 How to Telecommute
- Evaluate your job. If you spend a lot of time on the computer and communicate most by telephone and email, there’s a good chance you can telecommute.
- Evaluate your employer. Does your employer have a current telecommute policy? Do others in your office telecommute? If the answer is no, you may be the one to pave the way for others.
- Evaluate your home office. Do you have room to set up an effective work space? If you plan to share the kitchen table with your children’s homework projects and dinner, you may not be able to keep organized enough at home.
- Evaluate your technology. Will you need to learn how to be more effective with online scheduling, accessing your office computer through the internet, or using new software or technology?
Remember, the office computer guru won’t be nearby to bail you out.
- Evaluate yourself. Some people just aren’t disciplined enough to work from home. If you think you’ll be tempted by the daytime talk shows, you might not be a good candidate. Be honest; you don’t want to jeopardize your job by losing your employer’s trust.
- Create a proposal for your employer. Before you approach your boss with the idea, do your homework; this will show that you are serious about the idea and that you will be serious about working effectively from home.
If your employer accepts your proposal, congratulations. Now get to work! |
