Do any of you work within your home? (have a virtual office)

[whatevergirl]

***I’m feeling a little blah today…

I really like my job, I am in sale/marketing, and my role is a little unique. I manage a territory (Florida) in new business development, my targets are Fortune 500 companies in Florida (I also have Atlanta and AL, but only a few key areas). There really is no reason I couldn’t do this out of my house…I have a company laptop, access to their server, all I would need is access to the database of prospects I work with…I just wish I could work out of my home, like a virtual office.

I am really thinking of pitching this to my boss…not sure what he might say.

I applied for a job last year, just ‘testing the waters’ and they contacted me…it was to sell health insurance to employees of hospitals…the beautiful thing with that job was it would allow me the virtual office I want, but the territory was the entire southeast…I might never see my family then. So that was out.

I posted this thread to hear from those who do work out of your homes…and do you like it? Pros/Cons? I appreciate any thoughts you might have about this.***

 

[whatevergirl]

no one here has a virtual office/works out of their home? No one? Anyone?

 

[Felicity_in_TX]

I work “in the field” for a major retailer’s corportate office. The first year I worked for them, my office was in an actual store. My job requires that I visit several locations a week, and after a while the amount of time I spent in the car commuting became ridiculous. During my 12 month evaluation meeting, I mentioned to my boss that I felt I could be much more productive if I officed from home. After thinking about what they were paying me in mileage expenses alone, she agreed that I could try it out.

I’ve now had my office at home for two years and I LOVE it. My schedule normally goes like this: Monday in the office, Tuesday-Thursday travelling around and visiting stores (I cover the entire Southwest, but I rotate my travel out of town weeks with weeks that I just visit local stores) and Friday in the office. During certain times of the year (i.e. the end of the fiscal year) I pretty much spend Monday-Friday in the office.

I’ve found that there are lots of pros to working from home: no wasted time commuting is the biggest one - most days I literally get right out of bed and go straight to the computer. Limited interruptions throughout the day (this is true for me mostly because I live alone) - I can’t stop the phone from ringing but no one just sits down in my office for a chat anymore. I’m definitely much healthier - I eat better meals because I can cook for myself, and I have the freedom to go work out during “lunch time” without worrying about taking a shower and getting completely dressed into business attire again. And finally, I truly am more productive at home - some days I work straight through from 6-12 and then 1-2 and look up and realize that I’ve accomplished everything I needed to for the day AND I don’t have to worry about driving home! It’s awesome!

The only con that I’ve noticed, and this was only true for me for the first couple of months, is that it’s sometimes easy to get distracted because you don’t feel like you’re “at work”. At first I found myself finding “home” things to do, like laundry, bathing the dog, dusting, etc. to avoid work tasks that I didn’t really care for. I pretty quickly realized that working from home would require more discipline because if I did housework all day, the work would still be there at night and I’d end up falling behind and never getting any sleep. Now I’m careful not to do anything personal that isn’t urgent until ALL my work is finished. And I definitely never turn the tv on.

My friends all make fun of me (mostly because they’re jealous, ha!) because they think working from home isn’t really work. It definitely is, and it takes a certain kind of discipline to make it work. But I think that most employers will agree that letting people who have tha ability to work from home do so makes happier and more relaxed employees. And happy employees are productive employees! I would encourage you to approach your boss about this if it’s something that you really want to try. Maybe you can agree on a trial period with the stipulation that if your productivity decreases you’ll move back to the office? Good luck!

 

[lizaanne]

I work from home four days of the week and in the office one day. It’s ok - it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I miss being around people, and I enjoy getting away from the house once in awhile, so the days I do go into the office are nice for me. I like the flexibility of working from home though, I set my own schedule and don’t have to “report” to anyone. I am an individual performer, I’m a project manager, and my team members can be literally all over the world, so being in the office is really only an opportunity to be around my colleagues who are also managing their own projects.

I would never want to be 100% at home. I would suggest working out something like a part time at home deal with your boss - even if you are home three out of five days. You WANT to have that face time with your management - that is CRUCIAL!!! If you can do your job from home, there is no reason someone in Brazil couldn’t do your job just as well for half the cost, so be very careful about what you ask for.

