Working From Home

Working from Home

If you’re considering working from home, you need to do your homework.

First, what would you like to do? What skills do you have? What do you feel passionate about? How many hours can you devote to it? Are you willing to persevere when the going gets tough? Do you have a support network set up?

Once you’ve answered these questions, then it’s time to do some homework. Here’s the big thing: Don’t jump into any business enterprise – even if it comes recommended from a seemingly reputable source – until you‘ve checked it out yourself. One way to do that is by checking out the Federal Trade Commission’s Web site at www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/pubs/invest/homewrk.shtm. It will educate you about work from home schemes, and what to avoid.

At the same time, don’t forget to look at the Better Business Bureau Web site for scam alerts: http://www.bbb.org/Alerts/article.asp?ID=436%20. It’s also worth calling your state Secretary of State’s office to get the latest information on any schemes popping up in your area. (You might also want to read about one man’s work-from-home scam investigation, at: http://www.cockeyed.com/workfromhome/workfromhome_s.html)

OK, once you’ve cleared away all the scam artists, then it’s time to get more information about how you’re going to make all this work. Remember: working from home often means challenges such as promoting yourself, finding child care, networking and a lot of self discipline.

Here are some places to look for job opportunities, online support, professional associations and publications. Check out:

* http://www.wahm.com
Work at Home Mom magazine…check out the message board and find out what other moms are doing

* http://www.hbwm.com/
Home Based Working Moms
Professional association and online community

* http://www.drphil.com/articles/article/494
Advice and tips from Dr. Phil for work-at-home moms

* www.sba.gov
Small Business Association, providing tips on starting and maintaining your business

* http://www.score.org/
SCORE allows you to ask experts for free business advice