Work from Home: Does Working from Home Make Sense for You?

Have you ever dreamed of working from the comfort of your own home? Many people have taken the plunge to start a home-based business. In fact, in 2004, over 25.4 million were working from home in some capacity and the number continues to grow. Some projections indicate that nearly two-thirds of the working American population will be working from home within the next 15 years. While some home workers will employed by companies, most are more likely to be self-employed entrepreneurs operating home-based business. Is working from home in your future?

You may be a good candidate for starting your home-based business if…

• You want to make money
• You live in a rural area
• You are a parent of small children
• You are a student who needs pocket cash
• You are a graduate who lacks job experience
• You want to turn your skills or hobbies into an online business
• You have a disability that limits your ability to work outside your home
• You want to earn extra money for retirement
• You want to leave the corporate world
• You want a new career

Look at these advantages…

• Individual freedom
  You can work at your own pace in the comfort and convenience of your own home. You can choose your vacation when it fits your schedule and not have to worry that wait the person with the most seniority will take the week you want.

• Financial benefits
  You can avoid the expense of buying business suits and accessories and save money on clothes. In addition, there will be less wear and tear on your car and tires and less money dispensed into the gas tank. You can also enjoy lower operating costs because you won’t have to rent office space.

• Reduced stress
  There is no boss, no office politics and no corporate culture to conform to. You only have to please yourself and your customers.
• Job enrichment
  As an entrepreneur, you have to learn how to run all aspects your business, which means you will be expanding your job skills and discovering new processes you didn’t know you could manage.
• Increase productivity
  Two elements come into play here, no commuting and financial compensation. The time you would spend driving to and from work can be used to work, so you can accomplish more. In addition, the fact that your financial gain totally depends on how productive you are is also a big factor in increasing productivity.

• No commuting to and from work
  No fighting traffic, no road rage and no pulling up to the gas pump several times a week. Just think, you can convert those hours wasted sitting in traffic to profitable and productive hours.
• More time with your family

When you work from home, you can schedule your working hours and breaks around the needs of your family. If you want to have lunch with your spouse or visit your child at school, you have the freedom to do that. In addition, family members can help with the business. As a bonus, your children will have an opportunity to see what you do for a living.

• Tax advantages

When you own your own business and work from home, you can benefit from many tax advantages. Accountants can advise you on your state’s tax credits.

The Internet has made it possible for more and more people to work from their homes. Before you invest your time and money into starting a home-based business, remember to only engage in legitimate work-at-home programs. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns of many scoundrels ready to dupe you into falling for their work-at-home schemes. Offers to stuff envelops at home, do medical billing and rebate processing are some of the most widespread frauds. Carefully investigate any business before you sign on. To learn about a legitimate work-from-home business, visit https://imtcva.org/about/.