The idea of running a business from home has its obvious appeal. Anyone that’s ever crammed onto the Northern Line at 8.15am on a Monday morning has considered the alternatives to having their nose wedged into the nook of a complete stranger’s armpit.
The emergence of the internet as an enterprise tool has enabled thousands of people to fake the appearance of a multinational company while running the whole operation from the confines of the attic or spare bedroom.
So there’s lower overheads, the lack of commuting, and the fact that you can walk around your office in pyjamas and Homer Simpson slippers. Flexible working hours are also a big pull for whatever reason – getting the kids ready for school, avoiding peak time at the gym, finding a work pattern to suit your nocturnal sleep pattern (or general inability to be in the office by 9am).
According to a poll by UK online, 60% of home workers said greater flexibility is the most appealing aspect to running a ‘bedroom business’. Only 6% rated seeing their children more often as the top draw.
Having listed the benefits though, have you considered the notion of cabin fever? Starting any new business requires a serious amount of man-hours. Even running a part-time eBay business is going to keep you up until 2am once in a while.
The point is, don’t be under any illusions that working at home is going to be any less tiring than braving the tube twice a day. You’ll probably end up working even longer hours – with so separation between home and office you could find it hard to turn the PC off.
But if you can find a balance between spreadsheets and watching Lost, then go for it. If you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a few other businesses that started at home:
Valueflora
Know Knockers
A Woman’s Touch
