It’s the beginning of a new year, and that means it’s the time when many business professionals rethink their careers.  Maybe the grass is looking greener from the other side of the fence, so you’re thinking it might be time to start working from home.  Or maybe the economy has forced you into survival mode and you think working from home could be a good way to make some extra dough.  Does this sound like you?

Here are a few points to consider if you’re thinking about making the leap to working from home…

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Freedom – Can You Handle It?

Pros: Working from home allows for a lot more freedom: you get to pick your own hours and do what you want, when you want.  You’re your own boss; say goodbye to over-the-shoulder micro-management.  Not to mention, shopping lines are a thing of the past!

Cons: Freedom can be your enemy.  Yes, you can choose your own hours, but you still need to be responsible, determined and productive during your work time.  This means keeping yourself away from those 300 tempting TV channels, those thousands of instant streaming movies and that pesky bed of yours that’s always calling your name for “just” a 30-minute nap.

Before you make the leap: write down a list of ways to manage possible distractions. Also, be sure to remove any distractions out of your workspace, like the television!

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Hours – Early Bird or Night Owl?

Pros: You can choose your own hours, no matter what crazy schedule best suits your biological clock.

Cons: Despite this freedom, you do need to set a regular work schedule and stick to it.  Most importantly, your clients need to know when they can reach you.  If you have a Whenever-I’m-Available attitude, your clients may find it easier to go with someone else.  Plus, if you don’t keep a regular schedule, you may find you don’t get any actual work done.

Before your make the leap: hash out a regular schedule, allowing time for both business and personal activities.

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Time – Knowing When to Stop

Pros: All you workaholics out there are probably thinking: well, there are 24 hours in a day, so I can work 23 of them and get SO MUCH accomplished!

Cons: Not knowing when to stop will cause you to burn out, and fast.  Constant burn out can create a chain reaction, causing health and relationship problems if you’re not careful.  The key is creating a healthy work-life balance.

Before you make the leap: develop a clear picture of your ideal work-from-home situation and write a realistic list of monthly goals to keep your time management in check.

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Space – Creating Your Own Atmosphere

Pros: No more cubicles!  You can create your own ideal workspace, complete with an actual door you can open and close when you like.  Your space is yours: you can decorate with photos, toys and art with no limitations.  You can even play whatever music you choose.

Cons: Having your office in the house can create distractions during your scheduled downtime.  It’s tempting to just pop in to check your email, or do one last thing that will “only” take five minutes.  If you’re not careful about separating your living space from your working space, the overlap with cause constant stress.  Lack of organization can also hinder productivity.

Before you make the leap: set up your new office with a solid organization system – and clean your personal clutter out.

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Making the leap to working at home is a big decision.  Before you do, be sure to take the time to think about all the little decisions that go along with it.  Start off on the right foot and success will follow!

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