Tuesday, February 14, 2006

The Benefits Of A Home Based Business



By Alex Bailey

There are a great many benefits to operating your own home-based business. Of course, there are the monetary benefits, but that's only part of the story! It is not always money that motivates people to start a home-based business. Sometimes the intangible benefits are more important factors.

For many people, the lifestyle benefits are at least as important. But whether lifestyle or monetary, the benefits can be greater by far than the benefits you receive working for an employer.

Now if you're already working in your own home based business, or even if you're just thinking about doing so, be sure to evaluate your options and consider the value of the benefits you will receive. You'll have to make wise decisions if you want your home-based business opportunities to provide you the financial freedom you desire.

Let's consider the potential benefits one by one.

SENSE OF FREEDOM

Nothing can give you the sense of freedom you'll get from working at home, setting your own hours, and being your own boss! But along with that freedom, you have to exercise some discipline! It's way too easy to sleep late, put off matters you KNOW need to be taken care of, and generally "slack off."

Set yourself a schedule and stick to it! In fact, at the end of each day, you should set your schedule for the following day. Make a list of what needs to be done, then PRIORITIZE!

But don't forget to allow time for family obligations and leisure activities. Parents with children in school often consider how a home-based business can make a very positive difference regarding their busy schedule. Teacher conferences, after school activities and the ability to be home when the children are out of school are strong motivators in making the decision to start a home business. Working from home gives you the benefit of flexible hours and the freedom to adjust your schedule according to the needs of your family.


STRESS REDUCTION

Stress reduction is another major benefit of operating a home-based business. That's not to say that working from home will eliminate all stress from your life. Any business will likely produce its own kind of stress, including a home business. But compared to employment...well, there just IS no comparison!

First of all, you have no one to answer to except yourself. Anyone who's ever worked for an abusive employer knows the damage stress can cause in his/her life. If you plan properly and budget your time wisely, being your own boss can reduce the stress you feel due to constant demands and co-worker interruptions.

But there are other stress-reducing benefits as well.

You will have no daily commute, so you can say "good-bye" to snarled traffic and discourteous drivers. You'll also save money on gas and automobile expenses, and you will have the extra time in the morning and evening to relax and interact with your family instead of spending that time getting to and from work.


HOPE FOR A BETTER FUTURE

Some jobs offer the opportunity for advancement...but some don't. But even with those that do, there are limits to just how far you can advance, as well as to how much income you can earn, even after years and years with the same company.

With a home business, there's really no limit to how far you can go. It's all in your hands. You may reach a point where you feel you've taken your business as far as you want to. That is, when you've achieved what you feel is the proper balance between the time spent running and growing your business, and time spent for family and recreation.

But the point is, the decision is YOURS and no one else's. The limits are only reached when YOU decide they are. You can keep growing your business and you income to whatever point you choose.


In conclusion, your own home business offers you benefits that just aren't attainable through working for an employer.
There are numerous home-based business opportunities available to you. You do have to do your "home work" however. Some so-called "home business opportunities" make claims that are overstated, or just aren't realistic (See the article "Home Business - How to Find One That Works").

Research each potential opportunity carefully, ask questions, and consider several before making a decision. And if you try one opportunity and it just doesn't "work out" the way you had hoped, that's no reason to give up! There ARE realistic opportunities out there. You just need to find one that's right for YOU.

And make sure you are willing to put forth the effort that will be required in order to succeed. Yes, it WILL take effort. But when you consider the alternative, isn't it worth it!

To your success!

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About the Author

Alex Bailey writes on matters pertaining to the small business entrepreneur.

This article may be freely reprinted provided it is kept intact “as is” including this notice and the resource box. It may not be modified in any way.