~Liza

 

[whatevergirl]

I work “in the field” for a major retailer’s corportate office. The first year I worked for them, my office was in an actual store. My job requires that I visit several locations a week, and after a while the amount of time I spent in the car commuting became ridiculous. During my 12 month evaluation meeting, I mentioned to my boss that I felt I could be much more productive if I officed from home. After thinking about what they were paying me in mileage expenses alone, she agreed that I could try it out.

I’ve now had my office at home for two years and I LOVE it. My schedule normally goes like this: Monday in the office, Tuesday-Thursday travelling around and visiting stores (I cover the entire Southwest, but I rotate my travel out of town weeks with weeks that I just visit local stores) and Friday in the office. During certain times of the year (i.e. the end of the fiscal year) I pretty much spend Monday-Friday in the office.

I’ve found that there are lots of pros to working from home: no wasted time commuting is the biggest one - most days I literally get right out of bed and go straight to the computer. Limited interruptions throughout the day (this is true for me mostly because I live alone) - I can’t stop the phone from ringing but no one just sits down in my office for a chat anymore. I’m definitely much healthier - I eat better meals because I can cook for myself, and I have the freedom to go work out during “lunch time” without worrying about taking a shower and getting completely dressed into business attire again. And finally, I truly am more productive at home - some days I work straight through from 6-12 and then 1-2 and look up and realize that I’ve accomplished everything I needed to for the day AND I don’t have to worry about driving home! It’s awesome!

The only con that I’ve noticed, and this was only true for me for the first couple of months, is that it’s sometimes easy to get distracted because you don’t feel like you’re “at work”. At first I found myself finding “home” things to do, like laundry, bathing the dog, dusting, etc. to avoid work tasks that I didn’t really care for. I pretty quickly realized that working from home would require more discipline because if I did housework all day, the work would still be there at night and I’d end up falling behind and never getting any sleep. Now I’m careful not to do anything personal that isn’t urgent until ALL my work is finished. And I definitely never turn the tv on.

My friends all make fun of me (mostly because they’re jealous, ha!) because they think working from home isn’t really work. It definitely is, and it takes a certain kind of discipline to make it work. But I think that most employers will agree that letting people who have tha ability to work from home do so makes happier and more relaxed employees. And happy employees are productive employees! I would encourage you to approach your boss about this if it’s something that you really want to try. Maybe you can agree on a trial period with the stipulation that if your productivity decreases you’ll move back to the office? Good luck!

***Gosh, Felicity, you sound so disciplined. I admire you for this, I’m not sure I could be this way…that is my one and only qualm with it all. I could see myself getting distracted. At work, I become instantly focused…I’m dressed up…ready for the day. Did it take you time to adjust? Do you dress professionally or do you wear pj’s all day? That has been a fantasy of mine, truth be told.

My main reason is that what I do, does not require me to be in the office. I literally am communicating to companies all day long by phone…minimal interaction with managers that I have to communicate my research to, etc…so it’s like, why do I have to be here 5 days per week? I would even bargain for 3 days. I don’t mind the commute, it’s not that far really…maybe 25 minutes one way…I will often pray the rosary, listen to Catholic cd’s…I make the most of that time. But, it’s really just the unnecessary feeling of it all…I am communting to work, and sit behind a closed door most of my day. I think that upper mgmt likes having easy access to me, for meetings, and to communicate various things to me…

I like your idea of a trial period…I just don’t want to cause uneasy feelings in the office. I’m the only one here in Florida who does this, so it’s not like others in my dept would feel ‘jealous’ over it, but I can understand why some tensions could start.

I appreciate your reply. ***

 

[whatevergirl]

I work from home four days of the week and in the office one day. It’s ok - it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I miss being around people, and I enjoy getting away from the house once in awhile, so the days I do go into the office are nice for me. I like the flexibility of working from home though, I set my own schedule and don’t have to “report” to anyone. I am an individual performer, I’m a project manager, and my team members can be literally all over the world, so being in the office is really only an opportunity to be around my colleagues who are also managing their own projects.

