Why work at home?

There are endless benefits to working at home. Some of us are lucky enough to land jobs that allow you to do your work from home. Still others are even more fortunate in having businesses that they themselves are authorities over. I will cover the benefits of the latter, though most can be enjoyed by both parties.

1. NO TRAFFIC JAMS! Yes, some areas seldom have high traffic volume and there are others who have a 5 minute or less drive time to work. Yet, most of us are subject to rush hour traffic. As a friend of mine once told me, the drive alone can make you stressed out before you even arrive at work.

2. EXCESSIVE MULTITASKING! Some employers drown their employees in duties that should be done by multiple persons. However, to save money, many companies are forced to pile the work load of 3-5 persons on one employee. When you are in charge of your own destiny, you decide when you can not handle any more tasks. This is a huge benefit especially when considering the health benefits of eliminating the constant source of stress.

3. STRICT POLICIES! Everyone has a gripe about a policy that restricts who they are. For me, it is having coffee at my desk. It may seem silly, but in the mornings I am a avid coffee drinker. Working at an office, it is often a policy to do away with drinks at your desks to avoid possible messes. Which is a good policy to have to avoid messes, but at home I always have coffee with me when I work.

4. TAKING CARE OF OCCASIONAL PERSONAL BUSINESS! When you are running your own business, you are free to stop and make a phone call to the doctors office, straighten out a bill or run out to take a forgotten lunch to your little one (provided you have one). You make the call because you are in charge, and you know what you can and can not do.

5. TAKING DAYS OFF AND/OR SICK TIME! Anyone feel guilty when requesting days off? Or do you need a day or two more than what you have? When you have your own business all you have to do is plan ahead. Save money and put it aside just for those occasions. Work around your OWN schedule.

6. MAKE YOUR OWN SCHEDULE! I chose going to an online college because of this. If you are a night owl or want to do everything in early morning and be off in the afternoon, go for it!!! All you have to do is make sure the work gets done! When it gets done is on you. I personally like this freedom because doctor appointments are rarely at the time you want them to be. I also like being able to work around my daughters schedule. Having a strict schedule does not allow for you to sleep in an extra hour because you or one of your kids was sick all night...but when you have your own business you have that freedom.

7. YOU SEE THE BENEFITS OF YOUR WORK! Nothing is more motivating than more money in your pocket. When it is you seeing the monetary gains from your work, you are going to be more motivated to go out there and get it!

8. YOUR OWN BATHROOM! Most employees who work outside the home are have to share a bathroom with countless others. When you are in the comfort of your own home, it is all yours! Privacy is yours once again!

9. ACCESS TO A KITCHEN! In your own home you are free to cook your own meals, make your own coffee, tea or whatever your drink of choice is!

10. FOR THOSE OF US WITH CHILDREN, WHAT ABOUT ALL THOSE DAYS OFF FROM SCHOOL? Ever had to wonder what you were going to do for your son or your daughter over such and such vacation? If you have your own business you can plan to take that day off with your kids, the guilt is gone, and your precious little ones have a parent to be with them.

11. YOU CAN MAKE A BUSINESS OUT OF WHAT YOU LIKE DOING! Sure you are going to have to research what kind of work at home businesses work and are successful. But, if you take that list, learn about what is involved you just may find something you are already good at and enjoy doing. If you like what you are doing now, why not research work at home businesses that relate to that? Then you already have practical experience to apply. I have suggested one place that I have experience with on my first blog since that is what interests me, but by all means...find what you like!

Having your own business has many more benefits than I can list, but you also have to remember that it isn't all fun and games. In my next posting I will be going over some things that your organization, boss and coworkers can offer you that you may find hard to replace. You must find a way to fill that gap. I will offer suggestions on how to do this, but for now please keep in mind before you take that plunge that you need to have a hand in both worlds and a way to compare the two. Many organizations are very loyal to their employees and offer more than you realize!