Telecommuting: Is a Work-from-Home Schedule Right for You?

Working from a home office either a few hours a week or full-time is a dream for many people. If you're one of today's "knowledge" or information workers who spends most of the day in front of a computer, there's a good chance your employer will consider a telecommuting option. While the benefits of working from home are great, there are a few points to consider before approaching your employer about a telecommuting schedule.

If "being green" and minimizing your environmental footprint is important to you, telecommuting can make a positive difference. Working from home means the car stays in the garage, reducing the amount of pollutants emitted into our air, not to mention the savings on gas, repairs and insurance costs.

Telecommuters typically have more control over their schedule than in a traditional office environment, which is a big appeal for many people. Scheduling daytime appointments and errands can be an option if your employer allows you to make up the difference by starting early or staying late. And since you're working from home and not worried about a commute, it's easier to make up that time.

Social isolation is the dark side of telecommuting. Working at home for long periods, removed from the office culture, is a lonely feeling. Being "out of sight, out of mind" also creates the worry that your career advancement may be limited or put on hold completely. Teams get over this hurdle through regular daily communication by e-mail, phone, video conferencing and instant messenger. If you're telecommuting full time, take advantage of opportunities to visit the office so to continue building relationships.

Household distractions can be a frustrating challenge for telecommuters because the boundaries between home and work blur so easily. Family members need to be reminded that working from home doesn't mean you also have time to do the laundry, take the dog to the groomer, or pick up a few things from the market. Help your family help you be more productive by displaying your telecommuting schedule showing the times you are not to be disturbed and break times when you can be reached.

Telecommuting has its benefits but it's not for every work style so it's important to weigh the pros and the cons before committing to it long term. Gradually increase your work from home schedule to be sure you're comfortable working away from the office. Whether it's an afternoon or two a week or a full-time arrangement, you're sure to find a telecommuting option to suit you.