A euphoric moment it is for many people who begin work at home jobs... all of a sudden they realize that from now on they will be able to work completely free and unsupervised. Many people who start working at home get a whole new lease on life when they start. Although exciting, this realization can give birth to a common misconception among newcomers who begin home-based careers... the misconception that just because one enjoys home-based employment and can work unsupervised, that they can sacrifice some of the professionalism and take a more casual attitude toward their job.
The reality is that many people with home-based jobs need to work more professionally at home, not less. This is especially true for people for people whose job is a test for their company or for their particular position. Understandably, when a company begins to convert some of their worksite jobs to off-site jobs, the entire concept of working at home is being tested and scrutinized. If the employees who are fortunate enough to get home-based jobs begin to work unprofessionally or create unnecessary problems due to the lack of supervision, the company may abandon it's offsite labor program(s) entirely. The end result will be no more telecommuting or working off-site.
Another reason why it is so important to maintain absolute professionalism in your career is because there is sometimes a need to overcompensate in order to appease company critics of the new telecommuting or "virtual" program or to reassure particularly insecure or nervous supervisors. If you maintain the appearance of absolute professionalism at all times the conception on the part of your employer will be that you are professional in everything you do, whether they are able to watch you do it or not.
Those of us with telecommuting jobs are wise to follow these Top Five Rules of professionalism:
- Always maintain total professionalism when on the phone, regardless of who you're talking to. Even subordinates and all other co-workers should be treated with absolute professionalism at all times.
- People with home-based jobs should never allow other family members to answer their business phone line(s). If family members do answer your business phone(s) on occasion, be sure they are adult and fully trained to take a message or place the caller on hold and that they are absolutely professional. Children should never answer business phone calls.
- Always keep your professional committments. People with telecommuting jobs can too easily give the impression that they're "goofing off" if promises are not kept or are not kept on time.
- Dress like a professional. The old adage that claims we feel the way we look is true and it stays true for people that work from home. It's true that when you work at home you can work in your pajamas, but if you'll be working with other people by phone, mail or email, you'll feel and act far more professional if you're fully groomed and properly dressed when you begin work. Even if you don't have to, don't start work until you're fully showered and dressed so that you feel and act professional.
- People with telecommuting or home-based jobs shouldn't take short cuts. As much as posssible, keep doing your job exactly the way you used to do it in the office or the way it is commonly done in an office. Shortcuts on communication, methods or paperwork may give the impression that you're not taking your work seriously.
Most importantly, remember that your job is still a job. The fastest way to lose your cushy job is to view it as anything less than a serious job. You may be working at home and getting high on your new freedom, but if you want to keep that freedom be sure you are absolutely professional at all times. Professionalism -- and job security -- begins with respect for your work and a professional attitude.
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