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Oct

11

What is Telecommuting Worth?

Posted by : admin | On : October 11, 2010

Category: flexibility, Home office, IRS, productivity, telecommute, work from home, working from home

Could you, would you, accept a lower salary in order to be able to do your job from home? It’s an interesting dilemma for people who have traditional office jobs that can be done from home. How do you approach your employer and what do you say when they ask if you are willing to take a cut in salary to telecommute? Before answering the question too quickly, take some things into consideration:

1. Is it going to cost your company more or less to have you working from home? Often there can be a cost saving for the employer because many telecommuters provide their own equipment and supplies for their home office.

2. Is it going to cost you more or less to telecommute? Take into account savings on transportation, work clothing purchase and maintenance, fewer lunches out. Also look at your costs such as equipment: computer, printer, paper, extra phone line, special phone equipment, and anything else you will have to provide as a telecommuting employee.

3. Tax benefits? Check with your accountant to see if you will be able to qualify for a home office deduction. This can be a benefit to you for working from home, but you have got to make certain that your home office qualifies and that you follow the IRS rules to the letter. Always check with your tax adviser.

4. Productivity. Will you be able to get more done by telecommuting? Be prepared to explain to your employer exactly HOW you will be more productive, then be prepared to back it up once you start telecommuting.

5. Your mental health. How much is it worth to you to be out of the office and working in your home? Is it more convenient? Calming? Getting you away from office drama? Less stressful? Will you gain the added flexibility you may be seeking?

When it comes down to it, is it worth it to you to earn less as a home-office worker? Can you negotiate with your employer for other benefits in lieu of a higher salary? Expect your employer to try to lowball you, but that doesn’t mean that you have to accept it right off the bat. You can and should negotiate in order to make your telecommuting a win-win situation for you and your company.

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Dec

21

I have my life back!

Posted by : admin | On : December 21, 2007

Category: family time, flexibility, self employment, telecommute, work from home

Self-employment is such a blessing in that way. You do gain more control over your life and most importantly your time. There is no one secret to finding the right opportunity to work from home. There are so many ways to earn a living that don’t have to be tied to commuting and the 9-5 grind.

Over the years I’ve done a combination of working outside the home and working from home and I’ve discovered that for me, that’s what works best. From home I’ve worked for small businesses doing administrative work, in advertising, call center work, web design, writing and more. For me, owning my life means choosing the work I want to do, participating in activities that interest me and having the flexibility to spend time with my family.

Up until recently, I was working outside the home in a job I loved. Sadly, my position was eliminated. Immediately, I found a great company where I am able to telecommute and work a schedule that suits my family’s needs. It was actually perfect timing with the holidays. Tomorrow is the kids first day of winter break and I’m able to be home with them and not pay for childcare or ask family to babysit over the next three weeks.

It’s also giving me more time to blog and to explore opportunities for earning an income from home. Currently my work consists of: IC for a marketing company from home, freelance marketing and web design from home, singing with a professional caroling group, and supervising events at a swanky ballroom. Sometimes it seems like a lot, but I’ve been able to schedule my time in a way that works for me.

Working from home is a wonderful thing. I like not having all my eggs in one basket and being able to choose work I truly enjoy. I’m feeling very blessed this Christmas! I hope you are blessed, too!