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Turn Your Job into a Work-At-Home Job!

© Leslie Truex

Have you made the decision to work-at-home but aren't sure where to look for jobs? The best place to look for a home-based job is with your current employer. It is far easier to convert your existing job into a telecommuting position than it is to find and obtain a telecommuting position. And in fact, most telecommuting programs started because one person asked for the opportunity to work at home.

Before demanding that your employer let you work at home, prepare a Work-At-Home Proposal. Telecommuting experts agree that a well written and presented proposal is the only way to approach employers. The following is an outline of what your work-at-home proposal should cover.

1)Introduction: Educate your employer on how valuable an employee your are and how working at home will help you be more productive.

2)Proposed Work Schedule: Describe the days and hours per week you plan to work at home. Indicate when you plan to start your new schedule and how long the arrangement will last.

3)Availability: Establish the work hours you will be available for contact. Provide the methods (phone, fax, etc.) that can be used to contact you. Also,include information on how you will deal with meetings, deadlines, office activities, and emergencies.

4)Job Description: Outline the tasks you will be responsible for while working at home. Outline the duties you will be handling while in the office. Highlight any changes from your current work situation to the telecommuting arrangement.

5)Equipment: List any equipment or resources you currently have available such as second phone line, computer, manuals etc. List any equipment you would need and indicate whether or not you or the company will be providing it.

6)Salary and Benefits: If there is a change in your hours or duties, take these into consideration. Your company may already have a policy or you can suggest a pro-rated pay and benefits. If there is no change in your hours or duties, be sure to indicate that as well.

7)Performance Evaluation: If your duties aren't changing your method of evaluation shouldn't either. Be sure to indicate how your supervisor will know of your work production such as through daily or weekly reports. If your duties are different, propose how you will be evaluated. Be sure you are evaluated on measurable tasks such as number of reports completed.

8)Advantages to Your Employer: Educate your employer on the benefits of telecommuting including increased productivity and morale, and decreased absenteeism and burnout. Detail any cost savings your arrangement may provide your employer. This may come in the form of office space or reduced benefits. Be sure to visit the At&T and other telecommuting websites listed in the "Links" area of this forum. You will find many persuasive statistics such as telecommuting can save companies $10,000 per employee.

The copyright of the article Turn Your Job into a Work-At-Home Job! in Telecommuting is owned by Leslie Truex. Permission to republish Turn Your Job into a Work-At-Home Job! in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.