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Do you dream of working from the comfort of your own home? Imagine...going to "the office" in your p.j.'s and reading your morning correspondence over a bowl of cornflakes. Setting your own hours, around your schedule. Being there for your kids. Not having to wait a year before taking that vacation. No more interruptions from annoying co-workers or office politics. Jeans, shorts and sweats instead of suits, heels and briefcases. No more harrowing commutes in morning traffic. If you dream of this kind of freedom, telecommuting may be just the route for you. And, because telecommuting also benefits companies by saving them money, it is destined to become just as common as traffic congestion.
But before you begin that online job search, take a few moments for a reality check. To see if telecommuting is really for you, answer these questions:
1. Can you say "no," to requests from the family and friends who upon hearing that you are telecommuting, think you have more free time than they do?
2. Are you self-disciplined and good at time management? This is important because it will be up to you to organize and prioritize your schedule, especially if you free-lance. Yes, you will often have the freedom -depending on your job - to choose between watching a favorite t.v. program or buckling down at your computer. But taking time out during your work day, may mean working late that evening, especially if you have a family at home who needs your attention. And, since telecommuting involves the Internet, you may need all the self-discipline you can muster to stay focused on the task at hand and not to give in to that temptation to surf just a few minutes longer. It's amazing how fast time can fly on the Net!
3. Speaking of family. Are you flexible? Children and spouses probably won't be living on your telecommuting schedule. Not having the kids in daycare after school, on weekends and holidays means that you'll need to adapt your schedule to your family.
4. Do you enjoy solitude? E-mail and the phone somehow don't replace the company of fellow workers.
5. Can you find or make a work space in your home? If not, can you mentally block out distractions in your home?
6. Will you be able to turn off work at the end of your day? Some people cannot leave work at the office when the office is at home.
7. Can you communicate clearly in writing?
If you answered "yes," to all six questions, you're a natural. After reading a few tips below, get ready to begin that online job search. If you answered "no," to one or more questions, but you're determined to trade that nine to five in for the freedom of telecommuting, read on...
1. If you have difficulty convincing others that you don't have any more free time than they do, then consider taking a class or book in assertiveness. Remind yourself that even though you work at home, you still have deadlines to meet. And, don't you dare feel guilty for taking a break and putting your feet up! You are paying for this freedom with increased responsibility. Enjoy it!
2. No good at being your own task master? There's hope. It comes in the form of a desk top calendar or an organizer. Or, download one of those calendars that allow you to set pop up reminders and alarms. Remind yourself of the rewards waiting if you meet your deadline. Remind yourself of the consequences if you don't meet your deadline...working Saturday night, earning less money, losing a job or client.
3. If you are more like a pine tree than a willow, remind yourself that willow's stand better in the wind and when you are juggling a family and work in the same place and sometimes at the same time, the wind's bound to blow. If you don't bend, you may hit the fan along with the proverbial you know what. Get as much accomplished as you can while the family's out for the day. When they're home and you need to get that report off to your boss or client pronto, enlist their help. Offer rewards to your kids. (Bribery works with spouses too!). If we're talking about a long span of time, be realistic. Work in increments, taking short breaks with the kids. If they're really young, you may need to hire a parent's helper.
4. Yes, it can get lonely working at home. Cultivating online friendships with co-workers (some online businesses have message boards and chat rooms already set up for this purpose), or if you are a freelancer, check relevant Websites for discussion groups. Get resourceful and soon you'll be taking coffee breaks with some online buddies. And, remember that just because you telecommute to work doesn't mean you can't hop in your car and have lunch in town with friends.
5. Some people can block out distractions, others thrive on a noisy environment and can't stand silence. Newsroom reporters have an edge on this. But for most of us, especially when in the face of a looming deadline, the smallest distraction can set us off. This isn't only hard on our careers; it can also wreck havoc with our families. Headphones and a cubby will help; a home office is even better. If you don't have a room of your own, consider adding a small room onto your home, or building an office in the garage. An R.V, even a small travel trailer with a phone line will make a good office, and can set you further away from household noise. Your home office can be a room full of tax deductions. Remember to ask your accountant about also deducting a percentage of household utitilities. For that matter, keep track of all work related expenses.
6. Leaving the office for the day will be much easier if you have a special room set aside for work. It's far less tempting to just check that e-mail one more time, or do a few "quick" revisions when the office door is closed. It will also help if you schedule in some of this off work time on your calendar. Give yourself concrete activities to look forward to...playing a game with the kids, watching a favorite video with your spouse, cooking a meal, going out for a bike ride or to the gym. Speaking of the gym, exercise is one good way to shake off the stresses of the day and stay in shape in spite of your sedentary job. It will also boost your spirits, decrease your risk of workaholism and Internet addiction.
7. If you're not comfortable communicating in writing, consider taking a class at the community college or online. Pick up a copy of The Elements of Style by Strunk and White.
Check writer's sites for other useful books and articles. Read good examples of the type of material you need to write, and practice, practice, practice. It's a small price to pay for the freedom to work in your jammies with a bowl of cornflakes in front of you!
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