Bed-Time Stories And Leverage

In the 2016 Census it was indicated that more than 504,000 people worked from home and every sign points to that continuing to rise. With the rising cost of childcare it seems like common sense move to work from home. As the cost of living continues to soar, so to do the second jobs. Working from home allows you to dictate the hours worked and be available for your children - but does it?

To earn a reasonable income whatever you are doing from home, be that making jewellery to sell or being a Forex trader, it demands a level of professionalism and concentration that is difficult to maintain when working surrounded by your family and other distractions.

A Great Opportunity To Combine Work & Leisure

With the onset of the internet and improved technology, it is possible for everybody not just mums and dads, to conduct their jobs from their homes. Encouraged by companies for whom this can reduce overhead costs, setting up a home office is the answer to a number of problems, including:

• Child care costs are reduced.
• No transit time travelling to and from work.
• More ‘downtime’ to enjoy family time, sports or just have fun!
• Lessening the congestion on the roads - a potential contribution to reducing your carbon footprint.
• Reduction of 'hidden costs' - commuting, car tax, car wear & tear. Parking costs and the costs involved in maintaining a professional image, wardrobe, manicures, salon visits etc.
• You do not have to live in the city for work, meaning you can reduce mortgage payments by moving outside city limits with cheaper housing.

Happy Ever After Considerations

Working from home is not for everybody; you need to consider all the expected elements of your chosen profession or business before you start.

• Have you got enough space?
• Have you got access to work and technical support?
• Have you got the time?

Whatever you decide, treat working from home seriously. Tempting as it may be, do not stay in your Pj’s all day, although you do need to create a comfortable working atmosphere. Make sure the working space is well equipped and has lots of good light. Lastly, communicate some ‘working rules’ for family and friends so there are no interruptions.

Have unrestricted access to the phone and ensure your internet is able to cope with the new demands on it.

Maintain working hours - despite the flexibility working from home allows, do not let it become all-consuming.

Do keep up professional contacts, face-to-face if possible as working from home can become very isolating. You might consider going into the office if there is one. Or, checking out any co-working spaces to use once a week.

Working from home can help in creating a healthy work/life balance. Using a flexible approach, it allows time for family and social activities and is also potentially less stressful. You have to, however, implement a professional, disciplined approach and avoid it becoming all about the work.