By Abby Evans

For many, the ability to set your own hours and work from the comfort of your own home is a much coveted position. Office employees often lament to their work at home counterparts, who seem to have freedom and flexibility to complement their salaries. But as the common saying goes, the grass is greener on the other side. Working at home is not for everyone, and for some, may even be a nightmare. If you’re looking to make the switch, consider whether the following applies for you:

You Lack Motivation


This is one of the main factors that determine whether the individual is able to work from home. If you lack the drive or need someone looking over your shoulder, then the independence granted to work at home professionals may be overwhelming. However, there are ways to help you decide whether motivation will be a major factor for you. Are you able to stay productive while at the office? Does your role require a great deal of moderation and oversight by others? The answers to these questions can help you gain a better idea of your prospective performance levels.

You Don’t Communicate 


In order to ensure that your work at home position is successful, you’ll need to make sure you keep channels of communication as open as possible. One of the dangers that many managers face with work-at-home or telecommuting employees is ensuring that they’re actually working. If the employee fails to respond or leaves an email unanswered for too long, then this can signal warning signs in their heads. Therefore, make sure you stay as responsive as possible, and send them constant updates on your progress and projects. With enough time you can build up enough trust, allowing you to maintain an autonomous position.

You Get Easily Distracted


While at the workplace, do you often stare out the window or get caught up in conversations? Working at home may prove to be a more challenging experience for you. With phone calls, errands, family responsibilities and so on, it can be difficult to completely stay on task. And if you’re working exclusively online, then the distractions on the Internet can further sap your productivity. Without the guidance of coworkers and managers around you, you may end the day, wondering where the time went.

You’re a People Person


Do you like to talk to people, working in a position where you’re face to face with customers and coworkers? If so, then working at home can be a lonely move. Oftentimes, positions that fall under the “work-at-home” label are due to their relative independence and lack of direction. Writing, graphic design, and telemarketing are some examples of typical jobs that would fall under the work at home category. If you’re looking for a work at home job that still connects you with others, then looking for a customer service or sales position may be better suited for you.

Abby Evans is an avid blogger who writes on everything from exploring job search engines and the job search Toronto. She has written on a variety of blogs and websites, and loves to learn all she can on the job hunt.

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Tags: Abby Evans, Distractions, Home-Based, Motivation, Remote Worker, Telecommuting, The Work at Home Woman, WAHM, Warning Signs, Work at Home, Work at Home Job, Working at Home