Is that cubicle starting to get to you? Have you been gazing longingly at your calendar, praying that the island paradise picture materializes, and you suddenly find yourself on a white sand beach with a mojito in your hand? Well, that’s not going to happen – unless you stumble upon a magic lamp in the supply closet. But maybe it’s time for a change of scenery, time for you to join the ranks of the 1 in 5 Americans who work from home.
Here are the top 4 things to consider as you delve into the world of “work at home call centers.”
Where can you find these jobs anyway?
A post on Forbes.com lists the top 100 companies offering flexible jobs from home. Though “work from home” ads are, more often than not, scams, there are actually employers who believe in work-life balance. And there are big-name corporations looking to fill these positions, such as Dell, Xerox, Pitney Bowes, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, Aetna, and Bausch & Lomb, just to name a few.
What should you say in the interview?
More importantly, here’s what not to say. Don’t say that you have a million things on your personal calendar that will prevent you from working a consistent shift. Work at home call centers need employees who are committed to a certain number of hours back-to-back. Granted, there are virtual office assistant positions that allow you to work whenever the spirit moves you. But remote receptionist services require a steady schedule.
What can you expect when you’re working from home?
Unless you, house plants and the occasional spider are the only living things in your home, expect distractions. Do you have barking dogs? Kids running around? Is your rickety old washing machine making too much noise for you to focus? Yep. These are all interruptions that can easily derail your train of thought. And let’s not forget your cell phone, personal email, and the lure of your cozy bed.
What can you do to keep your job, and your sanity?
Make sure that your home office is comfortable, free of clutter, and has adequate lighting. Take breaks throughout the day. 5 minutes to stretch here and there can make a huge difference in your energy level. And don’t forget to eat! When you’re on a roll (pun intended), you may inadvertently skip a meal. Above all, for heaven’s sake, make sure that your office has a door. This will keep noise out when you’re working, and keep work from being on your mind when you’re not!