Everyone Working From Home. 

Wether you are Single or Married With Children, Have an Education or Not.  It's what most of us dream of.  

Many people would love the luxury of being their own boss, working around their own schedule and being (most important) financially independent.  Which usually brings our reality into dreams of owning our own business.  It's a wonderful thought, having the luxury to roll out of bed and right to your desk.  Working in your robe all day.  Being able to raise your own children, instead of an underpaid college student, barely making ends meet.  Which naturally adds the concern that your DayCare Provider is doing the right thing with your children.

When you decide to own your own business or work from home.  Don't just jump right in without a plan.  Do your homework first!!!  Make sure you know what you are doing in whatever it is you decide to do.  Then make a plan.  Plan how you can effectively run this business with the lowest over head possible.  Most businesses end up negative in their first year.  So you truly need to be cautious.  And keep good records as you go, so you can damage control your expenses and income.

Once your plan has been perfected, get the facts.  Find out from your local and state government offices what the laws are that apply to owning a business like yours.    You may need licenses, certificates, insurance, etc. to accompany your business.

Then you will need to stock up, get the supplies you need including tools, computers, etc. to get your business up and running.  When your list has been completed and you have everything you need to safely and legally run your own business, then you can get started.

As time goes by, you will need create organizational systems for yourself to keep up with everything.  You'll also have to create a work schedule for yourself.  Especially, if you are running your business from your home.  It is very easy to start out working from home on your own terms and even easier to slip into the habit of working 24/7... 

...Your day starts off with a tug on your shirt, you stayed up late doing paper work and slept through the sound of your alarm, your 3 year old is waking you up because he is hungry.  It's 9:30am, way past the time you planned on starting your day.  As you head to your kitchen to start breakfast, you press the power button on your computer.  Mid-coffee making you make sure that the internet is up and running.   Mid-Breakfast you are answering emails.  Then your toddler spills his breakfast all over the floor and gets syrup in his hair.  Once you are done giving him a bath, you answer a few more emails.  And he's tugging on shoulder again, because he wants lunch.  Before you know it, it's 10pm and you and your family just finished dinner, only half of your work is done...

Don't fall into that trap.  It's a great idea to work from home, but you have to set boundaries and limits for yourself.  Stick that schedule and if necessary, consider part or full time day care to fit your needs.  Also consider, hiring someone to help you.  Sometimes that extra set of hands can unload a whole lot of pressure.

I can continue telling you about the ups and downs of working from home, but scaring you is not my purpose, but preparing you is.  Let's recap.

• Have the knowledge you need for the business you want to own.
• Decide what materials you will need and keep your eyes open for used and remanufactured items.  They could save you a bundle on start up costs.
• Contact your local state and government offices for facts on what you will need to run you business safely and legally.  Shop around for any insurance needed.
• Start purchasing the tools you will need for your company.
• Make a plan and a schedule and stick to it.

When you feel like you are ready and everything that you need, get started and slowly work your way into working at home full time.  You don't know if your company is going to do good, so don't quit your job just yet.  Make sure your income from your new business is sufficient enough for you to give notice.  And Good Luck, it can be a rocky journey to indepence, but with knowledge and hardwork you can do it.