Many people dream of working from home. Operating your own business from home can be a dream come true or a nightmare, not only do you have the full benefits you also have total accountability. You alone are responsible for the success or failure of your business. There are many and varied benefits, some quite unexpected, which go along with the many challenges.
Some challenges include the following:-
Sorting out any legal and insurance issues.
Lack of company - working alone does not suit everyone. Many people enjoy day to day “water-cooler” banter which occurs in a work environment.
Lack of skills - there are many aspects to working from home, and you may find you are not expert in all areas. The learning curve can be quite steep.
Lack of support - many work environments offer working in teams as a benefit - teamwork provides an opportunity to share ideas and get feedback. Teams also help with problem solving.
Interruptions - some people may regard your time as less valuable when you work from home and feel they can bother you at any time.
Lack of guaranteed income - the knowledge that you no longer have the regular income a job can provide can be quite daunting. One solution is to commence your home business on a part time basis while still employed and build it up.
Family pressures - small children will naturally enjoy your presence and may hinder your work activities. Set boundaries and choose a work schedule to suit your family’s needs.
Time management - determine your work schedule. Remember that you cannot be “at work” 24 hours a day.
Distractions - phone calls and visitors can be very distracting. Ask your friends and family to respect your core work times.
Lack of understanding - many people, particularly, those who grew up in a time where people had a “job for life”, don’t understand the “work from home” concept. It requires a paradigm shift your extended family may not be capable of making straight away. Don’t expect unreserved support from your mother-in-law!
There are many benefits to working from home, both to you personally and the planet. Your daily commute changes from driving your car in bumper-to-bumper traffic to strolling down the hallway. This benefits you on many levels including:-
Saving money on fuel and vehicle maintenance.
Saving time - depending on your old commute time this can amount to a staggering numbers of hours per week saved.
Avoiding the stress of driving in traffic
Increased safety due to less time on the road.
Reducing your carbon footprint - being “greener”.
You really can work in your pyjamas.
You can schedule your work day to suit your own personal body clock and lifestyle.
You control your work environment, temperature and background music.
You can schedule your business to enable you to attend those precious family events, like your child’s first recital.
You have personal freedom.
You’re not locked into corporate political struggles, long business lunches or office gossip.
You can eat whenever you get hungry. Those leftovers need never go to waste again. Plus it costs far less.
You can claim tax deductions for your home office.
You extend you skills by venturing into areas your traditional job may not allowed.
You can be creative putting together advertising or a new brochure.
You can set yourself up for a secure future.
You can shop at non-peak times for a more relaxed experience.
You can take long weekends without asking anyone for permission.
You can tend to an ill child without feeling guilty about taking time off. Likewise you can arrange for deliveries or repairs without paying extra for after hours service.
Personal growth is something which will occur as part of developing your home based business. Broadening your abilities, and developing an understanding of all aspects of business will never allow you to get bored. Work related satisfaction will soar.
Overall, working from home has many benefits. Your work from home could be an extension of your previous employment or something totally new. Many people start off part time to gain confidence before resigning from their regular employment. It’s hard to put a dollar value on flexible working hours, a more family friendly schedule and lower stress levels, but you will instinctively realize the value on a personal level.
Tags: Business Success, Home Business, Online Business, Online Profits, Small Business
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I am a graduate student and believe it or not,a professor brought this issue up as out discussion topic for the week.I find your notes extremely helpful and thank you. I will give credit to you for sure!