Work from Home Myths
Starting next Friday, the day will become my day for posting information about the plethora of resources out there on telecommuting. Stay tuned for book reviews, product reviews, and more!
Today I promised information to you regarding popular work at home myths. Here they are, busted!
Myth 1: “By working from home, I can make a full-time salary on a part-time schedule.”
Truth: Similar to any new business, one that is based at home takes not only careful planning, but a year or two of operation to turn a profit. Like a new baby, a new business craves and demands a lot of attention. Devoting meager part-time hours may sound enticing, but in order for the business to really take off, put in as much time and energy as possible. Once the business takes off, then you could be looking at a more relaxed schedule.
Myth 2: “If I work from home, I can eradicate childcare expenses.”
Truth: Take it from me, you will need some kind of child care plan - whether it’s one that means your mother-in-law comes over once or twice a week to take her grandchild(ren) while you work, prearranged play dates, or a regular babysitter or child care center for at least a couple of days a week. Just because you are working from home, don’t assume that you can keep a close eye on your children and be wholly dedicated to their needs. It is not possible, nor is it fair for them if you don’t have special plans made for them while you are busy working. This may confuse some, as working from home is generally the goal of many parents who wish to spend more time with their children. Well, know that arranging childcare options is not taking them away from you, but rather it’s giving yourself the opportunity to be productive so you can continue to be at home, and spend more time with them. Just be creative with you and your child(ren)’s schedules - work during their naps, school time, playtime - and take the time off from work during meal times, pre-bed times, and various other spurts throughout the day when your children need you.
Myth 3: “I can run my business without having to leave the house.”
Truth: Just because you run a work from home business does not mean you are housebound. Don’t lose sight of the major importance of getting out, meeting and interacting with current and potential clients.
Myth 4: “It this work from home thing does not work out, it will be a challenge to reenter the traditional workforce.”
Truth: Working from home adds more value to your resume - simply because your home career demonstrates that you had initiative, and took a chance on something you wanted.
Just thought this would be some fun info for a Friday. Remember, starting next Friday, stay tuned for some cool book and product reviews sure to help you cruise along on your telecommuting career, or the path to get there.
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I don’t know Karissa … I doubled my income (as compared to my corp. marketing job) the second month out of the gate working as a freelance writer. I haven’t looked back and don’t plan to. Furthermore, I do work part-time because I am at home taking care of three children, a husband, my husband’s business and our home.
While I do agree nurturing a business takes time. I wouldn’t go as far as to down people’s hopes. If I can do it, anyone can.
Hi Casey - point made for sure! I should have been more clear - I was just pointing out for people not to believe that every work from home job worked part-time will necessarily compare to what you could earn working full time. BUT I should, and will right here, point out that it IS possible, such as in your case! Way to go!
I wanted to support your answer to Myth#2. You can’t be home ALL the time. What happens when you have a doctor or eye appointment? A stand-by sitter should be kept handy in these cases.
A neighbor of mine worked from home and had a part-time nanny come to her house every Wednesday morning. My neighbor would schedule her business meetings with established and new clients on that day. If she didn’t have a business meetings scheduled, then she’d do all her miscellaneous business errands (i.e. running to Kinko’s) or grab her groceries. Having that established day/time to be away from home really helped her organize her week — especially knowing that she had a great person watching her kids.
Thanks for the support on that, Grace! Her nanny sounds great! Can I have her number? Hee, hee, just kidding.
Just want to lend some encouragment. You can work from home and make a living! My husband and I have seven (yes, seven)kids and homeschool in a small 1,700 sq ft home. I work though sick kids, noise,and every possible distraction. Even if you can not afford a helper, be creative and use what you do have. work when the kids are asleep, even if it is only an extra hour. Make your moments count! If I can do it, YOU CAN TOO!
Wow, you go Jean! That is truly awesome. Thanks so much the encouragement!