Could I really work from home?

I want to work from home

I am desperate not to go back to work since the birth of my son and really, really like the idea of working from home. Where can I find a job that allows me to do this and what type of jobs can be done from home?
mum2ethan

Gillian Nissim: The Internet is a very good place to start when looking for home-based roles and, with a growing number of employers offering flexible and home-based working opportunities, the range of roles that can be done from home is becoming more and more varied.

If you're looking for roles that go beyond direct selling, websites such as www.WorkingMums.co.uk regularly have a wide-variety of home-based roles. Past and current roles we've had advertised include virtual PA roles, business development directors, customer relationship managers and home-based telemarketers, to name a few.

Technology is making home-working a much more viable option for both employers and employees. This is great news for mums who want and need to earn an income, want a challenge, but also need the flexibility that home-working brings.

In many instances, home-based roles will require you to have a PC and broadband Internet access. It also helps to be up to speed with your knowledge of the Internet and familiar with the basic search engines.

Before you start looking and applying for home-based roles it's really important to decide how many hours you want to work each day or week, and what childcare arrangements you'll have in place for the hours you do work. Employers like to know that you've thought through the logistics and have childcare and support lined up for the time you will be working for them.

My friend badgers me when I'm working

Occasionally, I work from home. The problem I have is getting friends to recognise that even though I'm at home, I am working too!

One friend in particular continually calls in working hours. If I'm at home, she badgers me by text and then calls to ask why I haven't answered. Because we use MSN Messenger in the office to communicate with each other, she keeps popping up on that as well! I explain I'm at work and give very brief answers but it doesn't seem to sink in.
cl-thirdtimer

Gillian Nissim: I work from home - my friends know that - and sometimes I do have to explain and apologise for not making or taking calls when working, but they do understand.

Equally, the odd call is inevitable but in my experience friends don't mind it when I have to cut a call short and say I'll ring back later. Sometimes it's just a case of reminding people (particularly non-working friends) why it's hard to talk at certain times in the day.

For the 'repeat offender', my tactic would be one or more of the following:

1. Screen calls (easy if she's calling your mobile) and divert her calls directly to answerphone.
2. When she calls, text back with 'At work, will call later'.
3. Ignore her calls completely if she calls during work time. She will soon get the message.