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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