Work and Vacation? Where to Draw the Line?
Everyone knows that freelancers enjoy a level of freedom, which allows them to work from any location: home office, back porch, library, coffee shop, etc. Before buying my first laptop six months ago, I didn’t understand the joy that comes with mobility. Now, I don’t leave town without my computer. Whether I’m headed off to enjoy a weekend getaway or family vacation, you best believe I have my laptop in hand.
Although my computer bag is the first thing I pack whenever I have plans to be away, it’s not because I plan to work. Although I have worked on vacation (not because I had to, but because I wanted to), the work was never from a client. Therefore, I didn’t have to worry about due dates or guidelines.
Sometimes, we can get so caught up in our assignments that we forget other interests. In my case, vacations present the perfect opportunity to enjoy a little creative writing…and that’s exactly what I do - amongst other things. Read more
Work at Home Advice: Dealing with the Unexpected
There are plenty perks to being your own boss, and most people who start a home business never return to the workplace. However, there is an ugly side to telecommute life, and one aspect causes many to doubt their decision.
Unlike employees, work at home professionals don’t have sick leave, maternity leave, and paid vacations. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid - it’s that simple. For that reason, an extended illness or unexpected trip can have a negative impact on your business.
I believe in taking it one day at a time, and I try to avoid excessive worrying. However, when it comes to our businesses (our bread and butter), worrying isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s good to plan for the unexpected. Isn’t this why we pay insurance premiums each month? Read more
Best Telecommuting Jobs for WAHM’s: Virtual Assistant
Many moms (and dads) prefer a work at home career. The benefits are endless, and in many instances, you can earn more money working from home. Still, lack of confidence and know-how prevents many from taking the leap. I don’t recommend jumping into a work at home career blindly; nor do I suggest making a decision that’ll be financially detrimental.
Any major life decision deserves foresight and a good plan. For example, what type of work at home career best fits your personality and expertise? Some people have unique skills, in which they can turn their talent into a profitable business. Then again, others have limited abilities and no special skills.
To enjoy a successful work at home career, you don’t need years of managerial experience. What’s more, you don’t even need a college degree. There are plenty jobs available. And in most cases, all you need is excellent customer service skills, the ability to work with little or no supervision, and computer knowledge.
One of the best opportunities for WAHM’s, or anyone looking for a telecommute job, is a virtual assistant. eMoms at Home, a home based business blog for moms and dads, explains how virtual assistants work. These individuals are normally experts in a particular area of business (marketing, accounting, technical, or proofreading). Nonetheless, more than a few opportunities are available to persons with basic clerical skills (data entry, word processing, order entry, etc.)
Technorati Tags: virtual assistant, telecommute, wahm, work at home, be your own boss, self-employed
Starting the Day (or Week) with a Positive Attitude
Last week, Deborah Ng wrote a much needed post on Freelance Writing Jobs, which basically broke down the importance of approaching each day with a positive attitude. Freelancers have to hustle to find new opportunities, and they have to know their stuff. Plus, with so much competition, it only takes one slip-up to miss out on a great gig. Despite the ups and downs, we have to maintain a positive outlook.
A freelancer can apply for several jobs a day - and receive no responses. And even if they find that perfect opportunity, there are no guarantees. Contracts eventually end, and you might find yourself looking for work next month or next week!
Naturally, it can be challenging for self-employed people to stay positive. Yet, it’s crucial to success. The way you approach a new challenge, assignment, or disappointment impacts your business. Nobody wants to work when they’re feeling down. Your first reaction might be to stop applying for new opportunities or stop working altogether. In turn, you get behind on assignments, miss out on an excellent gig, or lose a client. The longer you stay in a mental funk, the longer it’ll take to get back on track.
I’ve been slowed down by negative thoughts in the past; and unfortunately, my writing business took a hit. But once I made the decision to be (and stay) positive, I no longer saw the glass as half-empty. I’m not perfect, so naturally I deal with periodic lows. Still, whenever I’m on the brink of a “woe is me” attitude, I quickly flip the switch and focus on the wonderful aspects of my business - accommodating schedule, limitless earning potential, and time off - I never got this with a 9 to 5.
Technorati Tags: work at home, positive attitude, telecommute, self-employed
