Many of us dream of it. Many envy their neighbor who does it. Many of us feel that it represents the highest level of freedom. Yes, working from home has a great many advantages as well as some disadvantages. Please note that not all people working from home are self-employed, many remain employees of someone else and have been permitted to work from home on a full-time or part-time basis. Many are sales reps, employed by their geographically distant employer. Regardless, similar needs exist and similar rules apply.

I recently spoke with an old colleague, who for a time was a factory sales representative for a Fortune 100 company, working from home. He is now an executive recruiter working in a traditional office environment. I asked him why he chose the career path that he had. He answered immediately, admitting some embarrassment, telling me that he did not have the necessary self-discipline required to work from home. Though he understood the product and was a good resource for his customers, he felt quite inept overall. I responded by congratulating him on his decision, noting that an outside sales career based from a home office was not a career option suitable for everybody. He agreed.

Some people have the mistaken notion that working from home means sleeping in, a leisurely pace, comfortable surroundings and the good life overall. For the unsuccessful, I would guess those assessments may be valid. Conversely, most of us know differently, typically spending more time working each week than our office-entrenched counterparts. The self-discipline required is demanding, the flexibility is sustaining and the sense of freedom and self-determination are quite rewarding. Yes, you guessed it, I am a fan!

I have been working from an office in my home for the past 26 years. Although the homes have changed a few times, the office structure and organization have remained relatively constant, receiving improvements and updates with each new advancement in technology. Yes, it is “home sweet office.” I would not trade my independence with anyone else. It’s fun working in bare feet, shorts and a tee shirt. Our cat likes to rest on the corner of my desk where she can look out the window. It’s nice to have her company.

The scope of this article will not permit me to dive into all aspects of working from home. There are however, several basic elements that must be in place for anyone to be successful in this realm. While there are so many other suggestions to make, these basics will get you started.

1. Check local zoning and homeowners association ordinances for compliance mandates.
2. You must be located in a separate room with a door.
3. A new mindset is required: The home office is your workplace. Treat it as such. It is where you earn your living.
4. Accept your new isolation. There is certainly far less social interaction available to you during the day.
5. You must have suitable and comfortable desk and chair; after all, you will be planted there for many hours each day.
6. Get and remain organized. Keep both electronic files and paper backups. Keep them organized.
7. Get a separate phone line and a high quality digital phone. Use voice mail so that you never miss a call.
8. Install DSL or cable for your internet connection, allowing you both high-speed connectivity as well as freedom to talk on the phone while online.
9. Buy the biggest flat-screen LCD monitor you can afford. Your eyes will appreciate it at the end of the day.
10. Use quality software that is in sync with what the rest of your business community uses. Backup everything. Redundancy always pays!
11. Install a modern computer. If yours is more than 2-3 years old, replace it.
12. Maintain a stock of office supplies, printer cartridges, paper, etc… on hand at all times. You do not want to be idled for the day because you ran out of ink!
13. Keep all of your reference materials, industry guides, catalogs, etc.. close at hand.
14. Be certain to have adequate lighting. Use natural-color light bulbs.
15. Secure a business credit card and separate checking account for all of your office expenditures.
16. Keep all work-related purchase and expenses separated from those incurred for family use. Keep all business records and receipts organized.
17. Take advantage of the tax benefits available to you.
18. Invest $50 in a retractable 4GB Flash drive. Put in on your key chain. Keep all of your important documents, presentations, training materials, contracts, price lists, etc... with you.

The professional working from home requires organization, separation, discipline, integrity and a new paradigm requiring new rules in the household, and an understanding by family members that the new home office is your work-place. My own experience offers an important tip for your well-being: When you are done for the day, close your office door. If left open, you will be tempted to enter at all hours to do a little bit of work, check emails, examine messages or tweak your web site. Shut the door until tomorrow. This will afford you a better quality life balance and a satisfying, restful night’s sleep. Your work will always be there. Do not allow it to run our life.