Here is an interesting quiz from the U.S. State Department. It’s a nice little self-assessment called “Is Telework For You” and it asks some great questions that can help you determine if you and your job are a good fit for telecommuting. If you want to start working from home, this quiz is a good starting point. Check it out!
Oct
11
Posted by : | On : October 11, 2010
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
17
Posted by : | On : December 17, 2007
Working from home brings unique opportunities and challenges. It can be tricky to find the right job or business that suits your needs. Some things about expectations:
1. If you’re starting a business, you must expect to spend some money to start up and promote it. Even the “free” opportunities have some costs associated if you’re going to be serious about it.
2. If you’re starting a business, you must expect it to take some time to start making good money. Plan for this. Jumping into a business full-time if you’re expecting to make a living isn’t the best idea in most cases. If you must do this, I’d recommend having at least six months of living expenses saved up before doing so.
3. Expect to pay your taxes! Whether you’re an IC or an employee, make sure you’re ready when tax time comes. Keep all your pay stubs and/or copies of checks. Keep track of any expenses you incur as part of your business or job. Especially if you’re an IC, set aside money from every check for taxes. Consult your local tax professional to find out just how much in your case.
4. Expect that your client or employer will expect reliability and results. Whatever your task is, keep track of your accomplishments. Do what they expect and more.
5. Expect to realize that working from home is not about spending time with your kids. It’s always harder than you think it will be trying to work from home and supervise your children, especially if they are small. If you’re caring for small children while working, make sure you take on the kinds of positions that are conducive to that environment. A call-center job probably isn’t for you, but if you have a talent for web design or writing, you can probably find a fit somewhere.
6. Expect that your expectations may have to change after you gain more experience. There are so many different jobs and businesses to do from home. Finding your perfect fit can take time and change the way you think about working from home.
Nov
28
Posted by : | On : November 28, 2007
Penelope Trunk is a really dynamic speaker. I just ordered her book from Amazon and am looking forward to reading it. She shared lots of ideas about how the workplace is changing. So much of what she said made sense.
Check out her blog too. I have a feeling she’ll be one of my new favorites to read.
The workplace really is changing drastically and I think working from home is such a great solution for so many people.