The Benefits of Working at Home in the Recession

Some people can make a career out of the work at home opportunities they find, while others work to meet the increasing cost of bills. Home working can be notoriously hard to get right and requires a serious amount of dedication and commitment, but when the right idea is found it can be very fulfilling and sometimes lucrative. There are a number of benefits that attract thousands of people a year to work from home, especially mothers. With the kitchen table or study being used as an office, there is no hectic commute - so time can be spent with children and workers achieve a better balance between home and work. There is also more chance of job security in the current uncertain climate. Employers are now required by law to consider requests from people, especially mothers, to become a home worker. It does not matter whether it is a mother on maternity leave that files a request or someone who wants a better balanced life.

This type of working arrangement does not suit everyone, and it requires discipline. It can become easy to put off work thinking it will be done later to then form a back log. But for those who decide it is for them, there are a few things to take into account to make it work.

• Plan the working day. By keeping focused on what needs to be avoids any sidetracking. It is advisable to write a daily list of work tasks and tick them off as they are completed.

• Allow breaks. Within a normal office environment staff would be allowed a break. It is also vital for people working from home to do the same.

• Maintain a good level of contact with colleagues. This will help keep commitment to the job.

The first step to work from home is to make an appointment with an employer to discuss making new working arrangements. It is important to illustrate to the boss why the new arrangement would benefit both parties and outline how the work rate would still be achieved. In 2008, 91% of employers who received requests for home working approved.

If you are not already in work, there are other ways to find employment to at home. A well written CV may be needed in some cases.

Ideas for Working at Home

• Set up a small business. The first few months of running a business are the hardest, but then the rewards will speak for themselves.

• Buy a franchise. By investing in an established business much of the work has already been done. Plus there is always people on hand to provide support and advice.

• Use the Internet to apply for freelance work. Opportunities exist in a range of jobs from writing and communications to project managing.

• Sell products from home. Companies such as Avon, Body Shop and Virgin Vie are always looking for hardworking people to join.

The most important thing to consider before deciding to work from home is how it will fit in with the family, and check how it could affect benefit entitlement.