Telecommuting Tips

It may seem like the perfect opportunity and easy work, but working from a home office brings up challenges that you will not find in the "brick and mortar" environment. The benefits can be great but the obstacles are often times overwhelming. From family members that just do not understand the needs of your job, to the laundry that has been piled up for three days, Those dishes in the sink, or your favorite program on the TV. Working from home, you must overcome these challenges in order to make your home office a success. Below are some tips to making this easier and moving from the corporate world into a home based position or business.

1) Make time for your business or new home based position. Set a schedule and stick to it. Many work from home companies require you to set a schedule for yourself and you must stick to it. Even if your family is home during your "business hours" this is still possible. Set your hours in stone and post a sign on your door. This will let your family know that you are working and busy. Try this for an hour at a time, just sitting in your office. You can browse the internet, look up recipes, whatever you like. This will test the ability of your family to mind your schedule. This can be tricky with little ones, but is still possible. Move from one hour to two. Once they get used to the idea that you are "at work" this will become easier.

2) Remove yourself from the daily challenges of home life. I schedule a day for laundry, and stick to it. At times there is that one outfit that must be washed, but this can be worked in after your "business hours". If you set your mind to "clocking in" then you will be less likely to feel the need to get that extra load of clothes done. The same works for your favorite shows. If you are hooked on soaps, you can always record them, or catch them on SoapNet in the evenings. This makes it easy to stay on top of your favorite shows, but also keep your work schedule on track.

3) Lunch breaks can be challenging. You no longer will have the expense of grabbing lunch on the go once you open your home office, but still must treat it like a lunch hour. I use a half an hour for my lunch. When grocery shopping, pick up some items that you know will be easy to prepare quickly. This will not only help to save money on your lunch bills, but also allow you to stick to a strict lunch period.

4) Your office set up contributes to the success of your home office. If you are not comfortable, you will not be able to sit and work for several hours out of your day. Make sure your chair is not only comfortable, but also ergonomically designed. The height of your desk is just as important as your desk chair. If your chair and desk do not "fit" together, your posture and comfort is at risk. Along with your desk and chair, you will need to have the necessary equipment to successfully run your business.

5) The equipment you will need varies from company to company, and business to business. Most commonly are a computer that is updated, along with internet access. Many companies will keep in touch with you throughout the day by an instant messaging service, like Gtalk from Google, or Yahoo Messenger. Along with your computer, a landline phone, fax and printer may be needed. If you begin working for many customer service positions, a headset compatible with either your phone or computer may be necessary. Many companies, like ACD Direct, Teletech, or OnPoint have this as a requirement. Before you go headset shopping, check with your employer, or ask in the interview to be sure you are getting the correct one.

Working from home can be challenging, but if you follow some of these tips, and transform them into your everyday life, you will be able to make it successful. The benefits far outweigh the obstacles you will face. Having more time with your family, no commute and no expensive wardrobe are just to tip of the iceberg. Once you reach your stride, you will see that making the transition from the corporate world to your home office has many benefits. Although, many families find that it is not for them. If you have tried it for a couple of months, and you find that you miss the "brink and mortar" world, it is not failure to return. Believing in yourself is the most important tip that I can give. As long as you feel that you can do it, you can. With hard work and determination, anything is possible.