Although the expressed reasons for wanting to work from home are



many and varied, most home based business owners cite the ability

to set their own hours as a major factor in their decision to

work at home. However, many people that have work at home

businesses often fall into a trap that flies directly in the face

of their stated desire for time flexibility.

The strong growth in home based business activity continues and,

according to the Small Business Administration's Office of

Advocacy, fifty-two percent of ALL small businesses are

home-based.

Some home based business owners have been known to become

"workaholics" because their office is so accessible. Don't

become a slave to your business...get out of your home office

regularly to renew and revitalize yourself.

Close the door to your office or otherwise remove yourself from

your designated "work area" and go into your "home" area to live

your personal life. If your business involves the use of the

telephone and you find it difficult to ignore a ringing

phone in the office, simply turn the ringer off and turn the

volume on the answering machine way down. If your business is

internet based, just turn off your computer (or at least get away

from the monitor and keyboard).

As a work at home business entrepreneur, you certainly aren't

required to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week just

because your business is located in your home. After all,

your office or workspace is just an area in your home...it's not

your home itself!

Working and living under the same roof has a host of advantages,

but it can present some challenges (in addition to the workaholic

syndrome mentioned, above) and stress factors.

Here are four ways to create a less stressful home business

environment:

-Remember why you wanted to become involved with a home-based

business (i.e. more time for family, work schedule flexibility,

etc.)

-Have discussions with your family members and get their input

about the working arrangements and the amount of time they want

with you.

-Use good time management techniques. Keep a list of tasks by

order of importance. There are many low cost and effective "day

planners" or "organizers" readily available today.

-ALWAYS take a little time to "smell the roses".

While not experiencing the negatives common to a corporate office

working environment, the home-based business owner may

occasionally experience stresses and frustrations that are unique

to working at home.

Networking with other home-based and small business owners

provides an opportunity to connect with others who may be

experiencing the same stresses/frustrations that you are. Sharing

stressful and/or frustrating issues with someone else in the same

situation can relieve your stress and may bring you good advice

from a different point of view.

As a final note, remember to observe Home-Based Business Week

each year (it is always the week of October that includes the

second Tuesday).