Is working at home right for you?
A home business can be a great alternative for someone with fibromyalgia. It’s a fantastic way to manage your stress and life. However, it isn’t for everyone, and can end up being more stress and taking more time than a regular job. Consider this a shopping list to see if it is right for you.
1. Realism. Yes this is the internet, and yes there are lot of people with stories of making it big, but I’ve never personally met them. You have to be prepared in all aspects, that even if you do “make it big” it will take time and effort. You may only be able to work online part time while you hold another job because most of us have grown use to eating everyday.
2. Time. I think of it like this, if I was learning a new trade I would go to college for a few years. Then I would start an internship, and after that, I would have to work my way up in the company. Then maybe I’d like my job, maybe I wouldn’t, maybe I’d get fired or downsized, maybe I wouldn’t. For some reason, we think of working online as an instant cash machine, but depending on what you are doing, it may take 2-3 years before you ever make a dime, that’s no different from any other new venture.
3. An idea. I have yet to go to a website that just has money in a box waiting for me. The internet is a big place, with room for lots of ideas, and you will need a unique one to differentiate yourself. Don’t get overwhelmed, it can be something as simple as just using your own take on an existing idea.
4. Capital. You do not need a lot of money to start an online business, but you do need money to support yourself while your business is building up. Is that a sacrifice that you and your family can realistically make at this time?
5. Persistence. Can you work by yourself? Can you work by yourself when you aren’t seeing any money coming in day after day? Are you a self starter that can work when you don’t have a boss, or when there are lots of distractions?
Realistically 9 out of 10 business’ fail and I’m just trying to lessen peoples chances of failure in some small way. I don’t mean to discourage anyone from starting their own business. It is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. That’s why it’s so important to find something that you love. It will motivate you to keep working on it, and after a year or two if my business still isn’t supporting me, then it was still worth it because at least for a couple of years I got to do something that I love.