| A telecommuting job from home can be an exciting | | | | you will find you are much more productive. I tend to |
| opportunity for anyone. While working from home is | | | | work in 2 hour blocks of time because that works |
| great, it can take a little getting used to, especially since | | | | best for me. It may take some trial and error to find |
| you will have more free time than your used to. Since | | | | what works best for you. Don't be afraid to try new |
| you are in charge of your time and when you get your | | | | things. In most instances, you are probably free from |
| work done, you will look at your job in a whole new | | | | the typical 9-5 hours of getting your work done. If you |
| way. Here are some simple steps to get you started | | | | work better at night, go for it (assuming you are still |
| on your new venture working from home. | | | | meeting your deadlines). |
| 1. Make an appropriate workspace - Working from | | | | 5. Check your insurance -Does your insurance |
| home is really no different than working in an office | | | | company have you rated as a high mileage driver? |
| when it comes to the space you are using. Make sure | | | | Call to inquire and let them know you are now working |
| you have an area in your home that you can go to | | | | from home, there is a chance this may reduce your |
| that is quiet and you won't be disturbed. This includes a | | | | premium. If you are bringing clients to your home or if |
| desk that is set up for you to comfortably maneuver | | | | you are driving for business purposes, your insurance |
| throughout the day. Remember, you will be sitting at | | | | agent needs to know this because there may be |
| your desk in your home office like you would if you | | | | special endorsements that need to be added to your |
| were in any other office, so you want to make sure | | | | policies. It is best to contact your insurance agent to |
| it's comfortable. You should be able to sit in a position | | | | find out the laws in your state. |
| that does not cause strain or discomfort on your neck, | | | | 6. Take a look at your budget - Since you are working |
| back wrist etc. Invest in a nice desk and chair; you will | | | | from home, the chances are pretty good you are not |
| thank yourself in the long run. | | | | spending as much as you were when you were |
| 2. Create a system to track your time - Depending on | | | | driving to and from work. Working from home not only |
| how your company is set up, you may be required to | | | | allows greater flexibility, it can also mean big savings |
| enter your hours online each week. I recommend using | | | | on your budget. You will likely find savings in categories |
| a notebook or calendar system to write down this | | | | like gas and dining out. Since you won't be driving to |
| information, especially for those busy days when you | | | | work and you likely won't have the typical office lunch |
| are juggling several projects. It's easy to think you will | | | | out, this can add up to big savings. You could apply this |
| remember what you've done but trust me, I learned | | | | extra cash to savings or paying down debt. |
| quickly that the days go by too fast and it's really hard | | | | Working from home is a great opportunity to create a |
| to recall what I did each day! | | | | flexible lifestyle for yourself. I am lucky enough to only |
| 3. Keep track of your bills - Most home office | | | | need a laptop and a broadband card to get my job |
| expenses are tax deductible in some form or another | | | | done. This means I can travel and still work from |
| so keep track of all your utility bills, home improvement | | | | anywhere I choose to go. What opportunities do you |
| bills, internet, phone etc. Contact your accountant for | | | | have now that you are working from home? Take a |
| further information as it applies to your state. | | | | few moments to jot down some goals you have been |
| 4. Set boundaries - With having such a flexible work | | | | putting off or some things you have always wanted to |
| environment, it's easy to get sidetracked watching TV | | | | do. Are you going to spend this newfound free time |
| or doing the laundry. If you set boundaries for yourself, | | | | watching TV or start living your dream? |