Making the Decision

Be Honest With Yourself

Working at home can be lonely. It can also become addictive. Have you got what it takes to survive? Try to answer the following questions honestly.

• Could you cope with not having anyone to talk to, to bounce ideas off, or to put things into perspective if something goes wrong?
• Would you miss the social life of colleagues?
• Could you motivate yourself without a manager to give you targets and deadlines?
• Do you have the self-discipline to make yourself work, even if the sun is shining? Equally, would you be able to cut off mentally at the end of the day?
• Can you be organised and keep your work separate from your living space?
• How well would you cope with financial insecurity?
• Could you say 'no' to a client or customer, because the work would overstretch you?
• Will you be able to earn enough?

You should feel confident in all these areas before you start on the practical preparations for working at home.

Will You Be a Nuisance or Break Any Rules?

If you plan to work at home, you have to be careful that you won't fall foul of the law or upset your neighbours. In general, if you're engaged in a quiet, desk-based activity, no one is going to mind. But you may find that the terms of your mortgage or lease specifically exclude you conducting any business that creates noise, makes a mess, or involves clients' cars or large delivery vehicles parking in your street. And if you do cause disruption, your neighbours may complain to the local authority, which can take steps to limit what you do.