photo credit: faster panda kill kill
It seems like every working person’s dream is to leave the office and set up shop at home. Before you get too used to the idea, however, think it through and know what to expect so the experience is as great as you imagine.
1. What kind of work will you do at home? It is never a good idea to leave a job without a plan. Setting up a freelance business means a time lag between contracting with a client and getting that first paycheck. Line up work ahead of time so your business is already on line before you leave your day job.
2. Can your finances survive the move to a home office? If you are quitting a day job in favor of starting your own business, sit down with the family and gauge your financial situation. Consider establishing an emergency fund to cover any unexpected expenses or normal household bills until the home business starts bringing in money.
3. Where in your home will you work? Set office space apart from the rest of the house. You might have visions of sitting in your pajamas at the kitchen table while working on the computer, but that gets old really fast. Your productivity will likely give way to cleaning the kitchen, fixing breakfast, and watching television. A room dedicated to your home business is the best way to maintain your focus on work even though you are at home.
4. What equipment is needed to run a home office? Before you pull up stakes, be sure to purchase all the items you’ll use in the home office. The basic essentials include a separate telephone line, a printer, a fax, a computer devoted to business, and of course a desk and chair. Hit the ground running with your home business.
5. How will you manage the children? Moms who start their own home business get to spend more time with their kids. But, as good as that sounds, the kids can also distract you from doing the work you need to get done. Decide how you will handle work time and family time before you come home.
6. Who will handle the housework? The battle between housework and office work is never ending. Just because you are at home doesn’t mean you have time to do all of the chores. Your primary concern is getting the home business off the ground. Between you and your family, discuss what is expected of each person. You might be home but it is in a working capacity. Everyone can pitch in with the work.
7. What hours will you work? Clearly delineating what hours you will work will save you a lot of hassle. If other people live with you it will be important to manage their expectations. If they are not used to having you home they may interrupt you often. It is important for you to let everyone know when you are working and when you are available. Be sure to set-up and post specific hours as work hours. This is important even if you live alone because if will help keep you honest. It will help you in two ways. You will know when to start working and equally important when to stop working.
8. Who will you be accountable to? Just because you are working from home doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Actually, it is very important to establish an accountability relationship. Find someone else who is in a non-competing business and exchange your weekly goal lists. Connect with you accountability partner once a week to review what goals you have met and what goals you’ve missed. Just knowing someone is checking in on you will help you meet your more of your goals.
9. Who are you networking with? Working from home can be lonely. It is important to get out and network. Meet with you clients face-to-face sometimes if possible. Find and join networking groups. Get out and walk around your neighborhood. Not only will this refresh you but you may get some great ideas for your business.
Working from home has its benefits but they come from being prepared. Before deciding to leave the work force and come home, know what to expect.
