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Jill - do you find it hard to be productive at home? Or is it better that you can make your own hours?

I began working from home full-time about four years ago. I love it and would find it difficult to have to go back to Cube Land. I am definitely more productive now that I don't have to worry about the noise or people stopping by my cube periodically during the day.

That said, it has its own challenges. My biggest issue is that it's difficult to have a set 8 to 5 schedule. It's more of an 8 to 4:30, and 9 to 12 schedule. 4:30 to 9:00 is the time that I devote solely to my family. So, I often feel as if I'm never really getting away from work. Also, the team that I manage is spread out across the U.S., but the bulk of them are 3 hours behind me, so I end up having to work later to coincide with their work hours.

But even with the feeling of never really being off the clock, I wouldn't give it up. It allows me the flexibility that I need for my family.

Here are some things that I've learned about working from home:
~Try to set a schedule and stick to it so that you're not working round the clock.
~If you work with a team, find creative ways to stay in touch. Instant messaging is great (within reason, because it can be distracting) and I've found that I can use that in lieu of how I used to stop by someone's cube or run into someone in the hallway.
~Online collaboration tools (where you can share documents, desktops, and real-time notes) is fabulous.
~Again, if you work with a team, make sure that you have face time--especially during critical meetings or discussions.

Kaamna said:

I agree txzgal. I used to work from home and the boundaries are much more blurred, and you need to be more proactive about turning off all those wonderful devices that help us connect with people.

How supportive is your boss ? (if you have one?)

I have worked from home for 11 years. I love it. You have to learn to set boundaries, and be disciplined. I do not watch TV while I work, it's work time! And I know when I have put in a solid day - I then "close" the office. I use office hours language...have to train people that it is an office!

MelanieM said:

jboutte said:

Jill, I just started working from home full-time in September of last year. Previously I worked in an office setting for over 30 years so it was a big change. I do find I have less distractions and interruptions at home than I did in the office. Of course, doing accounting has always been a "one-woman" per task job with interruptions being a negative. My biggest fear is not being able to get enough clients to support myself. I'm having a problem getting them. I am a degreed accountant and have lots of experience but getting the word out that I'm available is the hard part. I have an almost non-existant advertising budget so I have to become creative. Anyone have any ideas?

I am finding that I will have to work from home as I have no other choice because of a medical condition. Getting the education is not going to be a problem, I am just going into another healthcare field. I am worried about getting the clients too, as my medical condition will not allow me to do outside appointments. I will be doing medical coding and billing, so there is plenty work available. I am open for any and all suggestions.

Artisst, you should click on the "Find a Job" button on this site to start your search. And then come back with more specific questions! :) To the others, what's your advice on managing your time when you're your own boss and/or your boss isn't around to keep you on a schedule?

Hello, I'm new here and I was reading some of these questions and I have to ask. I want to know how do you get started working from home after working in an office for 20 yrs. I have just quit my job on March 21st to take care of my mother since I am an only child and she passed away on March 26th. So now I'm out of a job and would like to work at home instead of looking for an outside job again. My company had already filled my position and so I can not go back so now I'm looking again for a job. I am a middle aged woman with good work experience but do not know how to go about looking for a job to be able to work at home. I have no kids at home all are grown and gone so nothing but my husband to take care of and he works alot anyway. Could any of you help by explaning how I would start this. I would really appreciate any suggestion or advice.

Thanks,

Thanks, I'm glad to be here and excited.

Well I was a Medical Review Assistance- (reviewing and reporting all non-negative test results. Gathers documentation on positive, adulterated, substituted and invalid drug test results; conduct and administrative review of the documentation; and interview all DOT and non-DOT donors who have non-negative test results to determine if there is a medical explanation for the non-negative result. Iworked closely with collection sites, laboratories, clients, pharmacies and other departments to complete this function. I have the ability to read, analyzes, and interprets general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations with the ability to write reports, business correspondence,and procedure manuals with the ability to define problems collects data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.)  Before that I was a Customer Service Rep. for Kodak for customer ordering on the internet for 15 yrs.So I guess I would be bacisly in customer service person.

Like I said I really do not know where to start on what to look for at all. I guess I just feel dumb founded if you can understand what I am saying. Any kind of advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Thanks for the reply. I would like to be a employee who works from home or a 1099 contractor. Would you give me advice on either one of these choices?? I appreciate your help and insight.

Thanks again......

 I've been working from home for the past year as a freelance writer. It's very difficult, I think. I wind up working 12 hour days almost every day because there's no set time to punch in and out. I think I've done a great job at finding freelance work, but I'm exhausted! Definitely ready to find a steady job where I work a set 8-hour day.

I would love to work and make an income from home.  I just can't find the right way to get started.  There are so many scams out there and I wouldn't want to put in money that I don't even have to waste to get started only to find out it's all a scam.  I would appreciate any help in finding a legit work at home business.  Have a blessed day all.

arunajain says ...

Hi everybody,

I am indeed very excited about the new job of working from home ,can any one suggest me of what kind of home based jobs I can opt for.

I have done my Fashion Technology and I do a lot of art and craft. I also take a lot of orders also if it comes my way, but I want to do something else sitting home . I have 3 years of Bpo call centre experience customer service and technical background

People please help me since I am in need of home based jobs which will suit me perfect

Thanks

 

Aruna

Hi Aruna!

Welcome to WomenCo :)

Well, you sound like a PERFECT fit for starting a business on Etsy. It's basically a very well-designed and sucessful marketplace for people who make their own ... well, everything from clothes to crafts to furniture... basically anything handmade or self-designed. It's amazing! I've bought everything from dresses to hand-made notebooks to even a bureau on there! You can create your own store and people can buy your things online, and then you ship! You can also connect with other creative types like you!

I am getting ready to move to Maui and to continue my home/web-based business from there...(aaah the life!)   I have worked for 23 yrs in the insurance industry  in California and was able to save enough to take this leap to a new life!!  I create artistic compositions in Austrian crystal and  I am quite excited to have the opportunity to take a 5-yr old business to a new place of inspiration.  It is quite a change from the conservative insurance world.....I am ready for the change.  Here's to all the chances we all take.....we need to take the leap!

Many of us seem to be in the same boat.  I have been trying very hard to find at home employment.  Data entry, transcription work, maybe call center work?  I cannot figure out where to begin.  Everything I come across is some type of scam, or wants money upfront.  That immediatly makes me doubt the legitimacy of the offer.  Please help!

Regarding all these get-rich-quick schemes: Always a scam. Especially if you have to pay up-front. Have any of your considered getting an online degree or course that might teach you the skills that will allow you to apply for more skilled telecommuter jobs?