I like the flexibility and freedom of the telecommuter lifestyle. It’s a joy to watch a blizzard from my home office, and know I don’t have to drive in it. Watching puppy Ethan learn to climb the stairs, discover his first ant, and proudly bring me a gift of a crunchy fall leaf, were moments I’d have regrettably missed if I hadn’t been telecommuting. Being available 24/7 for my family during our 1998 Annus Horribus, wouldn’t have been possible. So, I cherish telecommuting, and adapt as necessary to maintain that lifestyle.

Being able to adapt as my situation and the economy change, is critical to achieving my telecommuting goals. Here are some of the changes I’ve made over the years.

Office Location

My first home office was in the guest bedroom upstairs. It was the smallest room in the house, and out of the way. It was a little too out of the way and too small when I started hosting client meetings. So, I relocated to the family room on the lower level. Not only was the room larger; but, it had a separate outside entrance.  I fenced the area immediately outside the entrance, so I could let my pups out and watch them. Being able to let-out the pups easily saved many steps and cut down on distractions and lost-work-time. I added folding doors to the open inside entry to my office, so I could close it off and avoid it in the evening—when I was supposed to spend time with my family.

For my eBay sales, I setup a shipping area in the basement, and box storage in the garage. When I started selling on eBay, I could do the packing from my office; but, as time went on, the clutter of packing materials overwhelmed me—so they had to move to a place of their own.

Office Equipment

I’ve always bought the best equipment I could afford; but, never bought equipment unless I needed it. As I upgraded my computer system components, I kept my old ones for emergencies. Though my computer system has undergone many changes, it’s remained a business system. Many of my friends’ home computers, used only for pleasure, have fancier configurations than mine. Likewise, I only buy and upgrade software as I need to.

My telephone evolved from one separate business line, to two separate lines with one dedicated to my dial-up connection. I replaced my dial-up line with a high-speed connection; then, replaced my business line with my cell phone. Most recently, I added Skype as an alternate phone service.

Office Furniture

My first computer sat on a hollow door that in turn sat on 2 empty computer boxes, and I borrowed a kitchen chair to sit on. When I moved my office downstairs, I splurged on a pair of teak-veneer trolly tables, joined with a corner piece; and, a matching printer table. Slowly, I added bookcases and a used 4-drawer file cabinet, a couple of used secretary chairs, and a rolling tool cabinet. A couple of summers ago, I bought a used loveseat at a tag sale, and added that.

Though I prefer to work quietly, I’ve always kept a radio in my office, so I could listen to news and weather. More recently, I added a small TV, so I could tune-in for breaking news. 

My office has also included personal touches, like a small aquarium, framed art on the walls, dog beds and bowls, scented candles, and an occasional vase with fresh flowers. It’s an office, but I make it my office—and comfortable.

My Ever Changing Career

I started telecommuting when I worked for Gerber Systems Technology as a technical writer. When that job ended abruptly with a layoff, I moved my part-time consulting business to the forefront and pursued it. I sidelined consulting, when I had the opportunity to work as a Corvette photo-journalist, and self-publish a couple of Corvette reference books. I returned to consulting when I quit writing about Corvettes. Family illnesses shifted my focus and business to eBay selling, and again sidelined my consulting practice. As the eBay market became less lucrative for me, and elder care responsibilities for my mother increased, I accepted an offer from a former consulting client to join his new project team. I continued to sell collectibles on eBay, but not as many or as often.

Today and Tomorrow

That’s where I am today; spending most of my time telecommuting as part of a project team, and selling a few items on eBay. Most of the team members telecommute; so, we’re familiar and comfortable with working remotely as a team. I’m comfortable with the team, and hope the work continues for a long time. I’m even considering a move to a slightly warmer climate, because I know I can telecommute as part of the team from anywhere I can get a high-speed internet connection. But, experience also tells me, that I’m ready and able to adapt, shift my focus and my business, if my circumstances or the economy mandate change.