Guest Post: Taking the Risk

Guest post by Penny M. Loretto.

I currently have three jobs and two of them involve working from home. I thoroughly enjoy my regular 9 – 5 job working in academia; but I must say that the enjoyment I get from working at my own business and writing from home really excite me in a totally different way. I also find that my at home jobs offer me a new and exciting way to hone in on my creativity. First off, I created my own business from home where I offer career counseling to individuals interested in career planning or transition.  Secondly, I write for About.com, an affiliate of the New York Times, where I create blogs and articles on the topic of internships.

It was by taking the risk to start my own business that got me where I am today.  It was through my own personal interest, researching, and networking that landed me my writing job with About.com.  I had been looking for alternative ways to make some additional money from home, and I can’t explain how exciting it has been doing the work that I do.  There’s also a sense of pride that comes along with establishing yourself as an expert in your field and finding yourself in a position where you have no accountability to anyone but yourself.  Many people ask if it’s easier working from home each day than driving to a job that offers no flexibility with your time. I suggest that people interested in working from home, must have the ability to be extremely disciplined and motivated, and either possess or take the time to learn some excellent time management skills in order to be successful. 

Although many individuals think that working from home offers complete freedom and flexibility, I find myself often working overtime and have to be disciplined enough to carve out time for relaxation because I’m so into what I’m doing.  Almost anyone who possesses a specific skill, product, or service to sell can enjoy a decent income by working from home if they have the motivation and discipline it takes to become successful.  There are also many companies who now offer the flexibility to their employees to do some or all of their work from home.  If you keep your eyes open and research and speak to as many people as possible, you’ll be sure to come across the right opportunity for you.  Many people who started working from home part-time, have found themselves successful enough to turn it into a full-time job.   

Career Choice

About.com