I had to leave the computer for a bit. My eyes were burning and I was feeling totally overwhelmed with information and tasks. I began to question whether or not I should have remained in the corporate sector. At least then I’d have a predictable income and set hours. When I left the office, work thoughts and problems stayed there and I went home and had a life.

So that’s where my mind was as I made my way up from the basement office and out into the sunshine of the back deck - contemplating the wisdom of my career change, and feeling somewhat defeated. Not wanting to be the only person at my pity party, I decided there must be others in the same boat. I wondered if all work at homers felt these misgivings from time to time. Yes of course they must!, I reasoned, wanting it to be a normal and passing thing.

It was at about that point that I remembered having read an article about just the kind of turmoil I was experiencing. The main message of the article was to shift your focus from the parts of your career that you don’t like to the reason you’re there. Remember the ‘why’ of what you’re doing, and see how the things you grapple with enable you to reach your goals and live your dreams.

I sat back in the deck chair and listened to the crickets and cicadas. For a few minutes, I watched a black squirrel scampering through the garden while I sat wondering if I’ll have enough money to winter in Arizona this year.

Then it hit me. The reason why I work from home is the freedom. I’d know it all along of course, but I had forgotten to keep it forefront in my mind. If I were in an office, I would miss this beautiful day outside. Spending the winter in the southwest would be out of the question entirely.

In getting caught up in the frustrations, I forgot to see them as stepping stones to my dreams. That long job list is chock full of opportunities to help me reach my goals and live the way I want to.

It was a great relief to view the situation in a new light. With renewed optimism, I returned to my computer, remembering why I work from home and loving the reasons again.

Sometimes, we need a reminder of how great our work at home lives are.

This is a guest post by Shirley Anderson.