by Shannon Lawrence

Created on: May 30, 2009

Working from home is a phenomenal opportunity, and one which often gets misused or misunderstood. Many start out with high hopes, but quickly falter when they discover that "work-from-home" is not synonymous with "easy work." One of the biggest mistakes people make is to consider a work-from-home position as an easy, laid back opportunity. They entertain images of wearing their pajamas and relaxing while they work. They think that having the ability to make their own hours means they don't have to put in as much time. This simply isn't true, and the image is unrealistic for most people. However, there are a few things you can do in order to insure success in working from home, thus making a paycheck, but still retaining the benefits of working from home.

First, analyze your reasoning for working from home very carefully. Are you doing it to be your own boss, thinking that you won't have to listen to someone else's requirements or nagging anymore? Well, this isn't always the case when working from your own home. Sure, your boss isn't right there in the room with you, but you may still have to clock in or report to someone else. If you won't have any sort of supervisor or manager, you should be prepared to make it a point to manage yourself as carefully as someone else might.

If your reasoning is not about management, consider what else it might be. Are you trying to spend more time with your family? Trying to save money on the commute? Whatever your reasons, make sure you sit down and examine them very carefully before making the decision to work from your own home. Factor in the extra costs it might bring, such as having a faster internet connection, a second dedicated line, or office supplies. If you're trying to stay home with your family, will you be working with the distraction of children climbing on you, or will you be able to shut yourself somewhere quiet where you can get some real work done?

Once you've looked at your reasons for wanting to work from home, and you've decided that they are, in fact, valid and realistic, get your home ready for what's to come. Prepare a dedicated work space or office where you can keep only those items having to do with your job. Make no mistake, you will need a work area to keep any work-related items and to allow you to concentrate on the job. Set up any filing systems, office spaces, necessary technology, and office supplies. If you are sitting in a cluttered kitchen, looking around at all the

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