When you telecommute, there’s always a chance that your employer will call you back to the office. Employers acknowledge the advantages of telecommuting. But sometimes, the arrangement doesn’t work. In your mind, you’re doing a great job. You feel more productive, and all your assignments are completed ahead of schedule. So, there shouldn’t be a problem?

Unfortunately, your employer’s vision of productivity can differ from your own. And if you don’t live up to their standards, you might be called back to the office.

• Don’t Panic: Your boss phoning you at home and requesting your presence in the office isn’t usually a good sign. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Maybe the company’s working on a special project and they need you on-site. Talk with your boss, and find out whether they’re axing the telecommute agreement.

• Re-Negotiate the Arrangement: If your current telecommute work schedule isn’t working, propose a different plan. Rather than telecommute five days or 40 hour a week, ask to work at home part-time, and in the office part-time.

• Admit Your Mistake and Beg for Forgiveness: Working from home takes discipline. And unfortunately, some people can’t balance work and family. You may be able to fool your boss in the beginning. But they’ll eventually catch on. If you want any chance of salvaging the arrangement, don’t argue or make excuses. Employers have every right to call a telecommuter back to the office. Come up with a quick solution and ask for another chance.

Technorati Tags: work at home, telecommuter, telecommuting

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Before I became a freelance writer, nobody ever asked about my income. Likewise, I didn’t dare pry into someone else’s personal business and ask about their salary. But for some odd reason, that changed once I became a freelancer.

I’ve been a freelancer for more than five years, and during this time, I’ve had a handful of people ask about my pay. I’m not bothered by questions such as: what’s your hourly rate, or how much do freelancers charge? But when someone has the audacity to ask, how much do you make a month? - I have to draw the line.

The first thought that pops into my head, “that’s none of your business.” And the second thought, “how much do you make a month?” (this question always stops them in their tracks). But, I’m not a rude person, and since the people who ask these questions don’t mean to be rude, I’ll usually shrug my shoulder and say, “I do alright.” That’s all they need to know. Read more

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Are you ready to take the plunge and start your home based business? Many people have the desire to work from home, but few people have the nerve. This is understandable. Running a home business isn’t easy, and success isn’t guaranteed.

Still, this shouldn’t stop you from at least trying. So what if the business venture doesn’t work? You can always return to the workplace - or better yet - choose a different opportunity. If you have the drive and persistence, something good is bound to happen.

And the best part…most home based businesses can be started with little up-front cash. Since you’ll run the business from your home, you won’t need to look for office space or hire an assistant. Home based businesses differ; as will the initial supplies. Today, it seems as if more and more freelancers operate online businesses. This includes freelance writers, affiliate marketers, wholesaler, virtual assistants, etc.

Anyone who decides on these business ventures can start tomorrow without spending a dime. The requirements: a computer (preferably a laptop), Internet, printer, and a quiet workspace.

Technorati Tags: work at home, home based business startup, freelance, telecommuter

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Even though disappointments are an inevitable part of life, they’re never easy to deal with. As a work at home professional, you’ll likely deal with your fair share of disappointments. A lucrative deal could fall through, a loyal client might move on, or it may take longer than expected to grow your business.

I’m no stranger to disappointment. Fortunately, it’s not a regular occurrence. Yet, I’ve dealt with two or three hard hits. You know, the kind of disappointment that takes away your will to work. I was a freelance finance writer for a mortgage website, and for six months I created articles on every imaginable personal finance topic - with no problems. Then all of a sudden, the company pulled a disappearing act. They stopped responding to e-mails, and didn’t pay me for the final assignment, which would had been a month’s salary. Disappointment doesn’t describe how I felt….which was angry. Read more

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We’ve all come across work at home opportunities that ask for a fee, and a few of us have fallen for these scams - I know I have.

I developed an entrepreneurial spirit early, and by the age of 18, I had spent money on a data entry and envelope stuffing job - both scams. I must admit, the concept behind envelope stuffing is pretty ingenious - but a scam nonetheless.

I know how easy it is to fall into a work at home scam, especially if you’re a new telecommuter. These con artists place real classified ads, and advertise a “legitimate work at home opportunity.” Next, they hook you with so-called real testimonials, and guarantee a lucrative income. But, experienced telecommuters know better. Read more

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