I don't have to commute anywhere. When I visit clients (2-3 times a week), I nearly always leave from home after the morning rush hour and return before the evening rush. With Washington, D.C. rated as the 2nd worst city in terms of commuter traffic, it is a real treat to be able to drive when it is most convenient for ME.

I don't have to wear suits, dresses, heels or hose every day. I used to spend LOTS of money on clothes. Now I can just wear what's confortable.

I can set my own hours. I can get up when I want, take my dog for a walk, go shopping, meet a friend, play on the web, take a day off, whatever. No more 9-5.

The boss is me. No one is looking over my shoulder. I don't have to write reports, fill out time sheets, attend useless corporate meetings, or wonder if I'll get that salary increase.

I can work where I want. The kitchen table, in my office upstairs, in the family room, or outside on my deck.

I can decide what equipment and suppIies I want to purchase and how much to spend. I don't have to use pens that I hate, or computer programs that are forced on me. I don't have to wait in a print queue.

I can choose what work I want to do. If I'm offered a consulting assignment and it doesn't interest me, I don't take it.

This is not to say that working at home doesn't also have its disadvantages. I sometimes have difficulty getting motivated. There are days when I don't see another human being until my husband gets home from work at night. There are other days when the phone doesn't ring at all. And there is my pet peeve -- with no 401k plan, there is no free money (matching contribution) from an employer.

Deborah Kluge Independent Consultant
mailto:dkluge1@compuserve.com (only when overseas)
Proposal Writing/Proposal Management
For Organizations Bidding on Government Contracts
Management Specialist
International Development - Technical Assistance Projects

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