- Energy Efficiency Australia
By Melissa Brewer
What parent doesn’t want to work at home? For the single mom, there is never enough time in the day, whether you share custody of your child or play the role of the full-time parent No wonder so many single moms want to have a home-based job – juggling work and full-time parenting can be stressful and sometimes seems like an impossible task. Twenty years ago, our parents didn’t have the same options we do as far as work and flexibility. As a single mom, you may not be able to find a full time virtual job right off the bat, but there are also many part-time options available. While some people are naturally inclined to work at home, others find the transition more difficult to make. There are many benefits to working at home, but the drawbacks need to be considered before you make the choice.
One drawback to working at home is that finding a legitimate opportunity can be difficult. It’s important to know that very few employers advertise positions as “work at home,” especially when you’re browsing classified ads. Many of these ads are simply out to take your money and are often business opportunities masquerading as jobs. When searching for home employment, don’t simply look for a work at home job – look for a job that allows telecommuting that is related to your current field. For example, if you are currently a nurse or work in a medical office, many companies hire remote nurses and medical transcribers. If you don’t have a lot of office experience, you may want to limit yourself to companies that provide work from hoe customer service and telemarketing gigs. Usually, the training is provided and the requirements are basic tech-savviness, a good telephone demeanor, and a working home office with a phone line and high speed internet.
Cost is another important factor in deciding if working at home is right for you. Although many single mothers start working at home to save on childcare, there are added costs to being a mom that works at home. If you need health insurance and you are hired as an independent contractor, it will have to come out of your pocket instead of being paid by your employers. As an independent contractor, you will also have to pay your own taxes and save receipts for your office supplies so you can write them off. Of course, as a home-based worker, you will also save on gas and wardrobe, so many of these additional expenses are canceled out.
Working at home with children is not always as easy as it seems, especially if they aren’t in school yet. You may find that you need to find a part-time, flexible position, because it may be difficult to work when they are awake. This can mean lots of busy nap times and late nights to get your projects done when they are sleeping. With older children, especially those in school, you will have an easier time of it. You’ll need to become n expert in time-management, however, and maintain a balanced schedule in order to get everything done.
Single moms that work at home have to be self-motivated and disciplined in order to get their work done on time. If you’re not a self-starter, you may not want to work from home. As a telecommuter, there is no one there to look over your shoulder and make sure that you are still working – so if you are easily distracted, you may have trouble achieving work from home success. Most likely, though, the calm and peace of mind that comes with working where you live will be a motivator to be more productive.
If you’re s single mom that wants to work from home, these small drawbacks probably mean nothing to you in the long run! You’re used to wearing more than one hat, and you’ll find a way to make it work. The peace of mind and stability that comes from a legitimate work from home job can be priceless. Just make sure that you do your research, plan your time effectively, and don’t give up no matter what. There are plenty of forums online that have other work at home moms around willing to help out with whatever advice they can, so make sure you visit, and use them!
About the Author: Melissa Brewer is an writer-preneur based in Washington DC. Do you want a real work from home job?
The outsourcing industry is exploding with homeshoring employers
that hire moms, dads, retirees, and differently-abled people to work from home. Come learn more about how you can make a living from home, without breaking the bank. Interested in virtual admin work? We have the inside scoop on that, too!
Source:
isnare.com
Permanent Link:
isnare.com/?aid=228732&ca=Business