I'm sorry to hear about the lay-off.
I've been mostly a SAHM for the past 14 years, but I have done in-home childcare, been a Mary Kay consultant, and even WOH FT for about a year in a group foster home for teens. If you want to do a home-based sales business, I recommend choosing something you can really believe in, otherwise it can be very difficult to self-justify trying to convince people they *need* to spend their hard-earned money on your products. This obviously won't be a problem for everybody, but it was for me.
I was a Mary Kay consultant for about 2.5 years, and although I love their products & think they're a great company to join up with, selling skin care products ended up being too hard on my conscience...
I also agree with whoever said that doing in-home daycare takes a very special person. I found over the years that I really enjoy watching other peoples' babies & toddlers, but not-so-much the preschoolers & older kids. Too much conflict between my own older children and my charges, and to be honest I don't enjoy having to discipline other people's kids all day. Babies & toddlers are just plain fun to be around, though, so if I ever choose to go this route again, I will be one of the odd ones who takes in only the little ones.
I know several people doing customer service/support from their home for other companies. Most of them are very happy with the arrangements, although I can't speak for the particulars. Good luck with your search for the right job!