I know Where - now WHAT!? .continued
3). When? WHEN is a good time to consider a home business? LinkedIn's, Herb Greenberg wrote an article that gives us a candid look into the realities of working from home; His insights may help answer some questions you have. IS it the right time to consider working from home?
In 'Working from Home: The Good, the Bad & the Ugly', Greenberg states these GOOD reasons for considering home business : When circumstances arise that need re-evaluation and perhaps your budget could use some tweaking - Working from home can save on driving/ gas, car maintenance, dry cleaning, childcare, taxes and of course, the drive-thru :) The BAD? You are always working - "Work is home - home is work." Will you be able to set-up boundaries between work & home? With your "office" so handy, will you be able to leave work at appropriate times and switch gears to the important and meaningful things around you? Ready for the UGLY?! 9 little letters.....ISOLATION. Sure, the first 4 weeks at home could be absolutely wonderful! ....but what about for the long haul?...no coffee room talks, "meetings" in the hall, quirky c0-workers popping their head in the door for a quick "hello" or a knowing look of shared frustration and camaraderie. Now obviously, I have a whole website focused on the benefits and resources available for working at home, however, I do believe that before you make a decision like this, you should really think through each angle - The Good, the Bad AND the Ugly.
4). Why? WHY consider and committing to working from home? We covered a few of these reasons as we thought about the WHEN? of home business. It is worth restating them here: Cheaper on gas, car maintenance, dry cleaning, food, taxes, childcare, comfort, convenience, less illness, positive environment.( American Writers & Artists Inc., Rebecca Matter) You can utilize skills you have obtained through previous jobs, life experience, talent, interest & online resources, to pursue a career you enjoy and feel passionate about. Depending on the season/stage of your life - perhaps you can spend that extra time with your little ones, or build in a exercise routine that hasn't happened yet, travel more or help with the care of a loved one. There are so many great reasons, WHY; unique to each individual. You can have meetings wherever you'd like - How about coffee shop meetings, video conferences from your deck? No politics! Flexibility....productivity. ( 'The Entrepreneur's Book of Checklists', 2 Edition, 2007 by Robert Ashton) One personal WHY for me, is that it allows me to homeschool my daughters. I have the flexibility to arrange my schedule ( and their's) to accomodate everyone's needs and responsibilities.
Recent Comments
17
There are pros and cons to either way. It takes a very strong and determined person to work from home though. Others will try to interfere because you're home and they don't understand that it's a job to you. I, personally, like the flexibility but still struggling with the interference because people think I'm totally retired.
Good job and I commend you for homeschooling. With the changes in the current school system, our children are being taught for test scores and not for life performance. I feel this will bring much more stability in a home and family unit.
Hi Kimberely I am enjoying your posts. You are covering the field raising issues that we may not be that keen to look at. Going in to it with a clear vision will help. Thankyou.
Alexander
Personally, I am against homeschooling kids, I can not imagen why you would take away the opportunity to let your children socialize with peers on school. I am pro- working from home, to be there when your children gets home from school though, and not have to go to some childcare.
I am running a childcare, and I do see the pro's and con's in that matter closeby.
Thank you for your comment! One of my daughters actually runs a daycare - beautiful career.
See more comments
I had 7 kids so I guess I don't really get out much anyway, but I've loved doing stuff from home. I feel that all my work is at home whether it house work, kids work, or my work, so it's essential to get out every day if only to exercise. I personally don't think socializing is a problem, actually it think it's better because you can chose to spend your time more wisely with people who are an inspiration to you. Oh and for most Moms staying at home as far as expenses is a no brainer, I honestly don't know how anyone actually comes out in front. where I live most women work because they want to, not because it's economically viable.
Thank you for your comment! Yes, I agree - many women work because they want to/prefer to - that's great! Then, there are many who wish they could supplement income somehow but are not sure how....and still others really HAVE to work somewhere - it is a reality and there are no other options right now. Hats off to each one! :)