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Step 1
Decide why you want to telecommute. It may sound like a no-brainer, but some people do better working at an office or out in the field. Like I said, telecommuting isn't for everyone. Consider if you're in an industry (like writing, for example) that more widely accepts telecommuting, and for the most part, makes it easy for people to do so.
When thinking about working remotely, make sure to think through why you want to do so. Do you simply want to be at home? Do you live far from a city, which makes commuting more difficult? Do you want to spend more time with your family or do you have children to take care of? Do you care what type of job you have?
There are two types of telecommuters: those that take remote jobs simply to work from home and those who continue their career, but choose to work remotely. What category do you fit into? I ask because you may find a job opportunity that's wonderful, but requires you to be on-site. If you're not opposed to it and the job can help propel your career, it's worth looking into.
Never limit yourself, but do know what you want out of a job. -
Step 2
Search for a work-at-home job. If you're currently job hunting, it is possible to find work-at-home jobs--but do be extra cautious because many of them can be scams or low-paying jobs. Still, there are plenty of websites out there that post telecommuting jobs. This is ideal for a stay-at-home-mom who wants to earn some extra cash.
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Step 3
Work it. An age-old way to getting a great job that lets you work remotely is to spend some time paying your dues at the company. Learn the basics, build a client base and make things happen. This can take years. But before telecommuting became popular, this is how people did it--they worked their way up the ladder and then became indispensable to the company. This means that the company relied on them so much and valued them so much that they either offered a telecommute option or had no problem granting the request. This is the ideal situation--to have a career that you love and be able to work it exactly how you want. It's possible at many companies, but it can take time.
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Step 4
Trade up. If you're currently in a job that you like, but would like to do it from home, see if you can talk to your boss about it. When it comes time for a promotion, tell your boss why you feel you'd be good at working more independently. Some people call this the "promotional trade theory." Instead of asking for a raise, they offer forfeiting the raise in order to telecommute.
* Hint: Start by asking for one or two days a week at home instead of asking to completely remote.
One thing to remember before you start negotiating is to make a list of all the things you need to work at home. Do you need a computer? High-speed Internet? Special software? A dedicated work phone line? If you're willing to cover some of these incidental costs, that may make the option more appealing to your boss.
Comments
smilesatme1 said
on 3/15/2009 I like telecommuting but I think it is more fun to work with other people-for gossips and chikas!-lol Good tips!!