I would never want to be 100% at home. I would suggest working out something like a part time at home deal with your boss - even if you are home three out of five days. You WANT to have that face time with your management - that is CRUCIAL!!! If you can do your job from home, there is no reason someone in Brazil couldn’t do your job just as well for half the cost, so be very careful about what you ask for.

~Liza

---

Hi Liza

Yes, I think you’re right, parttime is where it’s at. I know a few consultants who work out of their homes, they could treat me as such. I am going to investigate it some, and see what happens.

Thanks for your advice. ***

 

[Felicity_in_TX]

Gosh, Felicity, you sound so disciplined. I admire you for this, I’m not sure I could be this way…that is my one and only qualm with it all. I could see myself getting distracted. At work, I become instantly focused…I’m dressed up…ready for the day. Did it take you time to adjust? Do you dress professionally or do you wear pj’s all day? That has been a fantasy of mine, truth be told.

Well, thank you! I don’t consider myself to naturally be an exceptionally disciplined person. It definitely took some adjusting. It helped that I’d already been in a position for a while where I worked independently. I’m the only one from my department in Texas; my boss lives in Chicago and I only see her once every few months. So I was used to pretty much setting my own schedule anyway. I don’t really “dress up” but I usually change out of my pj’s into something different. Sometimes a t-shirt and jeans, but more often into workout clothes so I can hit the treadmill as soon as I get a break. There are days when I stay in my pj’s until I’m done working - like if I have an early conference call or something. It’s nice to have the freedom to do that!

 

[GratefulDad]

no one here has a virtual office/works out of their home? No one? Anyone?

Now Pumpkin, lots of us do have telecommuting jobs, we’re just working this afternoon. That is one of the things you have to get used to is forcing yourself to stay focused on the work. I love being on CAF and chatting/debating about things, but it at some point I have to get the things done that pay the bills.

I love working at home, my DW hates me working at home. I think she is just jealous. She says all I do is talk on the phone, work on the computer and go out to lunch. I tell her that is my job, and she quips, “nobody has a job like that”.:shrug:hehe

 

[1ke]

***I’m feeling a little blah today…

I really like my job, I am in sale/marketing, and my role is a little unique. I manage a territory (Florida) in new business development, my targets are Fortune 500 companies in Florida (I also have Atlanta and AL, but only a few key areas). There really is no reason I couldn’t do this out of my house…I have a company laptop, access to their server, all I would need is access to the database of prospects I work with…I just wish I could work out of my home, like a virtual office.

I am really thinking of pitching this to my boss…not sure what he might say.

I applied for a job last year, just ‘testing the waters’ and they contacted me…it was to sell health insurance to employees of hospitals…the beautiful thing with that job was it would allow me the virtual office I want, but the territory was the entire southeast…I might never see my family then. So that was out.

I posted this thread to hear from those who do work out of your homes…and do you like it? Pros/Cons? I appreciate any thoughts you might have about this.***

Hi WEG,

This is my first post in over 2 weeks! I had a little forum burnout going on-- plus we have been working on the house, so I’m trying to limit my i-net time.

But, I wanted to respond to your post.

Yes, I work from home. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it and would really struggle if I had to return to an office. Basically I moved away from my company’s location, and they wanted to keep me so they offered me a virtual position. Worked for me. Not everyone has that luxury, I know. But, my company is big into letting employees work from home, it’s really taken off over the last 4 years.

So, I would highly recommend it.

Pros: no commute; can get things done on breaks/lunch like laundry, etc; I actually get way MORE done b/c I have no distractions, trips to the coffee bar, people stopping by my office, etc; and I almost never have a sick day (I have worked from my bed, on the laptop, with the flu!!!). I manage a team of 5 people, who also work from home. Although, they all have access to one of our major office locations, while I do not.

Cons: the biggest con is that you have to work 4x as hard to stay in the network. There are ad-hoc hallway meetings that I miss, there are those corporate “networking” opportunities that are informal that you miss out on. You have to work to keep yourself top of mind with your boss and with other bosses b/c out of sight is out of mind sometimes. I also have to work to keep my employees in the loop on things. If I were the only one working from home it would be more difficult, but we have several other managers/higher level people doing so. That helps. Also, I travel and have face time in the other offices. But, you wouldn’t have that b/c you could go in for meetings, etc.

