All over the Internet there are promises of making big money by working just a few hours a day, or even working as little or as much as you want and, still make big money.
Such promises often presents images of individuals in bathrobes, sitting in front of computers, having a leisurely day counting their money.
While it may, or may not be possible, for someone to work his or herself into a such a situation, for the most part, people working at home online, often have to work twice as hard as those at 9 -5 jobs.
Actually, the image of workers in bathrobes is probably true.
Various such people have reported getting up before sunrise and going straight to their computer, without taking the time to get ready for the day, working straight through lunch, maybe stopping for dinner and are still at it, at midnight.
However, with proper planning and determination, work at home individuals can cut this time down considerably, and can be just as successful and sometimes even more successful, than their counterparts, who work outside the home.
Success starts with having a plan of action.
First, starting work at the same time every day, regardless of any pressing issues, can help cultivate discipline and establish a working routine.
This will also allow clients and co-workers (if any), to have a clear understanding of your availability and will help thwart unwanted calls and emails during off time.
Therefore, be sure to remain visible when working, by setting the messenger and telephone to reflect this, so everyone will know your accessibility.
With respect to families, having a set schedule will also allow for both family time, as well as a specific time, to remain undisturbed and able to complete the day's work uninterrupted.
Second, having a successful work at home job means you have to learn to pace yourself.
When deciding on a project, take time to determine how long it will take.
If it's two days, don't try to complete it in one day, working until the wee hours of the next morning.
For example, when adding content to a personal website, rushing can cause careless mistakes, thus jeopardizing the chances of being taken seriously by search engines.
Additionally, to hurry through work, many also show an employer, such as a data processing company, that additional work can be given, which you may not be able to handle without going back to working all hours of the night.
Finally, stay alert at all times.
While many work at home jobs allow for the creation of flexible schedules, others have fixed schedules.
These may include, working graveyard shifts and/or odd hours.
In order to stay alert, be sure to take scheduled breaks.
This not only includes traditional meal and restroom breaks, but also includes leg stretching and focusing eyes on other objects, rather than on the computer's screen.
This helps to alleviate circulation issues as well as eyestrain.
By maintaining discipline, pacing yourself and allowing for breaks, home based workers will be able to enjoy their virtual careers for years to come.