VirtualVocations

The Pitfalls of Working at Home

      There has been a recent upsurge in the number of commercials that offer ‘opportunities’ for those people who wish to work from home.  The advertisements show extremely successful individuals who, while working from home, have bought new cars, new houses, and have claimed to make as much as $1500 per month (and more).  But if the viewer takes the time to notice:  there is always a tiny disclaimer attached to each commercial stating that what is shown are ‘not typical results’ of those that accept the offer.  The pitfalls of working at home are numerous and they start when the individual first makes their job selection.

      Beware of work at home job offers that offer huge rewards in what seems a short amount of time.  If it was that easy then everyone would take advantage of the opportunity.  When you choose a work at home job, make sure that it is something that you feel you are qualified to do.  When you find a job that suits your particular qualifications then investigate the offer so as to determine that the product or service you are providing has a viable chance of being bought or used.  Too many ‘can’t miss’ offers have turned out to be come-ons that only make money for those providing the ‘opportunity’ to make it rich.  Understand the difference between a structured advancement ladder and a pyramidal system.

      Jobs that offer a structured advancement ladder will clearly define what it is you have to do to advance and usually will not require that your ability to make money depend on you getting others to join.  Pyramidal systems (often called pyramid schemes) operate in an opposite manner.  They often not only require that the ‘associate’ purchase a large amount of their product up front, but that they also must convince others to become associates if they want to move ‘up the ladder’ of success.  Typically only those at the very top (those who started at the beginning of the scheme) make any real money.

      After you have chosen your work at home job, be aware that now you are the one responsible for your new businesses’ operations.  Make sure that you have plenty of the everyday business supplies that you will need and a handy place to keep them.  Nothing is more disruptive (not to mention non-productive) than to run out of a necessary form or ink for your printer in the middle of a big project.

      If your business depends on products make sure that not only do you have enough, but also that they are safe and secure from damage.  It is not a good idea to keep items that are susceptible to cold damage in the garage.

      If your work at home business depends on a provided service, then be sure to have a back-up plan if your transportation breaks down, your modem breaks, or the power fails.  Most customers aren’t really concerned with your excuses, they just want what it is you provide in a timely manner and/or intact or correctly done.

      Remember when you work at home you are the boss and it is your company.  Chose carefully what it is you are going to do, and once you decide, and then make sure you do everything in you power to make sure that you have a good chance at success.

Posted:Wednesday, November 07, 2007