Working at home is a lot of things: rewarding, fun, challenging and flexible, to name a few. But how do you do it well? It all depends on having a good work ethic… and a few good tips for success.
Nearly four years ago, as gas prices soared and my income didn’t, I made the difficult decision to leave the full-time job that I loved and focus solely on freelancing. Freelancing had long been a dream of mine, but it was both the most exciting and scariest decision of my career — and I am so glad I made it.
Leaving the office setting to work at home with two young kids was challenging. It took a lot of adjustment for my kids, family and me. But in the end, this work-at-home life has made all the difference for us — allowing my career to thrive while also being accessible and available for my kids.
Why it works
For parents, working at home means you can be there when they need you — whether it’s picking up from school, attending a school event or just cuddling on the couch. But you also have to have dedicated work time too.
For employers there are benefits as well. Kevin Sheridan, author of The Virtual Manager, says that work-at-home employees can be assets to companies. “The smart ones are recognizing that the employees are going to be more productive,” says Sheridan.
Sheridan said that successful work-at-home employees have certain qualities that set them up for success. Among them: be a self-starter and be self-motivated, he says.
Also, he urges at-home employees to place their office carefully. “I think that the worker’s office in the home needs to be out of the way,” says Sheridan.
3 Tips to be a work-at-home success
Be reliable
Keep promises
Stay on schedule
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