So, you’re ready to leave your current place of employment and become a telecommuter. You’ve looked at different work at home job boards, and found a few good leads.

There are plenty of legitimate work at home opportunities available. Still, picking the right venture isn’t easy. With so many work at home scams, it’s no wonder that some people are hesitant to become a telecommuter.

Before hitting the Internet in search of the perfect work at home opportunity, consider four ways to identify a work at home scam.

1. “No Skills Required” - Why would a legitimate employer hire someone with no skills? Since most work at home jobs involve some sort of clerical task, it only makes sense for the ideal candidate to have some computer skills, knowledge of computer software, and perhaps customer service skills.

2. “Earn $3,097 Part-Time” - Ads that state specific income earnings are almost always a scam. Besides, if you could really earn that much money working less than 40 hours a week - everyone would work from home.

3. Who’s Hiring? - You might stumble upon a very vague job ad. For example, “Perfect opportunity for recent graduates and stay-at-home moms. Apply Now!” This ad has two major problems. First, who’s doing the hiring? Second, what does the job entail? No company name, no job description!?! It’s definitely a scam.

4. Upfront Fee - Shady employment agencies may pose as real employers and post phony job ads to lure candidates. Once you arrive at the interview, they’ll attempt to sell their services and charge a finder’s fee. Never pay for a job. If you want to invest in your future, use the money to start a business.

Technorati Tags: work at home, work at home scam, telecommute, freelance

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More and more people have made the decision to fire their bosses and take control of their life. Working from home has its dark days. However, the joys and benefits greatly outweigh the drawbacks. Aside from freedom, flexibility, and increased income, there are numerous reasons why everyone should at least explore the idea of starting their own business and working from home.

Here is my top 10 list of reasons to work from home.

• Freedom to Be Picky: When you work for someone else, they call the shots. Regardless of whether you enjoy the assignment, it has to get done…period. But when you’re the boss, you can pick and choose your jobs.

• No More Business Suits: Personally, I don’t like working in my pajamas. However, if you like the idea of waking up and going straight into your home office - I say go for it!

• No More Drama: Sometimes, the workplace can become so “high school-ish.” You got your exclusive cliques in one corner, and the gossipers in the other. Plus, there’s always that one person who wants to make your life miserable.

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Since most work at home professionals don’t interact with clients face-to-face, they can either get dress in the mornings, or stay in their pajamas all day. This is another wonderful perk of telecommute life.

While many freelancers take pleasure in this type of freedom, a few actually prefer to get dress before beginning their daily assignments. I’m not implying that telecommuters throw on a three-piece suit or business slacks before heading to their home office. Saying goodbye to the office means goodbye to dress codes. Rather, some freelancers prefer to ditch the pajamas and throw on a comfortable outfit.

This method works for me. Although I love lounging around the house in my comfy pajamas - I start to feel sluggish and less productive.

About five months ago I developed a bad routine that involved staying in bed until around 11:30 a.m. I had just purchased my first laptop, and I was enjoying the freedom of being able to work in any room of the house. Needless to say, I took advantage of my newfound freedom. I would get up in the mornings, grab my computer, make a cup of coffee, and get back into bed.

I would start work, watch a little television, work again, and sometimes - take a little late morning nap. I know - it was bad. I didn’t really start my day until noon when I decided to get dress. After awhile I fell into a freelance funk. It felt like I had wasted more than half the day.

After about a month I decided to ditch the pajamas. Prior to buying the laptop I had established a morning ritual, which involved getting up early and getting my day started around 9:30 a.m. I got back into this routine. Now, I feel more productive.

I realize that each person is different, and their psyche can handle different routines. However, I quickly discovered that work and pajamas are a bad combination - at least for me.

Technorati Tags: work at home, telecommute, freelance

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Every telecommuter knows how difficult it is to stay focused when working from home. Aside from surfing the Internet or lounging on the couch watching your favorite talk shows, housework and other non-work responsibilities can take center stage.

We all have different techniques for staying focus. Some people never turn on the television or they choose to limit telephone conversations, wherein their attention isn’t drawn elsewhere.

If you can’t seem to complete all the tasks listed on your daily to-do list, consider a different approach. I’m easily sidetracked. Additionally, I keep a tight schedule, which means I have to complete my freelance assignments within a specific time span. If I get off-track, my entire day is shot. Of course, planning to stay on task and actually staying on task are two different things.

I once read that a timer helps with productivity. At first, I didn’t buy the notion. How could a little timer make any real difference? But, since others have had success, I decided to give it a try - and it worked!

Maybe it’s a mental thing, but whenever I set the clock timer and make the decision to complete a task within the next 20 or 30 minutes, I’m able to do so. Sometimes, I finish before time expires. It’s like a game - a little challenge I give myself.

Sometimes, I don’t set the timer. Instead, I treat myself once a task is complete. Let’s say I’m hungry or I want something to drink. Rather than stop mid-sentence and satisfy this need, I don’t take a break until I complete a certain amount of work.

This little tactic motivates me to work, and I spend less time on other activities.

Technorati Tags: telecommute, telecommuting jobs, work at home, freelance, self-discipline

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Telecommuters are the kings and queens of multi-tasking. In any given day, you’ll likely function as a business owner, receptionist, office manager, researcher, and so on.

Running a business isn’t always easy. In fact, it’s one of the hardest jobs. Growing a business takes time and sacrifice, and successful freelancers occasionally find themselves working in the evenings and on the weekends.

Some telecommuters hire a personal assistant - someone to handle tedious assignments. In turn, they can concentrate their attention on growing a profitable business. Those who can’t employ an office assistant might rely on a day planner or PDA. These tools provide assistance. Still, nothing is better than the real deal. Fortunately, if your budget doesn’t allow a personal assistant, you can always utilize an online service such as Jott.
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