Leave a Comment / Uncategorized / By Becky Long
Working from home requires survival skills to ensure success in your new adventure. Survival skills are needed to “stay alive” during the process of learning to work from you own home environment. Some opportunities will come quickly, while others will take some time.
Financial Management
Financial management skills are needed when working from home. The stay at home mom may be considered self-employed or be hired as an actual employee of a company. When income is received as a self-employed individual, self-employment taxes and social security taxes should be considered ahead of time. Payment will be due, based on income when filing personal taxes. If a large amount of money is due at the end of the tax year, it may be required to make estimated quarterly “tax payments.”
Sound management is needed in handling the finances of the stay at home opportunity. Expenses and income will need to be recorded on a regular basis. Making a habit of recording on a weekly or monthly basis will be the best choice. Waiting until the end of the year to do major record keeping is not a wise decision.
Advertise your Skills
Each work from home job opportunity is unique. Advertising your skills will be a part of your survival gear within the online work environment. It is important to know the skills you have to offer, as well as how to make a great, lasting impression in personal skill “advertising.” Cover letters and resumes are looked at for only a brief time by employers, in a matter of “minutes”. How well can you advertise yourself to potential employers and make a LASTING impression? Know who you are, and what you have to offer!
Managing your Time
When starting the work from home journey, it is important to manage your time efficiently. This begins by knowing what needs to be accomplished during the week, including work tasks and home tasks. Analyze the amount of time needed for each task. Making sure there is enough time in your week to complete tasks, have family time, and resting time is important. Balance is needed when working from home.
Create a flexible schedule, placing work events into the calendar. Also add family time, appointments, and free time. Make adjustments each week, increasing your time management skills regularly. Always allow some “cushion” in your scheduling when working from home.
Staying Organized
Staying organized is another survival skill that is needed when working from a home base. If things are chaotic and disorganized, your business will suffer. Organize each room of the house, as much as feasible. Organize your personal workspace as well.
Schedule time each week to stay on top of areas needed. Enlist the help of family members when possible. If the family works as a team, the work from home opportunity will be more successful, and less stressful!
