Tips for Working at Home
The wonders of the Internet and mobile phones make
working at home far easier than in the past.
Commuting , long hours and wasted time at the endless
round of meetings can become a nostalgic memory.
However, working at home requires discipline. Images
of watching day-time TV or pottering around the garden
must be put aside. Self-employed people must keep
focused on setting up the business and sticking to deadlines.
Remember, you have not said goodbye to the boss.
Your customers become your new boss with similar whims
and demands.
Essential tips for working successfully at home are:
Don't become self-employed unless you are prepared to be
very organised. Whether keeping records or
chasing debts, the burden is on you to succeed. If you
don't do these things, your competitors will!
Get proper office space where you can work undisturbed.
Avoid the living room.
Buy a good quality PC and printer. This will ensure good
presentation and save on reliability.
Have good quality stationery, business cards and other
branded material. You will be judged on them.
A good chair and proper lighting will prevent back and
eye problems.
Tax assessment is often best left to a good accountant,
especially for the newly self-employed. It will often
save tax too.
And finally, don't neglect insurance and pension provision.
Remember the reason you choose self-employment was to
enhance your quality of life - not to create a retirement
nightmare in the future.
With all this planning to do, don't forget to enjoy it.
Good luck!
John Lynch
