What you should know
about working at home
the rest of the
story...
Many people stuck in cubicles
dream of working at home - after all, who
wouldn't want to wake up at noon, work in
their pajamas, and make tons of money. Those
of us who make working at home work for us,
however, know that the reality is often much
different than the image projected by many
advertisers. If you're considering a work at
home career, there are a few things you
should know before you get started,
especially if you have children at home.
1. Working at home is WORK!
Working at home will be one of the most
challenging, yet rewarding things you've
ever done. You'll have to set your own
schedule, adhere to your own deadlines, keep
track of your own books. You'll wear many
hats - accountant, manager, marketer, and
parent - often several hats at the same
time! Organization and dedication are key
elements of success, but so is the ability
to survive on far too much caffeine while
meeting a looming deadline.
2. Time Management is Essential
If you work at home, managing your time
wisely is key. If you work at home and
parent at the same time, managing your time
wisely is essential to survival. You'll
become an expert at multitasking (a word
which, in this case, means the ability to
answer the phone and feed your children
cheerios at the same time). You'll learn to
work in small, manageable chunks of time,
wherever they can be found. In short, you'll
become a master juggler, managing both your
personal and professional lives at the same
time.
3. Focus is Key
Although there will be days when it will
seem impossible, the ability to focus really
is important. This means setting limits with
your spouse, children, and neighbors about
when you're available to meet their needs
and when you're working. This balance is
different for everyone. Some people work
well at home with a desk in a central
location, allowing them to tend to family
needs while working. Others work best in
their own office, far from prying toddler
fingers.
It's your new career - you make the calls.
Don't be afraid to set limits on phone calls
and visits, as well. Avoid allowing your
friends and neighbors to take advantage of
the fact that you work from home - you're a
professional, not a fill in babysitter or
chauffeur. Make working at home work for you
by following these easy guidelines.
_________________________
Go confidently in the direction of your
dreams. Live the life you have imagined.
Henry David Thoreau
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