Don't Let Your Home Business Become a Prison

A Home Business Article Contributed by Donna m. Brown

Isolation is One Potential Pitfall of Home Business

The decision to work from home or start a home business requires consideration of many factors. One of the most important factors you have to consider is quality of life.

Many people believe their quality of life will be significantly improved if they can only work from home instead of fighting traffic, crowded busses or subways, dodging bullets from office politics and waiting in line at the water cooler.

It's true, home business has a lot to offer because you have the opportunity to set things up your way. You call the shots and that can be great. It's wonderful to spend time with children at home while you work. But have you considered why you worked outside in the first place and what you will miss the most about your corporate community?

All of the people you encounter at work outside the home each day give you an opportunity to exchange words in adult conversations, exchange ideas, get valuable feedback and talk about your favorite evening drama. Office potluck lunches, birthday celebrations and silly jokes are all a part of the work environment you might miss when you sink into your home business. As you plan your home business, build in opportunities for you to get out and about so you won't find yourself falling into a home business induced depression leaving you feeling isolated and alone.

Does Your Home Business Offer Human Contact

If you are a writer and have established a home business, you might like the solitude that gives you an opportunity to think, process and create. This is true of people who participate in many kinds of businesses. If most of your work in your home business is done at the computer or while you are alone, you will need to take steps to address the issue of loneliness -- even if you don't realize it is an issue at first.

E-mail is a great way to stay in touch with friends and family. Just as you might take a break from your desk in an office and wander over to the water cooler, take a few minutes every couple of hours to check your e-mail or write to a friend. Online instant messenger services are excellent tools to keep you from feeling all alone. While you might not want to be available all of the time online, it is nice to be able to look at your buddy list and know others are working while you do.

Set regular lunch appointments with people who have nothing to do with your home business. At least once a week get up, get dressed, go out and talk to someone about the latest local news, fashion trends or anything besides your home business.

Take time to exercise. Go for a 20-minute walk each day to take in some air, see the outside world and clear your head. You will gain new perspective as you appreciate nature and begin to fe elbetterphysically.

JoinVolunteer Organizations That Can Help Your Home Business

Just because you work alone at home, you don't have to be alone in your business. There are many organizations that offer opportunities to network. Not only will you gain a strong standing in your community by joining a volunteer organization, you will likely glean good business information in the process if you join the right groups. Find a Chamber of Commerce, Toastmaster's Club, Lion's Club or Elk's Lodge. Donate an hour a week to the local school or library. Contact with members of the community will make you a better business person at home.