by Shaheen Darr

Created on: August 15, 2011   Last Updated: August 18, 2011

A decision to work from home might be motivated by a number of factors such as being made redundant, a desire to be your own boss or trying out a home-based business opportunity. Whatever the reasons, the experience of working from home might not be what you expected and a number of telltale factors can soon reveal that you might be better off being employed after all.

Home versus work: Working in a small area from home can erase the dividing line between home and work and very often one spills into the other. This makes it difficult to concentrate on important work issues that need to be promptly addressed leading to disorganization and chaos. People with small children can find it difficult to fully concentrate on work especially if childcare is not available easily and stress can turn a dream to run a home based business into a nightmare. If you find that you cannot concentrate on work as home issues are continually taking priority, then working from home is not for you.

Financial Novice: There are many individuals who research their home-based businesses and draw up business plans in preparation before they take the step to become self employed. For many others a lack of sufficient finance can soon bring their dream of self-employment to an end.

Being financially astute is an important part of running your own business and for that you need to keep impeccable business records to keep track of your business expenses and income. Analyzing these regularly can keep your business on track and make the difference between remaining profitable or running at a loss. If you are not financially inclined and cannot afford to keep a book-keeper to record your business activities, then running a home business can prove to be quite daunting.

Piling Paperwork: When you work for someone they give you specific goals that give direction and focus to your work. Work is segregated into different areas which are managed by those who have the necessary expertise. This element is missing when you work for yourself as the only person in control and to whom you are answerable is yourself. This can take the pressure off with procrastination setting in. Important deadlines can sometimes be missed and paperwork can soon pile up if household tasks or other social activities are given precedence.

Loneliness sets in: Working from home can become a lonely prospect as there are no colleagues to help your day pass quicker or to share work-related problems. Many people, especially those who

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