Stay or Go: The Work at Home Decision
8 January 2007Each day, more people are looking into the possibility of working from home. Every person has a different set of reasons for wanting to trade in traffic jams and a business suit for a 10 second commute and sweats. The idea of working from the comfort of one’s own home is very alluring; however, many enter into the telecommuting field with high hopes, which are quickly dashed by harsh realities.
First, many enter the work at home world envisioning it to be the same as the regular workforce. This is not the case. Many work-at-home positions are contractor positions. The worker is not an employee, but a self-employed independent contractor, meaning the telecommuter receives no benefits and is responsible for all federal and state income taxes due. Benefits and taxes have led to recent debates, encouraging several well-known companies which contract with telecommuters to cease contracting with workers in certain states.
Another common problem faced by new telecommuters is how long it takes to find a decent position. It can take weeks, or even months, to find a stable position with enough hours and acceptable pay. Some positions require long hours, but the pay is very low. Some positions offer high pay, but there are not enough available hours. Unfortunately, some positions offer both low pay and lack of hours.
The second problem facing many new work-at-home hopefuls is motivation, which working from home requires. In the corporate world, there is always a manager standing over one’s shoulder. If one becomes too unproductive, a manager will not hesitate to step in and remind one why employment is referred to as work. No one is watching a telecommuter each moment of the day. The telecommuter must act as his own manager and quality control.
The first time a telecommuter decides to neglect the tasks at hand could be the beginning of a downward spiral. The ability to neglect work is always present, unlike in a corporate setting. Resisting the urge to exercise this option requires great willpower; however, resisting any subsequent urges after committing the first act of responsibility abandonment becomes increasingly more difficult.
Those considering working from home should ask themselves several questions. Why do I want to work from home? Will working from home provide enough income to maintain my current lifestyle? If working from home does not provide for my current lifestyle, what lifestyle am I able to contentedly accept? What am I qualified to do? What types of positions am I willing to accept? Am I able to plan my day and adhere to my schedule?
To those who choose to enter the telecommuting universe, be cautious. There are many scams which take advantage of those wishing for home employment. Be perseverant and open-minded. One closed door does not signal one should retreat back to the rat race. Rejection is as much a part of telecommuting as is searching for open positions. Do not give up the search.
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