Can You Be a Home-Based Worker?

More and more Americans are finding that these days, the daily grind is becoming a daily migraine. Workdays are getting longer and free time with friends and family is at a premium. In addition, gas prices are skyrocketing and commuting takes more time and more money.

For many people, the solution to these problems is right under their noses. Home-based work has become an increasingly attractive and viable option. Technology is making it easier to stay in constant contact with co-workers. Home offices can be set up almost anywhere and employees can be completely virtual. The age of nine-to-five may soon be a thing of the past.

According to a recent research report by analyst firm IDC, the number of home-based agents in the United States is expected to almost triple over the next five years, growing from an estimated 112,000 in 2005 to more than 300,000 by 2010. Large corporations are finding that they can lower overhead and increase customer satisfaction by hiring home-based customer service agents. These agents set up home offices, say goodbye to commuting hassles, and -- in certain cases -- can set their own hours.

So who can benefit from home-based work?

Stay-at-home parents
Many parents make the choice to stay at home and raise their children. The earliest years are often the busiest, and children need constant care and attention. But once the children get older and more self-sufficient, parents might be left with career options that do not afford the flexibility they are looking for. In certain circumstances, agents can choose their own hours, allowing maximum latitude for parents who are juggling multiple schedules.

Disabled
For people with disabilities, mobility can sometimes be a problem. Getting to and from work might not be an option. Even those who are able to get to an office might have trouble sitting in one place for long periods of time, depending on their disability. Setting up a home-based office is an ideal solution for these individuals. And scheduling work hours around doctors visits is an added bonus.

Retirees
Sometimes, the best part of retirement -- lots of free time -- quickly becomes the worst part when boredom sets in. Retirees looking to go back to work part time might find that these opportunities are in short supply. Working from home affords flexibility for vacations, volunteering or simply relaxing. The extra cash flow is also a perk.

Military spouses
When military spouses look for jobs, they often encounter reluctance from employers to hire them since they may have to relocate on short notice. Military spouses frequently find themselves in low-paying mall jobs or substitute teaching jobs. But as a telecommuter, they can take their jobs with them to almost any location within the continental United States. They only need a computer, a dedicated phone line and an Internet connection.

Home-based workers must possess certain personality traits in order to be successful. Without a supervisor looking over their shoulder, they must be self-motivated. They must have the discipline to arrive at work on time, even if their office is just down the hall. They must have the organizational skills to keep track of their own schedule. Most importantly, they must have an entrepreneurial spirit in order to grow and nurture their home-based business.

Need more proof that a home-based working may be right for you? Consider agent Jessica LaFlesch. With four children and tending to football, soccer, gymnastics, homework and dinner, it seems impossible that this stay-at-home mom would find time to work. But Jessica, who lives in Arizona, found a unique solution. She works for a national floral ordering and supplies company that operates on East Coast time. At 4 a.m. in Arizona, it is 7 a.m. for her client, prime time for floral orders. Before anyone wakes up, she has already put in three hours of work. Throughout the day, she picks up short shifts intermittently. When payday rolls around, Jessica has enough for extras like family vacations in the summer and new clothes for back-to-school.

Mary Bartlett is Vice President of Talent Management for Willow CSN Inc., a company that recruits, trains and manages home-based call center agents, or CyberAgent CSRs. You can find more information about becoming a home-based agent at www.GoWillow.com.

Copyright 2006 Willow CSN Inc.

According to a recent research report by analyst firm IDC, the number of home-based agents in the United States is expected to almost triple over the next five years, growing from an estimated 112,000 in 2005 to more than 300,000 by 2010. Large corporations are finding that they can lower overhead and increase customer satisfaction by hiring home-based customer service agents. These agents set up home offices, say goodbye to commuting hassles, and -- in certain cases -- can set their own hours.

So who can benefit from home-based work?

Stay-at-home parents
Many parents make the choice to stay at home and raise their children. The earliest years are often the busiest, and children need constant care and attention. But once the children get older and more self-sufficient, parents might be left with career options that do not afford the flexibility they are looking for. In certain circumstances, agents can choose their own hours, allowing maximum latitude for parents who are juggling multiple schedules.

Disabled
For people with disabilities, mobility can sometimes be a problem. Getting to and from work might not be an option. Even those who are able to get to an office might have trouble sitting in one place for long periods of time, depending on their disability. Setting up a home-based office is an ideal solution for these individuals. And scheduling work hours around doctor?s visits is an added bonus.

Retirees
Sometimes, the best part of retirement -- lots of free time -- quickly becomes the worst part when boredom sets in. Retirees looking to go back to work part time might find that these opportunities are in short supply. Working from home affords flexibility for vacations, volunteering or simply relaxing. The extra cash flow is also a perk.

Military spouses
When military spouses look for jobs, they often encounter reluctance from employers to hire them since they may have to relocate on short notice. Military spouses frequently find themselves in low-paying mall jobs or substitute teaching jobs. But as a telecommuter, they can take their jobs with them to almost any location within the continental United States. They only need a computer, a dedicated phone line and an Internet connection.

Home-based workers must possess certain personality traits in order to be successful. Without a supervisor looking over their shoulder, they must be self-motivated. They must have the discipline to arrive at work on time, even if their office is just down the hall. They must have the organizational skills to keep track of their own schedule. Most importantly, they must have an entrepreneurial spirit in order to grow and nurture their home-based business.

Need more proof that a home-based working may be right for you? Consider agent Jessica LaFlesch. With four children and tending to football, soccer, gymnastics, homework and dinner, it seems impossible that this stay-at-home mom would find time to work. But Jessica, who lives in Arizona, found a unique solution. She works for a national floral ordering and supplies company that operates on East Coast time. At 4 a.m. in Arizona, it is 7 a.m. for her client, prime time for floral orders. Before anyone wakes up, she has already put in three hours of work. Throughout the day, she picks up short shifts intermittently. When payday rolls around, Jessica has enough for extras like family vacations in the summer and new clothes for back-to-school.

Mary Bartlett is Vice President of Talent Management for Willow CSN Inc., a company that recruits, trains and manages home-based call center agents, or CyberAgent CSRs. You can find more information about becoming a home-based agent at www.GoWillow.com.

Copyright 2006 Willow CSN Inc.