Working From Home: Is It For You?

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By Brandie Kajino, The Home Office Organizer

Are you meant to work at home? In the crazy economy that we have in the states these days, you might be thinking that it’s time to hunker down and do a little moonlighting. Working from home isn’t for everyone, so how do you know if it’s for you?

Consider the following:

Am I self-disciplined? Yes = I can ignore that voice in my head that beckons me to watch shows on Hulu.com. No = I find myself on the sofa wondering where the day went.
Is my life in a place where working from home is realistic? Just had a baby? Taking care of an ailing parent? These are all things to consider when plotting out the work-at-home setting. It’s not that it can’t be done (my son was three when I started), but are you ready and willing to really work your puh-tooty off around all the distractions and obligations you have at home? This answer has to come from your heart and mind after some serious reflection. (Wendy said one time, wisely, that you can work from home with little children, but not without help. Wise words!)
Are you “working” or “making money”, aka how important is money initially? It goes without saying that you can work plenty without making money for a while. It’s reality for many, because working from a home office isn’t as easy as those badly written and sadly pathetic road signs claim it is. Again, this is something you have to think about and be prepared for, with a plan.
How will you deal with being alone most of the day? Working from home can be a lonely proposition. Working from home many times means working by your lonesome, as in no one around (unless you are lucky enough to have a spouse or partner around). If you’re an intravert, this can be a paradise of productivity. If you’re an extravert, it can be sheer… well, you know. (For the record, I’m an extravert, so I’m involved in some trade and local service clubs to get my social + learning + volunteering fix.)

I’m all about working from home! However, there are some things I wish I knew before I started. So, really consider the above (and other legal, marketing + business issues) before diving in.

If you work from home, what are some things you think people should know before they make the plunge?

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Comments

1. On October 9th, 2008 at 7:48 am, Elaine Shannon said:

I have been working from home for 5 years now and I agree. Some of the time you are working and other times you are working and making money. The moeny part happens for me when the home work leads into the consulting work that makes the money. Honestly you need both! The most important thing I have learned in the 5 year is to time block. Take segments of your day, turn off all external distractions….yes the sound of incoming e-mails….and get to the goal you have set. Just do it…you will be amazed how much you can accomplish in one hour of uninterrupted time.
Cheers, Elaine

2. On May 7th, 2009 at 9:50 am, Peter Lee said:

I agree there’s a lot of distractions that may make you work very unproductively. Having a work at home business needs lots of discipline, time management and self motivation. But only one person can succeed or fail in this new path you have taken – yourself.