| Working outside the home is getting more expensive | | | | bargain. Offer the one day a week and regular |
| these days. Just look at gas prices. Then think about | | | | reviews. Discuss the distractions you have in the office |
| how eating lunch out is eating into your income. And of | | | | and how they impact your productivity. Your boss will |
| course the many other expenses. | | | | need to see that you are being significantly more |
| Working at home could save you a lot of money. And | | | | productive at home to really feel that you aren't |
| depending on the kind of job you have, it may not be | | | | slacking off somehow. |
| as impossible as you think. | | | | You'll also need to discuss the times that your |
| The first thing to do is to consider if your job is suitable | | | | employer absolutely needs you in the office. Staff |
| for even partial telecommuting. Many are, many aren't. | | | | meetings can feel like a waste of time, but odds are |
| But telecommuting even one day a week can make a | | | | they will still want you there and cheerful about it. If |
| big difference and may be that nudge your employer | | | | you're only home a day or two a week, this shouldn't |
| needs to allow more telecommuting. Show that you | | | | be a problem. |
| can be highly productive from home and you might just | | | | If you know someone who telecommutes use them |
| be allowed to telecommute more. | | | | as an example of how it works. If not, research it! |
| That is the catch, of course. It may be a long time | | | | There are many online resources that can help you |
| before you are telecommuting as much as you would | | | | find the statistics you need to present telecommuting in |
| like. | | | | a positive light. |
| Convincing your current employer that telecommuting | | | | And of course be willing to admit it if things just aren't |
| is a reasonable alternative has many advantages over | | | | working out. Some people do great telecommuting. |
| starting a home business. You still have a job, for one, | | | | Others find out that they really don't enjoy it, that they |
| and that means somewhat more security than you | | | | need the company of their coworkers or it's just too |
| would have with a home business. | | | | hard to get enough peace and quiet at home. That's |
| Transitioning to telecommuting also means that if your | | | | just how these things go. |
| job has benefits, you're keeping them. No worries | | | | If it works out well, you may be able to push for more |
| about how to get health insurance. You still get paid | | | | time working from home and less time in the office. |
| sick leave and vacations. | | | | You'll save money on commuting, eating out, and if you |
| You still have a boss, but some people prefer it that | | | | have kids old enough to let you work in peace, you |
| way. Depending on the boss that can be an | | | | may even save on child care. Just know when to shut |
| advantage or disadvantage. | | | | down your office and really act like you're home rather |
| If your boss is reluctant to allow telecommuting, offer a | | | | than still at work. |