Take One Giant Step : Work at Home
A Home Business Article Contributed by Wendy Ledbetter
Take One Giant Step : Work at Home
The idea to work at home is one that many people consider at some point, but actually taking the step to make it a reality may seem like a frightening or even irresponsible decision. There are some apparent benefits that make the step desirable but the fear of living without a weekly paycheck can force those benefits into a dim memory.
The Work at Home Pros
For the most part, the pros are pretty obvious. Most importantly to most people are the flexible hours. There is usually no "boss" to check up on the work accomplished and no time clock to tattle if work started at 8 a.m. or 2 p.m. or even not at all. If the work at home mom or dad want to take some hours off to help with a class party or watch a soccer game, it's a simple matter to change the hours worked.
If the work at home woman wants to make a lunch date with friends, there's no need to rush since there's no boss waiting. If the work at home guy wants to take off on a Friday to attend an out-of-town basketball game, there's no need to use a sick day or vacation day.
Another wonderful change from the corporate to the work at home world is attire. While an office position typically includes a dress code, the home office does not. If the work at home woman wants to accomplish her tasks for the day in shorts and a tank top, no one need know.
The first three rules of real estate are location, location and location. The home office has a great location - just down the hall. By spending a little time and energy, the office can become a welcoming place, unrestricted by rules other than those set by the homeowner. Plants, pets, candles and photos can make it a welcoming place.
No travel time, time to take care of minor household chores during break times and availability for emergencies all become perks of the work at home business person.
The Work at Home Cons
The biggest negative, of course, is the paycheck. Typically, the work at home business person doesn't get a regular weekly paycheck. For some people, a simple change in lifestyle will offset this issue. For others, the change is not worth the benefits. It's a question only the individual or family can decide.
Benefits is another issue with insurance taking the forefront in most minds. Of course, individual policies are available, but are generally very expensive. If a spouse is insured, the problem is solved.
Another benefit lost to the work at home individual is vacation time and holiday pay. An office or factory position will typically include both. It's important to consider whether it's worth the loss of that benefit before you take the step to work at home.
While it might not seem important, another important change to consider is the social contact that naturally occurs in an office setting. In some types of work at home business, there will be days at a time when the work at home person comes into contact with anyone outside the household. For some, this might actually be listed under the "pro" category, but it's also an important consideration.
Take a Giant Step and Work at Home
After investigating and weighing the options, the pros and the cons of a particular situation, the only choice left to decide is whether the time is right to take that giant step.
