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Sunday, July 6, 2008

Are You Ready to Work from Home?

Are you ready for the home office? Whether you work for yourself or for someone else, you'll want to make sure that you're ready to work from home. It takes a certain type of person to pull it off. Keep on reading to make sure it's for you.

1. You need to be dependable on your own.

I know that sounds obvious, but many people cannot function when working all alone--especially from home. You need to be able to ignore the tv, the kids, the chores, and all the other responsibilities that get in the way.

2. You need to know how to say no.

When people find out you work from home they'll take advantage of you. You'll be asked to babysit or run errands. You'll find friends at your door wanting to come in when you should be working. Telling people no can be really difficult when you think you have a lot of extra time on your hands.

3. You need to learn to use your own resources.

Hopefully when you worked at an office they provided you with many different resources to use and learn from. Shame on the bosses who don't! Now that you're looking to work from home, where are you going to get the latest and greatest information for your job?

4. You need to be setup to work from home.

Distractions are the worst when you're not in a secluded area. Even in my office I find a toy here or there or something that shouldn't be left around in an office space. I can be a little bit more relaxed about my surroundings, but I still need to look professional to feel professional.

5. You need the right tools.

Today's home businesses need the Internet, preferably broadband. Most likely you'll also need a computer and a phone. Phone lines can be used from the computer using a system like Skype to place inexpensive or free calls.

6. You need a secondary bank account.

Yes, you do. I've heard others claim you don't need one, but you do. Get one with a Visa check card and use it wisely. Make note of everything and why.

7. Get a filing cabinet and use it just for business. Invest in some folders and hanging folders. Use it.

8. Make your surroundings comfortable. If the radio helps you work then use it! It's your office and you can do what helps you work, not your boss. I use iTunes.

9. If possible, choose a space with a door. It will define where your office ends and begins. My office was in the pantry. It was big enough for a desk, some shelves on the wall, a stand for the printer and scanner, a bulletin board/pen board, and a filing cabinet. Oh, and a little rolling space for my office chair. It was perfect.

10. Get a comfortable chair. The kitchen chair isn't the most comfortable chair when sitting in it all day.

11. DO YOUR TAXES, save all receipts, and plan to make a profit! If you're telecommuting for someone else then you can't do many of the writeoffs, but you can expense them back to your employer if agreed upon.

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