Working at home is the trend of the future, as more and more
people eschew corporate life for a simpler and relaxed business
environment. However, a business at home is not without
problems. Here is a list of the top ten conflicts that you might
experience while working at home:
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1.
Separating work and family life.
Start-up home based entrepreneurs find that the main advantage
of a work-at-home business - to be near family - can be a
disadvantage as well. Daily household routine can be a source of
distraction for your business. Instead of answering emails, for
example, you feel compelled to do the laundry.
If you have kids, then your work-at-home life becomes even
more exciting. Try closing an important deal over the phone with
your customer while your one-year old child cries his heart out
- in your home office!
Given the fact that your two roles are under one roof - being
a wife, for example, and being a businessperson - expect to
experience difficulties in juggling the demands of both home and
business.
2.
Not enough space.
The setting-up of a home office is less of a problem if your
house is big enough to offer extra space. However, space becomes
a concern if you are living in a closed quarters, such as an
apartment with hardly any room to spare. While you can make do
with a makeshift office in a quiet corner of your hallway, the
ideal office space is one that provides you with privacy and
protection for your equipment and files.
3.
Being taken seriously.
The common concern of most home based business owners is whether
their clients will consider their business a substantial one.
Since home businesses are often regarded as "little
hobbies," their professional image and credibility normally
suffers. Worse, they are not taken seriously! Home business
owners should therefore project a professional business image.
4.
Cannot do any work.
You start a home business, supposedly to be able to work from
home -- only to find that you cannot work from home! One reality
home-based entrepreneurs are faced with is the fact that it is
not easy to work from home. Others especially those who've never
tried it may think that working from home is a piece of cake.
But many entrepreneurs are finding that it takes a strong
commitment, creativity in juggling various roles and tasks, and
willingness to work beyond normal working hours to be able to
successfully work from home.
The home is a fertile ground for interruptions. Your family and
kids may demand your attention, your neighbors could drop in for
a chat, housework that needs doing, dogs barking, even the
daytime soap operas! Working at home is especially tough if you
have a baby or very small children who demand your full and
complete attention. Or you simply are not used to the isolation
and freedom working from home brings that you think you need to
take a course first on time management to be able to work
effectively from your home.
5.
Lack of privacy.
Unless you are living on your own or have your own private home
office, privacy can be a concern. Imagine that your office is
near the family room, for example, and guests drop by and loiter
near your work area. Your documents, work and even files can be
fair game to everyone!
6.
Strain on family relationships.
Be sure that your family understands what it takes to operate a
home business. Talk to your husband or wife and ask for their
support, and explain to the children your need to be given time
to work for the business. Some members of your family may resent
the fact that while you stay in the house the whole day; your
attention is not focused on them. However, be sure also to know
when to stop working for your business and start living as part
of the family.
7.
Working too much.
When working at home, the line between work and family sometimes
crosses. There is always the temptation to work long hours that
may be difficult to resist, like checking and answering emails
after dinnertime. Instead of spending quality time with the rest
of the family, a home based businessperson sometimes fall into
the trap of being consumed with work. They do not know when to
stop.
8.
Feeling isolated.
With no co-employees or bosses hovering in your workplace, the
start-up home businessperson often finds it difficult to adjust
in a solitary work environment. Suddenly, the whole work has
become so quiet - no more exchanging weekend stories in the
pantry, or exchanging jokes near the coffee machine. The
isolation feels more intense for those who are adjusting from a
corporate white-collar job to a home business and for those who
are social in nature.
9.
Self-discipline or self-management.
Your productivity as a home-based worker may go up or down,
depending on your self-discipline. Working on your own business
at home means that you are boss - there are no codes of conduct
to follow, no weekly performance reports to keep you in tow, and
no formal office routine. Others find that they are spending way
too much time watching television, or they are having a hard
time getting out of bed. If you fail to maintain a certain level
of discipline, compounded by ineffective time management, it
will be hard to accomplish your goals.
10.
Zoning, home and condominium association regulations.
Before you finalize your plans for starting your home business,
be sure to know the rules and regulations that govern your
circumstances. If you live in an apartment or condominium, check
with the management the level of business activity that they can
tolerate. Your landlord may not allow you to receive too many
visitors or the frequent comings-and-goings of delivery trucks
may not be acceptable. If you are thinking of starting a
catering business, for example, some states do not allow the
establishment of a commercial kitchen in a residential area. It
is better to be aware of the restrictions governing your
business at the very start of your business.
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About the Author:
Isabel M Isidro is currently the
Managing Editor of Power Homebiz Guides. Read her blog at
PowerHomeBiz Small
and Home Business Blog
Updated September 2005
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