Growth Demands Change

Now that you have discovered your source of inspiration, determined your motivators, and learned to go with the flow of the expanding WAH community, as well as begun to establish your own individual work flow … it is time to get growing! Of course that’s a play on the words “get going” – but as with any job, in the ‘real’ world or the virtual world, personal growth and growth within your job function or area of expertise are equally important. So how do you get growing?

First of all, consider personal growth opportunities.  This will of course mean different things for different people, based on lifestyle preferences, spiritual beliefs, social circles, and those types of factors. Perhaps the most important thing to remember about growth is that its inherent nature involves change. Just as we think about watching a baby grow from infancy into toddler hood and beyond, we have no choice but to acknowledge that growth involves change.  The most obvious change in considering work at home or virtual employment vs. traditional employment is location; but there is more to it than that.  This change of environment also requires a change in mindset, which motivates you to ‘get growing’ in the direction of being a home-based professional  in your own convictions, as well as in how you present your self to others – you become more than merely someone who works at home in your  “pj’s” !

This point leads to the second consideration:  growth opportunities within your specific job function or area of expertise.  The obvious factor here is to look into local classes and training sessions related to your skills; many times you may find what you need through local adult education or community college offerings.  Another idea is to research what is available for online courses or degrees which can provide you with additional credentials and perhaps even give you the edge you need to be considered above other potential candidates.  On the social side of working at home, the reality is that you can start feeling a bit lonely and alienated from the ‘real world.’  Upon reflection of this truth, give some thought to joining online social communities for networking connections, sharing tips and experiences, finding answers to common job-related questions, and locating new work at home jobs or virtual employment opportunities. Once you enjoy growing as a work at home professional, your next step will be to determine if you will be able to stick to it! Watch for the next article. 

Posted:Monday, February 23, 2009