Suggestions: First, write a business case. Do the research. It’s out there. There are financial business cases (but if you maintain an office in addition to being at home, that sort of goes out the window b/c you aren’t saving the company rent, utilities, etc). The business case can be productivity based, can also have a “green company” slant and an employee satisfaction/reduced burnout/reduced turnover slant. There is a lot of info out on the web that can help you build your case. Believe it or not the government is really implementing work at home as part of their “green” initiative. As part of your proposal, offer a pilot project, including how you will be measured. The biggest fear of most employers is that their employees will be less productive (the research shows the opposite) and that they will somehow lose “control”. But, you can demonstrate how that’s not so. Also, the company technology can play a big part of how successful you are. We have virtual meeting software and use it. We have lots of metrics so managers know what their employees are doing.

So, go for it-- write out your plan and the worst they can say is “no”.

 

[GratefulDad]

What 1ke said.

Also some of our folks started out telecommuting two days a week and it turned into optional full time working at home, meaning they could come and go as the business needs warranted. Lot’s of good advice here.

 

[whatevergirl]

Now Pumpkin, lots of us do have telecommuting jobs, we’re just working this afternoon. That is one of the things you have to get used to is forcing yourself to stay focused on the work. I love being on CAF and chatting/debating about things, but it at some point I have to get the things done that pay the bills.

I love working at home, my DW hates me working at home. I think she is just jealous. She says all I do is talk on the phone, work on the computer and go out to lunch. I tell her that is my job, and she quips, “nobody has a job like that”.:shrug:hehe

***lol! I have a job like that too…in business to business sales as you know GD,that’s pretty much the job…but not many people like to cold call companies…that’s where they don’t envy me. I love what I do…but working out of my home would make it the perfect job…if there is such a thing. ***

 

[purplesunshine]

i think the biggest adjustment was lack of “his” time when my dad started telecommuting. Although he enjoyed the benefit of not going into the office and that gave him more free time he realized that alot of waking up in the morning and de-stressing in the afternoon. I’m single now, but I really love my drive into work and I can immagine if I had a family part of me would be REALLY glad for it.

 

[whatevergirl]

Hi WEG,

This is my first post in over 2 weeks! I had a little forum burnout going on-- plus we have been working on the house, so I’m trying to limit my i-net time.

We missed you–I’m glad to see you on, today.

But, I wanted to respond to your post.

Yes, I work from home. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it and would really struggle if I had to return to an office. Basically I moved away from my company’s location, and they wanted to keep me so they offered me a virtual position. Worked for me. Not everyone has that luxury, I know. But, my company is big into letting employees work from home, it’s really taken off over the last 4 years.

*How nice! My company seems to be going towards that – in sales, the production team doesn’t have to show up to the office, as they are often traveling on sales calls. My job is not outside sales, but more of a research & development position…I spend a lot of time researching companies, finding the right players who make buying decisions on corporate insurance, and then making the marketing calls. It doesn’t need to be done in an office setting…I feel the time I waste commuting, (even though it’s not a long commute) could be used being more efficient. I think of the personal perks of saving money, etc on clothes, and lunches…sigh, it would be nice, for sure. So glad you arw afforded the opportunity to do this! *

So, I would highly recommend it.

Pros: no commute; can get things done on breaks/lunch like laundry, etc; I actually get way MORE done b/c I have no distractions, trips to the coffee bar, people stopping by my office, etc; and I almost never have a sick day (I have worked from my bed, on the laptop, with the flu!!!). I manage a team of 5 people, who also work from home. Although, they all have access to one of our major office locations, while I do not.

Cons: the biggest con is that you have to work 4x as hard to stay in the network. There are ad-hoc hallway meetings that I miss, there are those corporate “networking” opportunities that are informal that you miss out on. You have to work to keep yourself top of mind with your boss and with other bosses b/c out of sight is out of mind sometimes. I also have to work to keep my employees in the loop on things. If I were the only one working from home it would be more difficult, but we have several other managers/higher level people doing so. That helps. Also, I travel and have face time in the other offices. But, you wouldn’t have that b/c you could go in for meetings, etc.

