Throughout the years as more and more businesses move to the online sphere and more business owners realize the value of outsourcing, home-based job opportunities have continued to increase.
Are you thinking about making the jump from office-based employment to a home-based one? Have you never actually tried to work remotely and are considering this option? Here are some things to keep in mind before saying yes to any such job offer:
1. Are you able to work effectively in a home setting?
One of the biggest hindrances a new employee faces when trying to work from home is her inability to see her house as a place to work in. Perhaps she has long associated her house as a place to relax in and may find it hard to adjust that perception. Some ways that you can transition smoothly is to set up a room (or corner) in your house and to make it look as close to an office that you can. Keep home stuff strictly away from this area. Some even go further and actually dress up as they would in a real office to keep the professional vibe alive.
2. Are you easily distracted by your homemaking duties?
While it’s normal to have momentary lapses during work hours as you attend to homemaking duties (this, after all, is one of the benefits of working from home), just watch out if you’re the type who can’t sit still in front of her office desk until every single housework or errand has been attended to. You may not be able to get anything done if that’s the case. The best solution for this is to manage your time accordingly.
3. Is your home situation conducive to the type of work expected of you?
Some employers expect you to make calls and require you to be in a quiet environment when you do so. Obviously, living in a small apartment shared with three other people may not be the ideal circumstances for you to take the job. Do you have young kids who are also needy with your time? These are all factors that you need to consider before agreeing to a certain job. Remember, just because it is home-based doesn’t mean that your employer will require less of you. Your boss may not be physically present to check your every move but the quality of output expected remains the same as any office-based job.
Can you last long hours staying at home?
One of the biggest factors you need to mull over is your capacity to stay at home while working with only yourself and maybe your cat as your only companion for days on end. Some people are more socially built than others and prefer to work while interacting with colleagues. If that’s the case with you, you may find working from home isolating or lonely. You can try to alternate days working from home with some spent in a co-working space to balance your need for human interaction.
Do You Have a Comfortable Workspace?
Before accepting any home-based job, make sure you have a comfortable workspace at home. Make use of an empty room and convert it into your home office. It should be away from distractions so you can easily focus on work. Provide proper lighting and consider the room temp. For instance, you might need to hire professional duct cleaning services in St. George to ensure the area is clean and safe.
These are just some of the few things to consider before getting a home-based job. Additionally, make sure to check your employer. Make a background check. Join freelance forums to see if there are others who have had experience working with them.