Ask the Business Coach Joyce K. Reynolds is an expert Business Coach who works with CEOs, Sr. Execs, entrepreneurs and countless others providing knowledge, solutions, motivation and support that assist her clientele in successfully meeting workplace challenges. Find out more about Joyce's coaching practice. Working From Home Question: I am a single mother without income due to staying at home with preemie I desperately need a income. Any suggestions? I would like to do something from home but I'm scared because all of the scams and have little money for startup costs. Please help. Jaxx Answer: While working at home sounds as if it might be ideal for you, there are a number of things you’ll want to consider before pursuing this option. First, understand that - to be successful - this work style requires great discipline. You must be able to set aside planned time for work so that you can, with integrity, address and meet your goals and deliver for your employer. Typically, working at home requires a separate working area that is divorced from at-home distractions. It also requires that you have the ability to organize and work well independently. And, that you can motivate yourself and work effectively alone. So, let’s say you’ve discovered that you have the traits that are necessary to work successfully at home. The next challenge is to find work that is legitimate and pays in accordance with your needs. As you mention, caution needs to be taken in choosing an ethical home employer. Those that fit this category will clearly stipulate what the work is and how it is accomplished. As with any job, you must ask and get answers for all the questions that will allow you to make a good decision about the job. You’ll want to get clear answers to questions such as: What exactly do I have to do to earn money on this job and what tasks will I have to perform? What costs are associated with this at-home work – supplies, equipment, membership fees? If there’s a membership fee, what do I get for it? Is it one-time? If I don’t have money for the membership or startup fees, will you allow me to pay this out of my earnings? How and when will I be paid – salary or commission? Who exactly is responsible for paying me? Who works for you now that I can talk with regarding this opportunity? The answers to these and other questions regarding your concerns will give you a good basis for determining whether or not this is a company you can trust. It would also be smart to check with your Better Business Bureau or any of your local consumer protection agencies as to the legality of the hiring organization. And, even though this does not necessarily attest to their legitimacy, check with your state Attorney General’s office to be sure there have not been any major complaints about this business or any similar company. As with any other agreement, you’ll want to get everything in writing. Finally, you can visit http://www.homeworkingmom.com and http://www.hbwm.com These web site help moms secure work at home opportunities. Also see: • Ask Joyce your workplace questions • More questions • One-on-one business coaching Disclaimer: The information in this column is intended to provide the reader with general ideas or concepts to be used as part of a broader base of knowledge they collect to determine their own best course of action and solutions most suitable for solving their workplace challenges. The information in this column is not guaranteed to be the appropriate solution for each individual.