© 2009 Leslie Truex

As the owner of several work-at-home related websites, I receive email daily asking about working at home. Most writers of these emails indicate they are hard working, can type, have a computer, and are desperate to work-at-home. Those are all nice things to have, but they are not the characteristics or skills that make someone a success. Yes, everyone who works at home is hard working, can type and has a computer, but these are indicators of success.

Through my own experience and in talking with others, I have determined what I believe are the characteristics that determine who will succeed at working at home and who won’t. Before I go into the different characteristics, let me first state that I’m not saying that the people who fit the “unlikely to work-at-home” scenario are less smart or capable. Instead, they tend to be  uninformed about or fearful of what it take to work at home. But, if they are willing to learn and do the work, they too can find  success working at home.

People who are LESS likely to work-at-home:

1. Focus only on data-entry, typing jobs, and other questionable sign-up “jobs” in their search for work.

2. Have paid hundreds of dollars or more to off-line and online companies suggesting one can send or place ads, process email, process rebates, do surveys, mail brochures, assemble earrings etc and make a living at home.

3. Spend only left-over time in their search for work or a home business as opposed to committing regular daily effort.

4. Have a fear of doing something different or stepping out the comfort zone, which limits their choices.

I was like that person listed above when I started my journey to  work at home. I’m not quite sure from where the idea that working at home and getting-rich on menial work originated. It probably came from scammers who saw money in people’s dreams. What I learned the hard way was that “work” is the key word in “work at home”. I haven’t met anyone who works at home who hasn’t worked very hard either in a telecommuting position or in a home business.

Here are the characteristics I have found in people who are successfully working at home.

People who successfully work from home:

1. Recognize that pay to get hired options are scams and that free work-at-home programs while they may be viable, don’t work by themselves.

2. Are proactive in their search for telecommuting jobs or researching a home business. They don’t expect the ideal situation to show up in their email. Instead, they send resumes regularly and follow-up…even to companies that might not be advertising a job but could use a contract or telecommuting worker. Neither do they expect any home business to be successful with haphazard efforts such as a single email or ad.

3. Spend time regularly, usually everyday in their search for work or a home business. This time is scheduled into their life just like all other activities because they know that life has a way of taking over unless you control your time.

4. Understand that there is no job or home business that doesn’t require work. While there may be good free programs, to earn money requires consistent work to earn a regular income.

5. Have a desire to work at home that is bigger than their fear. They are willing to step out of their comfort zone in effort to succeed at working at home.

As you can see, the only real difference between those who succeed at working at home and those who don’t is knowledge, consistent effort and a compelling desire. I know that is what made the difference for me. I got a telecommuting job by sending letters of inquiries out to potential employers outlining my experience and asking if they needed a part-time worker in my area. When I decided I wanted something more than telecommuting could offer, I researched home businesses and chose the one that best fit my needs and work habits KNOWING that I would have to put myself outside my comfort zone in whatever I chose to do. In other words, I didn’t waste my time on Internet gimmicks. I searched for a proven, reputable, yet achievable program. And then I jumped in and did it even when I was scared or tired or discouraged. My dream was bigger than the obstacles, which incidentally are usually all in the mind. Once I learned how to get out of my own way, it got much easier.

The question now is what are you willing to do? How big is your dream? Is it big enough to really learn the truth about working at home and stop wasting your time looking for the job or program that doesn’t exist? Is it big enough to commit time every day to achieving it even if its just 15 minutes? Is it big enough to step out of your comfort zone to do something different to reach your goal? Is it big enough to commit to for the long haul particularly when your dream seems out of reach? If it is, then you have what it takes to work at home!

Remember, Work-At-Home Success is a FREE resource with information about telecommuting including how and where to search for jobs, and home business including ideas and resources to learn more. Plus the blog has additional jobs and work-at-home articles to help you.

I believe everyone can work at home IF they do their research, choose options that fit within their skill sets or passions, and do the work.