Is Working At Home Right For You?

Would working at home be right for you? You'll never know unless you give it a try!

When I began working at home, money was really tight. The first home-based business I chose to work at full-time was my eBay business. It was one I was already familiar with since I'd done it before. And I already had a computer, digital camera and internet access.

This choice was a no-brainer for me and I did make money by starting an eBay business. I love what I sell and will probably continue to work at it as my hobby. But as far as making a living at it, I'm not so sure. Frankly, I want a more consistent income!

A modern home based business has the potential to make you financially independent. And I think that working from home via the internet is the modern version of the "cottage industries" of long ago.

Whether you're selling a real product, or a virtual product like information, the internet returns the power and responsibility of earning an income at home to everyone that is motivated to learn how to do it.

There are so many perks to working at home, it's almost a feast! Right now, I'm sitting on my couch with 2 of our dogs beside me. I'm barefoot, in my favorite jeans, watching the birds and flowers thru the deck door while working on my laptop.

Other days I watch the hummingbirds at their feeder outside the office window. I'll work like this for another hour, then I'm off to the post office do shipping.

When I return, I'll work a little more, then head to the kitchen to make spaghetti sauce. I can do that while I'm working on some eBay listings or writing a page for this website.

I tuck working into the rest of my life, or is it the other way around? Some days I work more than 8 hours, and some days I work much less.

One of the things that I've found hard about having a home based business was staying focused on my work. The things that make working at home so attractive were also my biggest distractions.

It's easy to think "I'll get back to this later, I've got all day", and go off to do something else. This often found me working until midnight to catch up with the goals I set for myself.

But it's all my choice! I love what I do so I don't mind the extra work when it's needed.

After two years, there are still tons of things to divert me away from working. Here's 5 productivity traps and solutions for home-based business owners that I've discovered. But the more I focus, the easier staying on task becomes.

I try to keep my schedule flexible because things come up that you don't expect. Working at home around your family has a lot of diversions!

Before I let myself wander off today, I remind myself that it will add time to tomorrow's chores. Sometimes the diversion is worth it, but sometimes I now say "NO" to myself or others. You have to respect your own time so others will treat you seriously.

Have you ever thought about working at home? Sometimes it's hard to think of a good idea for a business that you can start. Here's a list of 50 small business ideas to think about. Look the list over.

Then go explore online. Give yourself plenty of time for this! Don't sign anything yet. Put your credit card away for now. Remember, you're only looking so don't sign up for anything or buy anything yet... no mater how tempting or urgent the opportunity!

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