You have to have a basic infrastructure if you intend to seriously pursue this kind of work. For this kind of work, you have to have access to your own computer and an Internet connection. The reason for this is most work at home job opportunities are so time bound that you cannot do without a fast and high-speed Internet access.
Another essential for working at home rather than taking another job, is knowing how to source assignments and projects for whatever area of work at home opportunities you have selected. The ideal solution would be registering with a company that acts as an agency, then vets and passes on the kinds of opportunities you're looking for. Alternatively consider some sort of jobs database where buyers and provider both register their details securely and then a bidding process is enacted.
Self-discipline is a must in this kind of work as it is not like a 9 to 5 job that many are accustomed to. A majority of people requires external motivation to give out their best at work. Such people are advised to work at a traditional work environment, as a traditional job is most suitable for them. Work at home concept best works for the self-motivated that could rely on themselves to work hard despite the distractions that are common at homes.
But if you do not have any doubt that you would be a success at this sort of work, then you must have surely wondered about the kinds of opportunities that exist for you on the Internet. No problem, opportunities exist for the skilled, semi-skilled as well as for those who have no skills at all. Filling in surveys is one such opportunity on the Internet. Some even claim that doing so could fetch you up to $150 an hour; though finding enough work to fill your eight hours may be highly improbable. Just browse the Internet and see for yourself the opportunities that exist for you.