Wednesday, November 5, 2008

Let' S Get Real About Work From Home Opportunities

Business, Home Business.

How i solved my work - from - home problems - let' s get real about work from home opportunities. Marketers usually paint a picture where you only work a few hours a day and you get paid millions of dollars.


You' ve probably read a lot of articles that paint a pretty picture of what it' s like to work at home. - there are plenty of problems you encounter when you work from home. Lack of support from your Managers. I want to make sure that you understand them and how to overcome them if you choose to work this way. If you' re telecommuting rather than having your own separate business you may find that you get a lot less support from your actual manager. The Solution: Have regularly scheduled meetings via teleconference or video conference. This is probably because a manager is not seeing you all the time - - out of sight out of mind.


Especially in the beginning when you are just getting started and getting used to work styles. - your feelings of isolation. It also helps keep a list of your accomplishments so your Manager can realize all the good work you' re doing. Long hours working from your work at home office can be lonely. Do you need to be around a lot of people to get energized? It' s important for you realize the type of person you are, are you an introvert or an extrovert?


It' s important that you realize this and take appropriate action. - schedule video conferences or telephone calls to keep in touch with the office and your clients. The Solution: If you' re an extrovert, ensure that you have lots of people contact in your day. You can also take your home office on the road by working from your local coffee shop or library. Balancing your life. If your coffee shop provides an internet connection that' s even better. Often when you get into a work from home environment it becomes difficult to separate your personal time from your business time.


Do you feel guilty about performing household chores during your work hours? - because your computer is only a few steps away you always have time for one more work email or one last moment refining your project. The Solution: That' s where it' s important to schedule specific times for work and personal chores so they don' t overlap. Keep yourself organized and allow for interruptions that come with raising children. You also need to take into account the needs of your family if you' re a stay at home mom or dad. It can be done with some careful planning.


I' m not talking about computer problems here! - your communication problems. I' m talking about mis - communication problems with your clients or your colleagues. So, less face - to - face time leads to a lot of assumptions. Because you' re not right in front of them face - to - face, you don' t have the luxury of being able to read body language or other non - verbal cues. The Solution: Once again you should schedule frequent meetings with clients and colleagues to keep in touch.


Work from home stress usually involves not having balance as far as work and family life. - your stress. It is usually a nagging feeling that you could be doing more. The Solution: Stick to a regular schedule of predefined work hours and try to be pretty strict with this arrangement. For example you feel like working when you are with your family and you feel like being with your family when you are working. If you do it right you should be able to create a balance with work and family life.


These are only some of the problems you' ll encounter. - so, there you have it. Issues regarding stress, life balance, support, and isolation issues can be overcome with careful planning and a good attitude!

No comments: