While it is true that there are legitimate work at home jobs, it’s also a reality that working from home is not for everyone. But for those who make it, lucrative jobs include work at home medical billing, work at home call center or customer service, or Internet work at home. There has also been a lot of work for stay at home moms.
Imagine when there are no more crowded buses at rush hour; no more smart suits or high heels, and no more boring meetings or office politics. This may sound idyllic, but before rushing out and quitting an office job, some myths about working from home need to be dispelled.
Myth 1: With no daily commute, a few extra hours can be spent with family and other personal tasks.
Reality 1: It’s true, but without clear delineation between work and home, a work-from-home may find himself or herself working all hours. A reasonable working day should be set, for example, at eight hours, and when the time is up, the work-from-home should be disciplined enough to stop work. With office right in the home, it may be tempting to tie up a few loose ends on the weekend. This is a slippery slope that may lead to workaholism. Longer hours can also make one less productive.
Myth 2: Being invisible, existing only as a voice on the phone or on email.
Reality 2: Conducting business conversations over the phone with someone who is unaware you are wearing pyjamas is initially a thrilling feeling, but professional attire breeds professional behavior. Standards should not slip or be let down.
Myth 3: Being one's own boss with flexible working hours.
Reality 3: Being one’s own boss requires loads of self-discipline. It is easy to be distracted by fascinating options like a good TV show, a DVD borrowed over the weekend, raiding the refrigerator, and all other home distractions.
Myth 4: There are no more office politics.
Reality 4: Fact is that it does get lonely at home. Working from home does not provide the human interaction necessary. There’s a need to get out and meet clients or potential customers for lunch or a cup of coffee, and perhaps join a social club for business professionals.
Myth 5: Come financial year end, things can be claimed back from stationeries to computers.
Reality 5: This is not necessarily so. Tax deductions are only one of the great benefits of working from home. If home is the principal place for business, rent, mortgage interest, insurance, office equipment, gas, electricity, and telephone bills may be claimed, but if not, then utilities, telephone, and office equipment may be claimed. The expenses file should be updated regularly. When filing a tax return, most likely an accountant will be needed to sort out financial matters with the work-from-home’s move from being employed to self-employed.
Myth 6: Being one’s own boss, one's own rules are played.
Reality 6: In a way, yes, but it entails a lot more than that. All the requirements for a start-up need to be looked into. A work-from-home needs to organize and control his or her own business. A business plan needs to be in place and properly used.
Working from home means independence, and freedom from a demanding boss. But there are always trade-offs in life and in business. These myths and realities are meant as eye openers in decision-making for one seriously contemplating in working from home.
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