Start Working from Home

Start Working from Home

Discover practical tips and career ideas to help you transition into a successful work-from-home lifestyle.

Working from home is considered to be an ideal situation by many people. No traffic jams, no boss looking over your shoulder, and depending on what you do, you may even be able to work in your pajamas! If you are considering working from home, here are a few tips to help you get started:

1. The easiest transition is if you can do your current job from the comfort of your own home. Depending on your position, this may be a possibility. If you can see yourself carrying out your responsibilities from a home office, ask your boss if there is a way you could telecommute, at least for part of the week. If your company permits you to telecommute, you may be required to upgrade your home office equipment to meet the needs of your position, but the added expenses may be worth it when weighed against the ongoing costs of commuting, a professional wardrobe, and restaurant lunches.
2. If your current career does not lend itself well to working at home, you may need to switch careers. Often, beginning a new career path means accepting a significant pay cut. Look at your household budget to see where you can make adjustments. If you are determined to make the switch to working at home, you may need to change your spending habits, at least temporarily. Consider which things you can live without for a while—perhaps cable television or restaurant meals—and look for optional expenses to tighten your belt.
3. Sometimes, even when watching every penny, you realize you cannot afford a large pay cut. If this is the case, you might consider working part-time from home while maintaining your current job. As your income from the work-at-home career increases, hopefully, you will be able to phase out your other job. This plan can be both physically and mentally exhausting, so think it through carefully before committing to two jobs, even temporarily.
4. Beware of scams. With the increasing number of people hoping to work from home, scams designed to take advantage of them have also increased. Ads for stuffing envelopes or assembling products at home rarely offer legitimate ways to earn an income. Some companies, especially those promising high earnings, will ask applicants to pay for necessary startup supplies. Be especially cautious when dealing with companies like this. Remember the old saying: "If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is."
5. Do a web search for work-from-home opportunities. There are a number of reputable sites that keep updated job listings, a few of which are noted below.
6. Some careers are better suited than others for working from home. Here are a few popular choices:
   • Home Daycare: A caregiver tends to a limited number of children in her home. Most states have licensing requirements, so be sure to check them before beginning.
   • Medical Transcribing: Although initial training is required, a number of doctors and hospitals hire at-home medical transcriptionists.
   • Party Planner: If you have a gift for throwing terrific parties, this career has potential, especially as people get busier. Spread the word through your local newspaper or retail bulletin boards.
   • Tutor: Share your knowledge with children and adults. You can assist with mastering academic subjects, musical instruments, or athletic instruction.
   • Accounting or Financial Planning: Many accountants and financial planners work from home-based offices. Check for licensing restrictions in your area.
   • Crafter: If you are handy or artistic, you may be able to produce items to sell at craft fairs or online at auction sites such as eBay.
   • Freelance Writer: Writers on staff at a newspaper or magazine frequently must work from a corporate office, but freelance writers have the freedom to work from wherever they choose.