Work From Home: Fact and Fiction

I have been working from home for ten years now - even before it was trendy. I haven't been doing surveys or stuffing envelopes. I started with medical transcription, and I have some surprising things to share with you about the possibilities in that field, one being that there is more than one way to enter it. I have learned a lot since then about the possibilities for working from home and ways to adjust to some of the myths surrounding this venture. It is completely possible, and the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started and to make it continue working for you. But first, the incentive!

I started working from home when I was newly married with a baby on the way. My goal was very simple; I wanted to be at home but could not afford to stop working altogether. My goals have shifted over the years, and I will share those with you throughout the Hub. The benefits to working from home that I have always found to be true:

~ No childcare costs This goal has held steady for me throughout the full ten years. Studies have proven over and over that some two-person incomes would actually be better off or the same if one of the providers would stop working and stay home with the children instead. If you're trying to figure this formula for yourself, don't forget to deduct not just childcare, but childcare supplies not provided by your day care situation, the cost of your commute, the cost of at-work meals, and the cost of an appropriate wardrobe.

Some things to keep in mind.Being home with the children has always been completely satisfying for me, but do consider this: People who spend the day at home, mess up the house. My sister loves that if she cleans her home in the evening, it is still sparkling when everyone returns the next day after work and school. I, on the other hand, straighten periodically throughout the day and still feel that I clock out to quite a bit of chaos.

I have included a picture of my toddler smiling up at me through the arm of my computer chair. Unfortunately, sometimes the face is crying and the needs are greater than the attention I can give him while still typing. My children are the reason I stay home and also my greatest distraction.

One more thing: When figuring the cost of quitting your job, don't forget to figure in healthcare. If you have an excellent program through work now, make sure you can make up for it when you work from home. Children who stay home do still get sick, although it is often much less so than children in daycare.

~ Casual Wardrobe. I like this one. I'm glad I don't have to spend money on expensive business suits or find shoes that are dressy and comfortable. On the other hand, I don't do the pajama thing either. Don't underestimate what it can do for your productivity to get ready for your day at home just as you would an outside job. Wear jeans and a comfortable shirt by all means, but for goodness sake, shower. Your energy and work ethic will benefit from it, and your children and spouse will be grateful. One website I used to subscribe to suggested one wear shoes at home for this reason. I could not comply with that as I used a foot pedal for transcription and was more effective shoeless. Set your own rules for this issue, but do set them!

~ Flexible hours. This is the main reason people want to work from home. It is important to me as well, although I have to label it here as both fact and fiction.

I have had both - jobs with flexible hours and jobs with a set schedule. It depends on whom you work for and the work you do. I maintain flexible hours as one of the greatest benefits for at-home work and an important goal, but it's not always what you want it to be. For instance, I have learned that even with flexible hours, it works best to set hours for myself. Otherwise, I will spend all evening making up for time I should have spent on work during the day.

Sometimes I shut off the phone or put a video on for the children. With medical transcription, I used headphones to hear the doctor's dictation. This signaled to the household that I was at work. It also helps to have a designated office, although behind a closed door is not always possible or necessary. Now that I no longer do transcription, I still like to wear headphones some. They still serve as a figurative wall between home and work and help me stay focused. I use them as ear plugs or to listen to soft music - without words, because that is too much of a distraction.

*NOTE* Find ways to keep your children engaged while you work. Give them their own "work" to do, so they can imitate you. Give older children projects and help generate ideas for which activity to pursue next. Have a rainy day shelf with games and books and craft items that are not seen or used every day and can feel like a brand new activity for those inevitable, "I'm bored" moments.

Medical transcription is a wonderful skill and career opportunity. The business is changing everyday, especially with new technology, but I think it is here to stay in one form or another. I have provided some links that might help you get started in this field. You can also look into your local community college or vocational-technology school for classes on transcription. The skill is the most important foundation for finding a job in this field. There are sometimes courses you can take that are directly affiliated with a specific company. A job is not usually gauranteed upon graduation, but probably more likely. Certification is not an absolute requirement either - I did it for ten years and was never technically certified.

Some other things to look into:

I was lucky enough to be trained on the job in this field. A friend started a small transcription company and trained me while I worked for her. These small companies do exist but can be tricky to find. Go to several physician offices and hospitals in your area. Find out how their transcription is accomplished, and you might learn more about the companies in your area. Many outsource their transcription to large companies of course, and I have provided links to two of these, both of which provide your equipment for you - a huge benefit.

If you are an excellent typist, consider transcription for other fields such as a law office. Again, do your leg work and see what you can learn. Also check with local television stations to see if they have at-home work for closed captioning. There are options out there - many more than I know - but it takes work to find them.

Writing

There are many articles, especially here on HubPages, about earning money with online writing. Try this link to get you started. This author writes many articles about how she makes money from home through online writing. If you love to blog, or would like to get started, try the links below. Many people today earn excellent income blogging. These websites are communities where you can advertise your blog, look at other successful blogs, and learn about the process from people who are doing it.

Freelance writing for magazines and online magazines can produce wonderful income as well, but it does not come easy. You have to be diligent to improve your writing skills and diligent to submit, submit, submit. Find magazines that publish the kind of things you write, vow to have at least three things submitted at a time while you wait for answers and work on future projects. It's not easy money; but if writing and staying home are your passion, you can make it work.

Online companies. This is an area with which I am least familiar, but I know there are companies out there just looking for you. Legitimate companies like PayPal often hire at-home employees. You could start there, and see where the search leads you. Also consider eBay. Many people make a comfortable income selling crafts, original designs, and even used items or previously purchased items through eBay. Like all of these options, you would need to treat it as a business - not a hobby. Set hours for yourself, keep documents, be diligent and efficient, so that buyers know they can depend on you.

I have provided one more link below. I am passionate about working from home. I love the visibility with my children most of all. As a cancer survivor, I am acutely aware of how precious my time is with them, and I am grateful for every second. My income goals have increased a bit since my first at-home job when all I really wanted was to be at home. It is important to have goals and take initiative when you work from home. No one is posting a sign at your door offering the latest promotion - you have to look for these yourself. Why do I do this? Have I accomplished my only goal, or could I reach for a new one? How do I get there? Ask yourself these questions, and you are bound to find the answers.

Life is beautiful. Get out there and live it!