I Was Home Based, When Home Based Wasn’t Cool!
by Penney Rudicil
OSSN Eastern Regional Manager

Hmm -- sounds like a good country song title, huh?

When I entered the travel industry several years ago, I did so because of my love of travel but also because of the opportunity to be able to work from my home. I thought of all the benefits I would have: flexible hours, working with the suppliers I chose, and (of course) being my own boss. As a new business owner, it didn't take me long to realize that I needed some kind of routine. While having a flexible schedule and working from home is wonderful, it is also very important to have some guidelines.

I quickly learned that getting up in the morning and “getting ready for work” (even though I was only going into the next room) made me more productive. Setting office hours is also important, not only for you and your clients but for your family and friends. I cannot tell you how often my phone or doorbell would ring and a friend would say, “So, what are you doing today -- want to have lunch?” They just did not realize that, even though my office is in my home, it is still a business and I am working.

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