Who wouldn’t love the opportunity to work from home? Let’s face it: the benefits of telecommuting are endless - work in your pajamas, spend time with the kids, no annoying co-workers, and the list goes on.

On the flip side, your employer may not recognize the benefits…at least not immediately. They likely imagine co-workers goofing off, sleeping late, and working less than the required hours. So, if you want your employer to at least consider telecommuting, you’ve got to help them see how the arrangement benefits their company.

Freelance Writing Gigs offers 10 sensible defenses for telecommuting. Although this blog caters to freelance writers, every aspiring telecommuter can benefit from the listed tips.

Yeah, working from home can make your life a little less hectic. But that’s not the angle you want to draw on. Employers could care less about your desire to have more time for your family, or your need to alleviate stress. You need to focus on their bottom line. In other words, they want to know, “what’s in it for me?”

Technorati Tags: telecommuting, telecommuting opportunities, telecommuting jobs, employee benefits

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A recent lay off creates a tailspin of emotions. How will I provide for myself and family? What will I do for health insurance? How long can I survive without a steady paycheck?

Some people are fortunate, and they’re able to find new employment within a few weeks. Then again, if you work in a competitive field, or a low-demand service industry, it can be awhile before a new opportunity knocks.

There’s nothing exciting or glamorous about unemployment. Yeah, you get to enjoy a little down time, and you may be slightly relieved that your old, stressful job is finally behind you. But then reality sets in…and you need a plan.

There’s no better time to start a freelance career than after a recent lay off or job loss, considering you have “some” cash flow (savings, spouse, severance pay, unemployment, etc.) But, how do you get started?

The Escape from Corporate America blog recently featured an article on how to get started in freelancing or consulting. Even if you never considered yourself an entrepreneur, it doesn’t hurt to give it a try.

Besides, what else are you doing with your time? Sleeping late and waiting for an interview? You might as well make some money in the meantime.

Technorati Tags: laid off, freelance, telecommute, work at home, self-employed, consulting, freelancing

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If you work from home, your personal computer or laptop is likely the heart of your business. Without it, you can’t communicate with clients, look for new assignments, or complete your current work.

It’s important to protect your computer and information from viruses that can attack and crash your hard drive. Trust me, losing all your information and having to re-install your operating system is no picnic.

• Purchase a Virus Detection Program: Your computer likely came with virus protection software. If not, you’ll need to purchase a software program, and run the program to diagnose and fix any problems. Periodically check for software updates.

• Don’t Use the Infected Computer: If you know your computer has a virus, disconnect from networks and don’t insert removable hard drives. Viruses can attack other computers via network cables, and infect files stored on flash drives. Don’t send or receive files until your software detection program finds and removes the virus.

• Up Your Security: Customize your e-mail settings and have your mail server alert you to potential dangers. Also, exercise good judgment. Don’t download random, unknown files.

• Renew Your Anti-Virus Software: Unfortunately, virus protection isn’t a one-time purchase. Don’t forget to renew your subscription annually.

Technorati Tags: virus, computer, protection, work at home, telecommute

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My husband bought his first handheld PDA in 2001, and since then, he’s owned about four different models. I’m not into small electronic gadgets, so I’ve never owned any type of electronic personal organizational tool. My laptop has a handy notepad on the desktop, and I use this tool to jot down ideas and assignments. I also have an old-fashioned day planner - that I never write in.

Although I’ve fought this necessary evil for years (this being the need to rely on a handheld device to keep my work life in order), I think it’s time to breakdown and buy my first PDA.

Personal organizational tools have come a long way. And if you’re a telecommuter or run a home-based business, a handheld PDA can help organize your business and personal life. These neat little tools are more than an electronic day planner. Aside from the fact that a PDA can function as a cellular phone, you can:

• Synchronize your handheld PDA and personal computer/laptop, which let’s you backup or transfer information

• Use your handheld PDA to access the Internet

• Buy a portable keyboard, printer, and other accessories to create a mobile office.

And let’s not overlook the non-business features: listen to audio files, download movies and games, take photographs, text message, etc. Once I’m ready to cough up the cash and buy my PDA, I’ll likely wonder how I survived without it.

Technorati Tags: handheld pda, pda, personal organizer, work at home, telecommute

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Most people will jump at the opportunity to work from home. It’s a win-win situation. You’ll earn a steady paycheck from your employer, but save money on everyday expenses such as gasoline, lunches, coffee, (and the biggest expense) daycare. But, there’s a negative side to work at home life.

Talk to any freelancer and they’ll likely gripe about daily isolation. Sitting in an empty house day-after-day and having little contact with the outside world can drive an outgoing, extroverted person mad. Yeah, telecommuters are more productive and they enjoy certain time freedoms. Besides, no one wants to pass on the chance to stay in their pajamas all day. But, loneliness is real.

There are many ways to beat isolation and have the best telecommuting experience. It seems as if some telecommuters have come up with a creative solution, which offers the best of both worlds. This “next phase of working at home” actually involves leaving the home. These work at home professionals aren’t returning to the workplace. Rather, they get together with other telecommuters and turn their local Starbuck’s or Barnes and Nobles into an off-site home office. With their laptops and assignments, they co-work a few hours each week, and enjoy a little conversation and a change of scenery.

Co-working is just the right thing for telecommuters who miss the workplace atmosphere and camaraderie.

Technorati Tags: co-work, telecommuter, telecommuting, work at home

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