Home Office Isolation

More and more people are working from home now, and there are a few steps you can take to be your own best boss:

First, figure out if it's right for you. If you thrive on camaraderie or teamwork, remember that working from home can be isolating. Consider networking with other home workers, or even working from a library from time to time.

Make sure you have some business lined up BEFORE you leave your current job. Also, there are some legal aspects of self-employment that should be considered, so do your research.

It's important to have a structured routine. The flexibility of working from home is great, but it can also create pitfalls that decrease productivity. Schedule a time to check personal email and calls. It's much easier to get sidetracked when working from home.

Stay connected. You might relish the thought of not having to share the road, or the elevator each day at first, but it's easy to become housebound and preoccupied with your own stuff. It's best to interact with someone else a few times a day. There are some good books, and even social networking sites for independent workers who spend their days solo.

Source: Michelle Goodman, author of "My So-Called Freelance Life"