. Every day jobs move out of North America to other parts of the world. Families are displaced and whole towns wither and die. Depression, domestic abuse, alcoholism, and increased crime can all be traced to loss of family income. Can you take the chance that your job is set in stone?

Plus, as people get older, they become a liability to employers. Older workers translate into higher wages, higher benefit costs, and may not tremble in the presence of the boss like younger workers do. Even though it is illegal to discriminate on the basis of age, employers can get away with making things difficult for older employees by giving them more duties and less desirable work, increasing hours, demanding mandatory relocations, and whatever else they can dream up. We all get older--will it cost you your job?

On the other hand, you can't be laid off from a business of your own. The good news is that you are the boss. You call the shots. You choose the hours and where you live. The bad news is that you are the boss. You assume responsibility for everything from developing the business to cleaning up after yourself.

Choosing an Internet-based business has many benefits, including low start up costs, low overhead, the ability to work from home, being there for your family, no costly clothing expense, and no transportation costs. Anyone willing to learn Internet marketing and business practices can be richly rewarded for their efforts. Who says an old dog can't learn new tricks?

You have a lot to choose from when selecting an on-line business model. Scams abound, though, so be careful, and be wary of multilevel marketing. While not impossible to build, this business model is very difficult to earn money with. In the last several years, however, the "free for all" mentality has settled down and on-line business has matured.

Successful businesses on the Internet are built around web sites that offer solid information rather than simply ask for money or promote a shady money-making plan. A content-based web site is the perfect example of this. This is a great opportunity to earn income with your hobby or avocation, something you love to do. Create a web site based on photography, cooking, or bird watching, then monetize with Adsense and affiliate programs.

Sell information as an infopreneur. You can create your own information products and make handsome profits. The most common form of selling information is the e-book, but membership sites and on-line videos are also becoming popular. The great thing about selling information you create is that you have total control over the product and you keep all the profits. Plus you can have affiliates selling for YOU at the same time.

Millions of people earn their living at eBay.com. They started by cleaning out the junk in their houses, now they frequent garage sales and estate sales looking for items to sell on-line. This is a great business model if you enjoy shopping for treasures.

Offer a service on-line and combine it with an off-line business such as house cleaning or marketing your arts or crafts.

Whatever route you decide to follow, develop your own business plan and follow it. This is key to staying on track and not giving up too early. An on-line business takes time to develop, just as off-line businesses do.

Get educated and stay motivated. Learn about Internet marketing and business by reading. There are many free resources on-line. Subscribe to on-line newsletters and read business sites. Stay consistent with your business efforts, don't start then stop. Treat it like a job. Don't get disappointed after a month or so if you aren't making money. You're in this for the long term.

Stop waiting to be a victim and take control of your future. An on-line business can be your safety net and retirement plan all rolled into one. Just get started now!