These days, working from home has become a hot topic of discussion. Initial research will find you wading through a plethora of questionable opportunities, making most reasonable folk question whether the opportunity really exists! Some diligence however, will expose some conceptual nuggets that can easily become your ticket to profitable self-reliance.
Personally, I worked in corporate America for 18 years, tried the financial industry on for size, labored in a software development company, did some contract work at a large company doing government work, did a friend a favor and office managed, and finally worked with a web development company as an SEO content writer. Some of these jobs I left by choice, others left me, but all had one thing in common: I wasn’t their top priority.
My final position, as an SEO content writer, opened my eyes to a new way to showcase my talents and hopefully generate income, allowing me to stay home! There are several avenues to take, all interesting and hungry for quality content. The question becomes: how can I best gain exposure for my articles? The tools are available and relatively easy to find, but the hang up for many is dedicating their time and energy often enough to be successful.
The Blessing
Keep in mind that as hard as you have worked for others during the course of your professional career, you should be willing to work at least as hard, if not harder, for yourself. You have everything to gain and should be motivated to create financial independence for yourself and your family, however it takes a different kind of effort to work from home.
No one is providing deadlines, creating your daily activity plan, or telling you what to do each day, so each person needs to find the best way to accomplish those things for themselves. You’ll still have deadlines and need to create activity plans, but you’ll be doing it for yourself! Hold on to the awesomeness of being your own boss, then hit the ground running and make it happen.
Freedom is an amazing thing to capture, especially if it comes with sufficient income to really enjoy it. Focus on that potential and keep yourself motivated.
The Curse
The downside, especially if you’ve worked outside the home most of your professional life, is the loss of adult conversation. In my case, staying home means I can help care for my six-year-old grandson, with the option to work whenever there’s a break in the action. Fortunately, I get to talk to adults when they all get back from work, but that may not be an option for some. Moms working from home for extra income may find themselves a bit frustrated with the ‘stay at home’ of staying at home.
To alleviate that isolated feeling one might get working from home, scheduling outside activity is key. Set a few days a month aside to lunch with friends, go out to dinner, explore the city you live in, or perhaps choose local attractions you haven’t explored and set a date periodically to check them out!
It’s definitely an adjustment. Most of us start working early in life and don’t stop until we can’t work anymore. To establish your income through your own efforts gives you freedom you may not have considered. Setting a schedule for yourself will help you reorient your thinking, then let freedom ring!
The Promise
No matter what opportunity you take advantage of, if you’re able to make a viable income from home you’ll find you prefer working from home to working for someone else. At first, the most successful will work hard and often. Eventually, the idea is to work less and have more fun!
Life is too short to live paycheck to paycheck, even though most of us have done so our whole lives. There is a better way, with a happier ending to be shared with your family, so don’t be afraid to try!
