One thing that repeatedly comes to mind as I think about my journey as a home-based professional is job security. If you are thinking about becoming a home-based professional, you have undoubtedly thought about how it is risky to leave your seemingly secure current employment situation to venture out on your own. I know that I thought it was risky when I first started out. As time has passed, however, I have come to feel more secure in my employment than I ever did when I was working at any job. The reason for this sense of security is that … Continue reading →

If you live anywhere in the Northeastern United States, you are probably still digging yourself out from the most recent snowstorm. It seems like almost everywhere in the United States has been getting a lot of snow this winter, and it’s not done snowing yet. Even though the groundhog predicts that spring will come early this year, there is a good chance that we will see one or more major winter storms before it does. All of this wintry weather has me feeling rather thankful that I work at home, and not just because I did not have to try … Continue reading →

Sometimes I enjoy thinking of fun ways to share my experiences as a home-based professional with others. Today, I decided that a fun way to explore the benefits of being a home-based professional would be to see how many ways I can complete the following sentence: “Because I am a home-based professional, I can…..” This week, so far, I am able to complete that sentence in a number of ways. Because I am a home-based professional, yesterday I took my little boy out for a long walk at noontime on a beautiful winter day. Because I work from home, I … Continue reading →

Have you ever wondered how you ended up in the situation that you are in? Why you work the schedule that you do, and do the type of work that you do? If so, you are probably not alone. In fact, if you have not taken time to think about the “whys” of your current work situation, now is a good time to do so. Often, we just sort of arrive at the place we are at and work along day after day at the same pace without ever questioning how we got there and whether it is really where … Continue reading →

Carpe diem, the Latin way of saying “seize the day” is a great phrase. On any given day, there is the possibility that one or more opportunities will arise. What you choose to do with these opportunities is up to you. If your day is jam packed with things that you absolutely must get done immediately, you might pass the opportunities up; no matter how great they are because you simply do not have a minute to spare. Alternatively, if your days are scheduled with a little wiggle room, you could act on one or more of these surprise opportunities. … Continue reading →

As 2010 draws to a close, many home-based professionals are working hard to meet deadlines while making time to celebrate the holidays with friends and family. While this is a busy time of year, it is a good idea if you can find a little time in between Christmas and New Years to sit down and set your goals for next year. Setting goals is a good way to help yourself stay motivated, if you do it correctly. Here are some simple tips for setting goals that will motivate and inspire you instead of leaving you feeling frustrated. One hallmark … Continue reading →

Many home-based professionals own their own businesses. These individuals do it all, from creating the actual product or service, to marketing, billing, accounting, scheduling, and everything else that the business entails. When the holidays come around, who rewards these hard-working people for the great things that they have done for the business this year? Holiday bonuses are usually something that your boss bestows upon you at this time of year. If you are your own boss, there is no one else that is going to reward you for a job well done. While this may sound unfortunate, it really isn’t, … Continue reading →

Motivation. It is the driving force behind all that we do – or don’t do, for that matter. Sometimes we feel like we are motivated, other times, not so much. Have you ever wondered what this mysterious creature called motivation is all about? I am sure you have at least wondered where your motivation went, on at least one occasion. Today, I learned about a book that I am very eager to get my hands on. Before I tell you what it is, I must confess that I am somewhat addicted to literature of a success/inspiration/self-help/motivational nature. The book is … Continue reading →

One of my favorite times of the year is Christmas and one of my favorite activities when I worked outside the home was a gift exchange. A year ago I was working outside the home as a preschool teacher. The staff at my preschool had a Christmas party at one of my co-worker’s homes and we had this really fun night where we exchanged gifts. If you enjoy gift exchanges and are working from home, you don’t have to give that up. Depending on the field you are working in, you may be able to incorporate this fun tradition. In … Continue reading →