Think the Grass is Greener for the Self Employed?

(Denver, CO) –Disenchanted with the corporate life, many employees are tempted by the dream to begin their own business. To avoid driving down the road to disaster, those making major moves in their employment should make four considerations before quitting their day jobs.

"The work-from-home option is a delicious temptation," says Cynthia McKay, CEO of Le Gourmet Gift Basket, Inc. "I've seen the number of people interested in starting their own business increase by 21% since around April of 2005. This is the most popular time of year to take the leap. But as tempting as it may be, when it comes to working from home, not all people are created equal."

Before you give your good-byes to bosses and co-workers, McKay recommends you make these four considerations:

1.
Have a heart-to-heart. Working from home can change the family environment. Prepare your family with firm rules for a successful 9-to-5. Just because you work at home does not give them license to manipulate the time when you should be working.

2.
Look at your own characteristics. If you are a social creature or easily distracted, then home may not be where your heart will succeed. Look at your home as if it was your workplace. Could you work there without the need to run errands, do laundry, or hit the mall?

3.
Cover yourself. Make sure your home insurance policies cover visitors if injured and see that your neighborhood or city does not have restrictive covenants or ordinances that prohibit offices or home-based businesses.

4.
Make sure you are committed. Working from home cultivates a new batch of issues that can undermine your ability to succeed outside of the office structure.

McKay reminds us that less than 20% of all new businesses make it past the first few years. Those who have their plan clearly laid out increase their chances of being one that succeeds. But if you aren’t quite certain of your commitment to your cause, or you haven’t yet set specific goals for self employment, consider staying where you already know the color of the grass, even if it isn’t quite as green as you had hoped. For more information, call 1-800-934-4386 or visit www.legift.com .

This release was published on openPR.