I read this, and reread it again…I hadn’t thought of this, 1ke…I appreciate the candor regarding. I do like to be in the loop, and sometimes, even if I’m off sick for a day or two, I feel out of touch…out of the loop. I might have to mull that part over. My dept actually resides in PA, I am the lone person in my group here in Florida, so in some ways, I am a bit out of the loop, and have to conference in to all the meetings as it stands.

Suggestions: First, write a business case. Do the research. It’s out there. There are financial business cases (but if you maintain an office in addition to being at home, that sort of goes out the window b/c you aren’t saving the company rent, utilities, etc). The business case can be productivity based, can also have a “green company” slant and an employee satisfaction/reduced burnout/reduced turnover slant. There is a lot of info out on the web that can help you build your case. Believe it or not the government is really implementing work at home as part of their “green” initiative. As part of your proposal, offer a pilot project, including how you will be measured. The biggest fear of most employers is that their employees will be less productive (the research shows the opposite) and that they will somehow lose “control”. But, you can demonstrate how that’s not so. Also, the company technology can play a big part of how successful you are. We have virtual meeting software and use it. We have lots of metrics so managers know what their employees are doing.

So, go for it-- write out your plan and the worst they can say is “no”.

Yes, I might just do this…my boss’ boss is coming to see me next week, as she has never traveled to the florida offices…and perhaps, it would be a good time to approach the subject. She would be the one to make the final decision. Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut, it’s been so helpful!!*

 

[lizaanne]

… I almost never have a sick day (I have worked from my bed, on the laptop, with the flu!!!).

LOL!! I had to laugh when I read this - how right you are!! I had walking pneumonia and was still working about 50% of the time. Laptop in bed with a cellphone and wireless connection, you will never be totally sick and unavailable again.

~Liza

 

[srlucado]

I posted this thread to hear from those who do work out of your homes…and do you like it? Pros/Cons? I appreciate any thoughts you might have about this.

I work from home; I’m a writer and training developer. It’s kind of nice–no commute, I can work in shorts, the “break room” has a big-screen TV and a great selection of DVDs…

Sometimes I get a little lonely, but that’s when online forums (like this one) come in handy!

Downsides are that when I don’t feel like working, it’s torture to get motivated; on nice days, I look out my window and want to be out in it; when I want to get away from “the office”, there’s really no place to go; I’m out of the loop on office gossip (and if you don’t think that can negatively impact your career, guess again). And sometimes the bosses think you’re available 24/7–they need to be trained!

Overall, I love it. If you have specific questions, just ask, either by posting here or send me a PM.

 

[dontknow]

I work from home and love it for most of the reasons mentioned already.

I love seeing my daughter grow everyday.

I love to be near my wife who is a SAHM.

Low monthly automobile bills (gas, parking, etc…) but higher home utility bills.

Commute is across the hall instead of traffic jams.

Driveway gets plowed during the winter when we feel the need to leave.

Many benefits.

If you hate not being around a bunch of people all day - it can be a challenge though.

 

[whatevergirl]

I work from home and love it for most of the reasons mentioned already.

I love seeing my daughter grow everyday.

I love to be near my wife who is a SAHM.

Low monthly automobile bills (gas, parking, etc…) but higher home utility bills.

Commute is across the hall instead of traffic jams.

Driveway gets plowed during the winter when we feel the need to leave.

Many benefits.

If you hate not being around a bunch of people all day - it can be a challenge though.

*Gosh, it sounds like the life! Good for you, I hope to make it happen soon, now that the seed has been planted. Thanks for your (name removed by moderator)ut. *

 

[dontknow]

It is a good deal but there are things to consider as well.

• Never a sick day.
• Assumes you can work till all hours of the night since you’re already home
• Get called on a whim after hours &/or on weekends & Holidays to sign in and work
• Need to determine how to prove your doing work and not relaxing
• Required quiet times to do specific types of work in the house can be challenging with family home and playing
• Typical neighborhood noise during calls
• How to be a team player when the rest of the team is on the other side of the country & in a different time zone
• How exchange of internal mailings are handled

It is wonderful but certainly has unique challenges as well.