On the up side, you can sound perfectly business-like in your bathrobe, your office is likely to have a view of something more pleasant than other offices and going for a good lunch involves getting the brie and salmon mousse out of the fridge. You car seems to last forever and while the guy at the local gas station has forgotten who you are, you're now on a first name basis with the staff of the local office supply store. No commuting, no boss and no office politics have probably reduced your stress level considerably and you're likely to be more in tune with your family and your community.
On the down side, many home workers cite the isolation and lack of stucture. You're your own boss and your own employee so you'd better make sure that there is a regular performance review and that you both agree on measurable goals to be achieved. The isolation is easier to deal with - join networking groups in your area even if, initially, the only noticable benefit is getting you out of the house. At least it gives you the opportunity to discuss your business with others having similar problems. Then there is the lack of security — it seems every contract might turn out to be the last one you ever get and the automatic life, health and unemployment insurances just aren't there. Come to think of it, if you're the nervous type, your stress level may actually have gone up.
This page, on the Business@Home site, lists 25 home based businesses with brief descriptions and links to web pages where they exist. If you're considering taking the plunge or if you have already, have a look at what others are doing and how they are dealing with these problems.
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