Unless you are a cave dweller and never watched the news---get ready for a reality check. If you are unhappy with your job, and or career--updated your resume and research companies that fit your skills, experience and education for a suitable job or career change.
First, write down all the positives and negatives of your present employment. Does your present job sponsor telecommuting? Would your home be a pleasant workplace using a computer, Internet, telephone, texting ability on cell phone, email and faxing? Do you have childcare now? If working-at-home would be a more suitable place so your children can be with you--then talk to your employer.
However, you must get all your ducks in a low--so to speak. Can you setup a home office so your main focus will be on your work performance? If you cannot set up your home so your babies or older children not in school can enjoy being at home, while mama (or daddy) works. Then, you will need to think this out and make a list of your thoughts.
Remember, anything can be accomplished for your happiness if you become the master of your own world. If you are a single mom or a married one--then, you will need a list before advancing on to making you and your family happy while earning a paycheck.
In order to accomplish your dream of working at home--redesigning your workplace so you can perform and have the children in your view is first order. I am not a mother, but I know how fast my nephews---when little would scoot or walk out of my view.
Do your due diligence or homework before speaking to your employer. Speak in a professional manner--you are not talking to a girlfriend/boyfriend--this is the person who hired you and is paying you.
Be prepared with your proposal explaining that your home office is designed for telecommuting. And if you have children explain that it will not be an issue because their play area is in your viewing. Let them know you are proficient in preparing for a happy work at home employment.
Be the master of your dreams---live life for your happiness. This is not a dress rehearsal---live your life the way you want. Good Luck in everything you do for your happiness. I would tell my own child this--if I had one.
Update: 40% of people interviewed in 2023 are thinking about changing their jobs. Happiness is what really counts in the workplace. I am an example of working in both a happy and a terrible environment because it was necessary at the time due to my ill husband.
You are the only one who can bring joy into your workplace by being happy. Best of luck to all.
Barbara Purvis Hunter May 16, 2022
