Top tips for telecommuters

For many, telecommuting brings to mind images of lounging around the house in pajamas free from the distractions of the office — the fluorescent lights, the drab cubicles, the office politics. Earning money from the familiar comfort of your own home may seem like the perfect setup. But depending on your situation, it could be a dream come true — or your worst nightmare.

With over 16 million telecommuters logging on from home, telecommuting is steadily growing in the United States, according to a survey by the International Telework Association and Council.

Research shows those who thrive in the at-home workplace are self-motivated individuals who are highly disciplined and have only moderate needs for social interaction. The best telecommuters are generally people who require little supervision and are good at solving their own problems.

Even though it may sound ideal, telecommuting is definitely not for everyone. Before you start stocking up on supplies for your home office, keep in mind the following suggestions:

After you begin working from home your co-workers who are still stuck at the office may take some convincing that you’re actually being productive and not sitting around watching episodes of Dr. Phil. Expect plenty of sarcasm and questions about whether you actually got dressed that morning.

Make sure you stay in touch with co-workers via e-mail and phone throughout the day. This helps convince them that you are actually doing work and not lounging on the couch making marshmallow necklaces.

Friends who call during the day to “chat” may think that just because you’re working from home, you’re not doing anything important. Either get caller ID or gently remind them that you’re working and you’ll call them back after 5 p.m.

Be prepared to have no tech support. Make sure you’ve got a friend who can help you fix your computer problems because you’ll probably be the office tech support’s last priority. If you’re single, take a second look at that computer geek who gave you his (or her) number last week.

Develop an insider’s knowledge of cafes that have both good coffee and high-speed Internet access for laptops. Getting out of the house during the day reduces “telecommuter psychosis,” or that cooped-up, cabin-fever feeling you get after staring at the same walls day in and day out.

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