Telecommuting is on the rise. After all, who wouldn’t want to work from home and save on gas and spend more time with the family? As great as telecommuting is though, it is not for everybody. Ask yourself the following questions to see if telecommuting/job flexibility is the right choice for you: (Yes or No Answers)

1.) Do you find yourself consistently under time pressures between work and family demands?

If yes, telecommuting could be a wonderful option for you as it helps one to balance work and family time.

2.) Do you have specific family obligations (young children, elderly parents) that require a significant amount of your time and energy?

If yes, telecommuting can offer the job flexibility you need to meet these demands. But, be careful that these demands do not interfere with the work you need to be doing from home.

4.) If applicable, is your spouse/partner supportive of your work-balance needs?

5.) Are you aware that in some flexible/telecommuting work options that there may be a reduction in insurance benefits, social security, and/or retirement plans?

This is not the case for all companies who allow telecommuting. Check out your company’s policies, or the company you want to work for’s policies on telecommuting.

6.) Are you distracted easily?

It is important to realize that by working from home, one is faced with more distractions than those he or she dealt with in the office. To deal with distractions such as tv, children, pets, personal phone calls, chores, etc., learn how to minimize them and set boundaries for yourself so they do not interfere with your work at hand.

7.) Do you crave constant social interaction?

if yes, know that working from home can be isolating, BUT there are several ways around it. Join a local business network or organization, schedule lunch with a friend, arrange evenings out, etc.

These are just some ideas of questions to ask yourself if you are considering making the lifestyle change of telecommuting. For more information on telecommuting, check out The Complete Guide to Telecommuting.

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Categories: Making the Transition
Tags: asking the boss, flex job, flexible work arrangement, job flexibility, telecommute, work at home dad, work at home mom, work at home parents, work from home, work from home quiz, work-family balance