It’s been about 12 years since I last went to the dentist for a check-up. If you’ve been reading this blog for a while you’ll know that I had to do a couple crowns back in the fall 2007… but thats the closest I’ve come to seeing a dentist. Mind-you it was a very expensive visit ($2000). Hey we were about to leave for a cruise and I didn’t want gaps in my smile when we took all those glamor shots on formal night.

One of the hard truths about working from home on a freelance basis or having your own business, is that everything you do comes out of your pocket. Unless you buy into some sort of plan that’ll cover your dentist, prescription drugs and eye care. Hey, no need for medical coverage in Canada.

You’re probably saying, well why didn’t you just go to the dentist and foot the bill. When you have 3 teenage girls and they all require braces that cost about $5000 each, you soon figure out what’s more important. Plus it’s a sacrifice thing… we ensured that our girls always went for their check-ups, cleaning and fillings etc. If you recall I mentioned about prescription drugs. I have 3 prescriptions sitting on my desk as I type this. Yea..I have a little collection going.

The good news is, since Caron got that full time job a month ago.. IT CAME WITH BENEFITS! I really feel sorry for the dentist that must go in when this benefit plan kick-in. Better pack the jack-hammer and power equipment doc… there’s some work to be done. As if love alone wasn’t enough.. I may have to stick with this marriage thing, just for the perks

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Standing the Test of a Weak Economy

Through months and months of an unstable economy, the ability to find a desired position has become a battle in its own.  Millions are seeking new jobs and unfortunately, only a couple thousand are available.  There has been an unbalanced state in our work industry for quite some time.  The dreaded word “recession,” has been on tips of the tongues of many, but few have the courage and audacity to label our current economic status as a “recession.”  For those of us who are, realists, and are able to take what is given to us and turn it into something we desire, the term “recession,” has no affect.  Or does it?

Recession has the ability to take the jobs that we have worked for many years and deteriorate its demand within minutes.  The jobs that we have held on to and respected for many years are now the cutbacks on many lists of various companies.  What are we left to do? Although, the thought of re-training ourselves in a different work field is, for some, an impossible task, it is indeed the best way to have a recession-proof career; a career that is not taken down by the rollercoaster ride provided by the economy. We have the option to re-train ourselves and participate in work industries that will allow us to continue providing for our families, loved ones and dependents (that includes our beloved pets) without having to sacrifice our lifestyle that we have grown use to.  There are a variety of sources that have been able to compile a list of work industries that have been recently studied and categorized as “recession-proof.”

According to Yahoo, the Energy industry is in the bright spot for recession proof careers.  They state that this industry is one that is not only on the move, but also provides various sectors to work in.  The energy industry includes gas and oil, but also alternative energy and even nuclear energy.  With this element being in such high demand and debate within the U.S., it is almost impossible to be affected by the economy.

The growth of children in k-12th grade has lead sources to believe that Education is also recession proof, as the need for teachers in extraordinarily high.  According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over the next eight years there will be a demand for 2.8 million teachers.

Of course, the demands of the Health Care industry will continue to grow rapidly, as it is currently the dominant field in the 30 fastest growing job areas.  These positions are so much in demand that many Health Care facilities in need of filling these positions, have offered sign-on bonuses, continuing education offers and are even covering relocating expenses.

Due to national issues, the demand for Security will also be increasing, whether at the airports or at U.S. borders.  This is a field that is looking extremely promising for the next years to come.  According to the Defense and Homeland Security departments, they will need to fill over 83,000jobs within the next two years.

Will you let recession control your lifestyle?

This is a guest post by Giselle Rivera @ Eliteresumes.org

* Be sure to leave us your comments on this and other posts by clicking on the “comments” link directly below this entry.

Time management is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that must be practiced daily. The fact that how efficiently we manage our time determines to a great extent how far we are successful in what we aspire.

When you decide to be a work at home executive you may count on the flexibility it offers in terms of work schedule. Yes, when you work at home you can decide when you work and how long you work. This freedom gives with an added responsibility on your part. You need to be very careful about your time management especially when you work from home.

Corporate office or the comfort of your home any professional work demands meticulous planning and flawless execution of that plan. But in life things do not go according to the plan always. To be up and ready for a crisis effective time management is a necessity. Diligent time management gives you the capability to face a time crunch.

The following tips would help you be a time management expert and to be a successful work from home executive.

Plan with Care: You have to be clear about what should be done, how should be done and when should be done. It is necessary that you estimate the time required for the completion of every task. While doing so give allowances for emergencies and calculate the total time. Prepare a work schedule with the estimated time. Your time plan must be put into writing. This time plan chart should serve as a reference for your performance. As soon as works get finished modify the time plan and keep it updated regularly.

Organize Tasks: When doing tasks it is advisable to have a priority list. You should identify important tasks and give them top priority. According to the priorities set by you clearly define in writing what should be done and when. This would help you complete crucial tasks without hiccups and help you retain clients, their satisfaction and your credibility.

Never Postpone: Procrastination is really a dangerous syndrome that can affect you gravely. When you work from home there is no one to supervise you and control you. You are on your own. In such a situation it is very easy to procrastinate things. But this bad habit would prove fatal to you and deviate you from the path of success. So never procrastinate tasks. Finish on time, if possible ahead of time, what is to be finished.

