Thursday, May 29, 2008

WORK-AT-HOME: THE BEGINNING


Okay, so you've decided to work-at-home, what's next?

Working at home can be done by anyone BUT it is not meant for everyone; especially if you would like to be a work-at-home mom.

Finding work is the easy part. Online opportunities abound. However, to be effective in this endeavor, one must learn effective time management, the ability to say NO, and designate a specific workplace.

When your home also serves as your "office", it is common for "home duties" to interfere with work. Being at home 24/7 means you are bound to see things that need your attention. Stop. Make a priority list and manage your time wisely. There should be a clear line separating working hours from household chores. Absence of an effective time management system will result to haphazard work on both fronts - work and home - and will also be so nerve wracking and stressful that you are better off working outside your home.

Your ability to say NO is also crucial for your online success. A lot of people who are so used to the "traditional" way of earning money think that just because you stay at home they can bother you anytime. Treat it as you would any other "office" job. Although the kids are within earshot, resist the temptation of standing up from your workplace to look after them. Ask somebody to help you with the kids during "working" hours. Limit calls from friends and relatives. You are busy earning money so be firm in letting them know when you are free to have longer chats with them.

The need for a definite work area will, in a way, condition both your mind and body to buckle up and do business. A laptop may be convenient to bring anywhere around the house but if you can't stay in one place for as long as it takes to finish your task, then I strongly recommend you use that ol' reliable desktop computer.

Everything is settled? Then, congratulations! You are now ready to WAH (work-at-home)!

3 comments:

  1. I am a work-at-home dad for 3 years now.....i do IT online consulting like SEO/website admin/blogging/article writing/social media marketing. i am happy with my life now....just like you i am also 24x7 no fixed working hours but i get to see my kids often....i can relate to what you are saying and i wish you good luck hope you succeed

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  2. hi "I ADDICT", thanks for your comment. gone are the days that parents view earning a living as a choice between career and family. people like you prove that it can be done, that we can earn a full time income AND be there for our kids. i did one baby step by creating this blog and i know that soon i'll realize my goal of earning a full time online income.

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  3. Hi, Pinay Work-AT-Home Mom! I sent a quite lengthy comment to this post 4 days ago saying how happy and thankful I am to discover your blog site which is a great help for newbies like me. I don't see it here, though...

    I really desire a reply from you -- it will be like a helping hand to one such as I am who is almost drowning in the ocean of money-making offers on the net but unable to guess which one is really worth trying.

    Specifically, I want to know which data entry job site you tried(and made money from!)which I can also try for a start.

    Thanks for your help. I would appreciate a PM to this comment... God bless you!

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