Do You Have the Skills?

 Once you have determined that you want to work at home, are willing to make the necessary arrangements to do so, and have explored your reasons for choosing to explore a WAH career path … you will want to determine if you have the skills most advantageous to being successful in a WAH career. Of course, there will be specific skills related to specific types of jobs – but what about general skills and natural aptitude to thrive in a WAH environment? Do you have the mindset that you are engaging in a business endeavor to become a freelancer, telecommuter, or independent contractor?

Here are some points you may want to consider about your WAH job plans:

1. Do you want this WAH job to provide more than spending money or supplemental income?

2. Are you willing to spend many hours a day developing and maintaining business?

3. Do you have the stamina, personality, and ‘people’ skills?

4. Do you have the necessary business skills, or are you willing to acquire them through classes / trainings?

5. Are you willing to seek out advice from ‘veteran’ freelancers as well as established businesses or organizations which are specifically geared to helping new businesses?

6. Are you able to keep business and home life separate?

7. Is your family supportive of you and this idea?

8. Are you able to determine where you would like to be in a year, two years, or ten years from now, where your business is concerned?

When you consider specific skills, be sure you are a match for the jobs you decide to take on for any particular employer or client. You want to demonstrate proficiency and expertise in whatever area you select. For instance, if you are great in customer service and have a wonderful phone manner, but have no aptitude for graphic arts, then you obviously shouldn’t take on a design project. If you are a ‘hunt and peck’ typist, then most computer-based jobs would NOT be your strength. If you are a Mom with an infant or young children, then most likely telephone-oriented jobs would not be the best choice for you. Also be certain you have the necessary education listed in a WAH job description; if the details mention a minimum of a master’s degree is required, and you have only a high school diploma or associate degree, then don’t waste your time or the job poster’s time.

Underlying all of these skills and traits, however, are two very important qualities: commitment and discipline .

Posted:Monday, June 08, 2009