The 5 Rules of Working From Home

How to structure your time, avoid distractions, and keep your boss (and family) happy.

Figure Out if It’s Right for You

“Many of us would opt to work from home to save on child-care and commuting expenses, but it isn’t for everyone,” says Tory Johnson, author of Fired to Hired ($14, Berkley Trade, amazon.com). If you thrive on the camaraderie of watercooler chitchat or are tempted to rush off to a sale at the mall without a watchful eye to tether you down, you probably aren’t the best candidate.

If you do think it’s for you and you currently work in an office, find out if there is any established protocol, like having a certain title to warrant tele-commuting. Then put your request to your boss in writing; address your communication strategy and recommend a trial period for the arrangement.

If you’re going the freelance route, make sure you have enough business lined up before you leave your current job. To learn about the legal aspects of self-employment, visit nolo.com, a website for small businesses and consumers. To find out about health-care options by state, go to ehealthinsurance.com.