But perhaps, the greatest attraction for this growing trend is that a home business allows for family togetherness. The word "together" turns up frequently in conversations with home-based businesspersons.

A home business allows the family to be united for a shared purpose and to work together to develop the business. Home employment also provides working parent the opportunity to spend more time with the family. In many instances, home-based businesses are even strengthening family relationships by enabling the whole family to get involved. Instead of going in separate directions, more and more husbands and wives are pooling their energies and working toward a common goal. At the same time, children have an opportunity to see what their parents do for a living, and to learn about business firsthand.

However, those who seek the benefit of being close to family find themselves in a dismaying dilemma. As they are starting their business, they must work harder; and by focusing more on work, they discover themselves devoting lesser time for their families. Even while working at home, they still suffer from the same time famine that afflicted them in the corporate world. Since their hard work is presumably for the gain of the entire family, they expect their family members to understand and allow them the space and freedom to work.

As a result, a home business can pose the risk of creating conflicts within your family. If your only activity is your business, it is likely that your family and social life will suffer. Some people even get divorced because of problems resulting directly from pressures of starting and operating a business. Some are able to successfully juggle their responsibilities, while others let the stress of the business take over their lives.

Problems with family and friends can spell disaster for your business. It is important to generate family support for your home office because this support will make your adjustment easier and your work arrangement more pleasant. You need to find your own balance, which in turn will depend on your particularly circumstances as well as your learning style.

To avoid potential conflicts, ask yourself at the very start - would a home-based business allow you to balance work and family obligation? Can you expect your family to be supportive?

You will need the support of your friends and family and you may not get that support if you alienate everyone by not being sociable or not making time for them. By your very entrepreneurial nature, you are driven to success. But if you're not careful, and by your actions you lose those individuals who give real meaning to your life, you'll find your business success very hollow indeed. You need to determine the boundaries of each role in your life - a businessperson, mom or dad, husband or wife.

Here are suggestions for ensuring a successful marriage between your business and home life.