Have a Contingency Plan: Despite the precautions a virus may creep into your system and it may get down suddenly. What do you do then? It is not about what you do when the crisis arises. It is about how prepared you are to face a crisis. So be better equipped to handle emergencies. Have a set of friendly fellows (work from home co workers) to lend you a helping hand with important tasks at the needy hour. And you also devote some time in your schedule to help others when they need. After all business/work is all about mutual benefits. Isn’t it?

Time management skills if learned and incorporated in your life style you can surely become a successful, reliable and sought after work from home executive.

Whether you are attempting to venture into a location beyond your home or contain your business in the comforts of your home, starting a home based business is an excellent choice. Many companies, varying in size and capacity, have been introduced as home based businesses. Statistics show that two out of three businesses begin as a small venture from home. With the era of internet based businesses, the idea of working from home has popularized immensely. It has become a concept of many new businesses, as they are able to reach consumers out of their local region. There are a few aspects of a home based business that need attention before embarking on a new venture. They are (1) zoning laws, (2) the ability to separate your workspace and home space, and (3) maintaining your professionalism.

Zoning Laws and ordinances: A home business must follow the laws regarding location, as any other business. Many cities have zoning ordinances established as a means of determining the areas for commercial and residential purposes. Although, almost every city is equipped with zoned areas, the new wave of home based businesses have allowed for changes within these ordinances. Most activities that restrict a home based business are:

Extreme car traffic
Large and overbearing signs
Amount of clients walking in and out of your “business”

Taking these examples into account, will not only help you determine whether your business can be homebased, but it will allow for a more detailed overview of your current business capital, in hopes of determining if you have the capabilities to venture out of the borders of your home and find a commercial location, if needed. Contact your local city zoning office for details pertaining to your specific city and home.

Workspace and Home Space: It is critical to separate your workspace from your home space, especially if your business requires face-to-face meetings with your clients. Organization is not only essential to your business operations, but also to its survival.

1. DO NOT share your personal telephone with your business. Eliminate the amount of noise in the area in which you will keep and use your telephone. Having a separate line will help with your business traffic and will instill a good sense of professionalism to your clients.

2. Keep it professional. Answer your phone as if you are in the office of a fortune 500 company. Do not allow for family members or friends to handle your business line. When away from your home office, create and maintain a current and professional voice mail message. Always reiterate your company’s information, such as other methods of contact and website information, in a warm manner. Clients hate to leave messages and so eliminate that fear with a warm and caring voice and message.

3. Paper image. Although you may not have the creativity of a graphic designer, have your business stationary lined with a company logo, name and contact information. If needed hire a professional to give your company a boost in both appearance and credibility. Do try to incorporate the style and image presented on your website, if applicable. Also, maintain your paper work in an orderly fashion, with labels, titles, folders and even filing cabinets. Maintain your home office as you would an office in a glamorous office building on 5th avenue.

Professionalism: Professionalism takes into account all the elements of the above aspects, therefore present your business and office with extreme pride, cleanliness, and sophistication. The way your business is perceived will make or break your venture. Therefore, take into consideration your personal appearance when you are deliberating for your business. The way you dress will determine your mood and the image you project to your customers. Although, this is a home based business, your attitude and mood can generate an more traffic or completely annihilate your professional image. Dress to impress, as they say and dress in a manner that will illuminate your home office with confidence and a sense of success.

This is a guest post from our featured writer. Giselle Rivera.

Before I continue I must confess that I stole part of the title of this post from another blog I usually read - Amit Mehta - The dark side of online success. I just loved the whole “dark side” bit and though I’d use it. I’m sure you’ve heard me say that for the past 8 years working out of our home did see me put on a considerable amount of weight. And I’m sure many of you who do work from home can relate. I try my best during the warm months to do things in the back yard etc that tuggs me away from the confines of the office (oh how I love air condition when it’s muggy hot) and this comfy leather chair I park my ass on a daily basis. But even with a gym membership, the whole weight gain and staying healthy is a constant challenge.

Only recently my mom told me that one of the fellas I grew up with in my village had a heart attack… still sends chills down my back when I think about it. I believe he’s only about 7 years older than me.

Living in Canada where the winters can be long and brutal, you have the choice of learning to enjoy winter sports (no thanks), hitting a gym (I get bored easily) or setting up a home gym (basically new pieces of furniture that never gets used). So you’re stuck for about 5 months with no real activity if you do the type of work I’m involved with. However during the warm months “I do love me some outdoors”! When our girls were a bit younger we did some hiking and it’s something we did enjoy, so this year we’ve decided to get back into hiking. But you can’t hike if you don’t know the trails.

I think it was a couple days ago I was speaking with David Ledoux via email when he pointed me to Meetup.com (he had shown me the link about 2 years ago, but I never paid it any attention at the time) This time though, I hit the gold-mine. I was able to search according to my postal code and find so many freaking groups I wanted to join..it’s amazing. I lucked out and found a local hiking group here in Hamilton with over 100 members. No longer do I have to guess where trails are, how difficult they were or how to get to them. With my new buddies in the Hiking- Meetup … it’s all done for me.

If you’re not already using Meetup.com, I suggest you head over there and take a peek at what people are doing in your area. You’ll be amazed at how many specialty groups you can join and stay connected with people who enjoy the same things you do.

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