The Truth About Telecommuting

I used to fantasize about telecommuting. No wasted time on the road. No parking fees. Wearing sweats all day. Juggling personal life and work without fear of my boss's disapproval.

What I longed for was freedom. I wanted to shed the straightjacket of the office and do my work without having to keep up appearances or deal with office politics. Please, I felt like screaming some days at the office, JUST LET ME WORK!

Through a series of fortunate events, I am telecommuting now. I have a part-time job with a company in Massachusetts. I have never met my boss in person or any of my colleagues, even though one of them lives just a few miles away in Atlanta. We use e-mail. We talk on the phone. Besides juggling my part-time job with my home life, I fill in the gaps with freelance assignments.

My telecommuting dream has come true. But, not surprisingly, reality doesn't match the fantasy.

It's true I'm not stuck in traffic for an hour and a half a day. And, yes, I wear sweats, though on days when I have a lot of work to do I find getting dressed in real clothes acts as a motivator. I can shop online while waiting for sources to return my calls or even, gasp, go out for groceries during the work day.

But I don't feel as free as I thought I would. Assignments are still due when they are due. My work better be good quality or I could be replaced. Because I don't see my co-workers every day in the office, it's even more important to communicate often and effectively. It's up to me to manage my time.

And that straight jacket of an office? Darned if I don't miss it sometimes. My friends and I keep up on Facebook, but it's not the same. Being home all day can feel isolating, and having the fridge so close by can be dangerous.

On balance, I would say I gained by telecommuting, but not as much as I thought I would.

More of us are telecommuting these days, a trend likely to continue because of the cost of gas and the benefits to companies in the form of lower overhead and the ability to retain good employees who need flexibility.

Working from home is the future. But telecommuting is not a paid vacation. You need more self-discipline. Way more. Your work has to be stellar, because your charming personality and tap-dancing skills won't be able to save you the way they could when you were in the office.

Expect a sharp learning curve if you start working from home after years of office entrenchment. I've been at it for two years and finally feel like I've gotten the hang of it. Telecommuting is more than a different way of working. It's a lifestyle. For me, it pays off. But the flexibility I get in the end doesn't come as cheaply as I thought it would. Does anything...ever?

Patti Ghezzi is a veteran journalist with 15 years experience covering everything from education to the environment to business. While on staff at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she founded the blog Get Schooled. She now writes about business for publications such as Atlanta Woman and Georgia Trend as well as the Web site DivineCaroline. When not working, she chases after her toddler, watches Yankee games with her husband and tries to figure out how to live green without giving up her beloved Diet Coke. Reach her at pattighezzipr@searchlogixgroup.com

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All About Online Data Entry Jobs

Data entry from home is one of the most sought after telecommuting jobs today. Companies typically outsource a variety of these sorts of tasks to dramatically cut down their operational costs. With the promise of a lucrative income opportunity, more people are showing interest in data entry jobs.

Typical Functions of Data-Entry Encoders

Generally, data-entry encoders deal with information processing. They are mainly tasked to take on a variety of tasks and responsibilities that may include any of the following:

Compiling and verifying the accuracy of data before entering it in the database
Re-entering data in verification format to check for errors
Locating and correcting data-entry errors
Setting up reports, mailing labels, letters, as well as other text materials
Inputting numbers, items, and other types of data (i.e. customer information, medical records)
reformatting existing data and editing current information
proofreading new data entries to ascertain accuracy

Most employers look for data entry encoders who have excellent typing skills and relevant experiences. But there are also some that are willing to provide on-the-job trainings for first-time data-entry applicants.

Important Qualities

As a data-entry encoder, you are expected to possess the following qualities:

Strong knowledge in computers and electronics
Clerical and administrative backgrounds
Superb monitoring, verification, and assessment skills
Good written comprehension
Efficient documentation and recording skills
Ability to accurately and precisely process information

Although it mostly entails basic and simple data-entry tasks, some find the job exhausting and challenging. This is probably because of the fact that they have to spend a significant amount of time in front of the computer, thus, there is an increased chance of back straining due to prolonged sitting. However, even though the job can often cause physical fatigue, many still find data entry from home a good way to earn a decent income!

Learn more about data entry work and also about online data entry.

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5 Steps to Approaching Your Current Employer About Telecommuting

A question I am often asked by people who would like to telecommute is, "How do I approach my manager or boss about this subject?" Many people fear that if they suggest telecommuting, or even working from home occasionally, that they will be viewed as "less than serious" about their job. Of course, if your company already has a formal telework plan in place it is much easier, but what do you do if they don't? Before you approach your boss or manager there are 2 main things you need to consider:

o Is my job right for telecommuting? If your job involves doing a lot of independent work such as reading, research, number crunching, report or document writing, or phone work then at least a portion of your job can be done outside the office - and might actually benefit from being away from common office interruptions. On the other hand, if your job requires a good deal of face-to-face contact or access to information or systems that are only available in the office, then your job might not be a good fit for telecommuting.

o Would I make a good telecommuter? There are certain traits that help make someone more successful at working outside the office. Successful telecommuters are usually self-starters who do not require much "hands-on" help from mangers or colleagues. They also need to be organized and possess good time management skills. If you don't have all of these skills don't worry, they can be developed over time.

Many companies have heard of the benefits of telework but they still have fears or misconceptions about what is involved. Here are 5 steps you can take to approach this topic professionally.

1. Go in with a plan, not a request. Do your research and be prepared to address any questions, fears, or objections that your manager and/or boss might have. Put together a short proposal including:

a) Why you want to telecommute.

b) From what location you will be telecommuting.

c) Is the space and equipment sufficient?

d) How will they know you are working?

e) How many days a week you will work from a remote location.

(Usually only a day or two a week to start)

f) How often will you be "checking in?"

g) Why do you, in particular, have the skills necessary to work from home?

2. Think like a Manager or Supervisor. Approach this proposal/conversation thinking like a manager. Don't explain how it will benefit you; instead focus on how it will benefit the company and increase your productivity.

3. BE FLEXIBLE! Don't initially propose this as a permanent arrangement. Explain that you'd like to try it for 2-3 months with an evaluation at the beginning, middle, and end of the trial to evaluate your progress.

4. Have measurable goals and objectives. How will they know you're working? If you spend a lot of time preparing reports, figure out how many hours or days they usually take you to complete. If you work in a customer service position, then track how many calls you put out to clients. The bottom line is to find some way to quantify your current level of productivity so your boss or manager will have a basis for comparison.

5. Ease their fears with facts. Find recent statistics and articles about other organizations that have implemented telework programs successfully. It's best if you can find those that pertain specifically to your job description. If you can show that other, similar companies are successfully executing telework, then t the perceived risk is reduced.

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An advocate of working virtually? It would be more precise to say that Phil Montero is an evangelist for distributed work. He's been the spearhead of the remote work movement for more than a decade: teaching how to work effectively from a home office, the road, or practically anywhere.

The consultant, writer, speaker, and coach is the founder of http://www.YouCanWorkFromAnywhere.com - a site that assists organizations to leverage mobile work technology and create effective virtual teams.

His blog, http://www.TheAnywhereOffice.com, takes a big picture approach to the philosophies and strategies of navigating today's digital lifestyle while covering topics such as work life balance, virtual teams, mobile work technology, and internet marketing.

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