Working from home is a privilege many are seeking to try.  Some of the benefits are easy to see.  Less money is spent on gas when the commute to and from work is cut out.  Parents can spend more time with small children and save on childcare bills with a home-based job. 

There are other benefits of working from home that may not be apparent right away, but they soon take shape.  Working from home can be less stressful.  The political climate of the office is a distant memory.  The only attitude you have to deal with is your own.  You have more freedom to organize the work day to suit your needs.

But, where can you find a work from home job?  There are more people looking than there are jobs, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find one.  When you do find one, however, being prepared to act will make all the difference.

Begin with your current employer.  Many employers are willing to pay someone in their office to work from home.  That cuts your commute and their overhead.  Even if coming out of the office wasn’t an option before, your work ethic and good track record with the company may get them to extend such an allowance.  It wouldn’t hurt to ask.

It is helpful to know what type of work you are looking for.  Someone who enjoys sales could then move to established sales companies that specialize in the home business model.  That includes some that you probably know well:  Mary Kay, Arbonne, The Pampered Chef, Partylite.  You pay upfront for a starter kit, but the company offers support for new sellers and all the helpful information they can throw at you.

Look to the Internet.  There are reputable sites that offer jobs without a commute.  The well-known job search engines can help you:  Monster (www.monster.com), Craigslist (www.craigslist.com), CareerBuilder (www.careerbuilder.com), Yahoo! HotJobs (http://hotjobs.yahoo.com), Media Bistro (www.mediabistro.com). 

If you are a freelancer, there are also places for you.  Writing, website design, programming, and other specialties can find freelance jobs online.  Sites like eLance (www.elance.com), Associated Content (www.associatedcontent.com), Constant Content (www.constant-content.com), and others offer opportunities for freelancers to make some money.

Another way to find work from home jobs is to join forums.  Forums for stay at home parents, stay at home moms, and working at home parents provide support as well as information on job leads and how to run your home enterprise.

Working from home is possible, but you have to do the legwork to find the job opportunities that are right for you.  Any of the sites mentioned above can start you on the right track.

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Working from home is an ideal choice for many. Whether you own your own business or your employer allows you to telecommute, working from home offers many conveniences and freedoms that a traditional office job does not. However, working from home also offers many challenges; the primary challenge for many is staying focused and motivated.

Step One: Create a Workspace

Staying focused and motivated when working from home requires a home office. Yes, maybe the kitchen table or the couch could work. However, placing yourself in those locations is just asking for distractions.

When you create a designated workspace, your frame of mind changes immediately when you walk into it and sit down. You’re mentally more ready to focus. Make your workspace comfortable enough that you enjoy being there yet not so comfortable that you want to be there when you’re not working or that it becomes a place to hang out.

Additionally, when you create a workspace, your family will take your working from home more seriously. It becomes easier to set boundaries. When you’re in your office, you’re working and you’re not to be disturbed.

Step Two: Create a Schedule

Okay so maybe one of the things you love about working from home is that you don’t have to create a schedule however a schedule will help you stay focused and productive. When you create your schedule, remember to schedule in breaks, household chores, time with your family and meals. It’s easy to say, “I’m going to work from 10-4” however actually sitting there and working for six hours is going to be a lot more difficult. Give yourself breaks and downtime during the day. When you schedule in your distractions, your working time is much more focused and it’s easier to stay focused because you know you have breaks to look forward to.

Additionally, make sure to schedule days off. It’s easy when you work from home to work from the time you get up until the time you go to bed seven days a week. It’s a sure way to suffer burnout quickly. Plan vacations, days off, and time for yourself to stay motivated.

Step Three: Eliminate Distractions

Make a list of distractions. Perhaps it’s laundry, your children, your friends calling you for coffee, appointments and errands. Make a list of these distractions and then find a way to eliminate them.

For example, if your children are a distraction, then how can you plan your day around them? Can you trade childcare days with other parents who work from home? Can you hire a sitter for part of the day? Can you work around their naps?

Staying motivated and focused when working from home is possible. Rather than modeling your work from home life around what you feel you should do, take a look at your reality, your needs and personality, and create a work from home life that works for you. It takes a little planning and premeditation to get the job done.

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