Most Workers Are Afraid to Telecommute

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I would love to telecommute even if I spent more hours working. It's better than burning fuel and sitting on the freeway stuck in traffic. I relocated to Sacramento from Los Angeles and have found that bigger/cool companies are hard to find, so telecommuting is one way to open up more doors.

D of CA 4:06PM December 14, 2008

I've been telecommuting, either part time or full time since 1993 (22 year career). Telecommuting CAN hurt your career assuming everyone else in your group or office reports to the office. But if you work for a multinational company where a large portion of the group is spread to different locations (as I do), then it doesn't matter because the "being seen" factor is greatly reduced.
As to the person who wrote about TC: "nothing stops your company from out sourcing your position to another country" - well, unfortunately, that dynamic isn't related to telecommuting; it's the nature of the world we live in. If you work in the type of job that is routine or easily documented, it allows for easier off-shoring regardless of whether you telecommute or work in an office. Some jobs lend themselves to this and some do not. Don't let that possibility limit your options concerning telecommuting.

anon from St. Louis of MO 6:25PM October 24, 2008

Home telecommuting is only one telecommuting option. Workers, who do not have adequate facilities in the home or simply feel more comfortable working out of a dedicated office outside the home, can work from a Remote Office Center located near where they live. Remote Office Centers lease individual offices, internet and phone systems to workers from different companies in shared centers located around the suburbs.
Telecommuting is analogous to an exercise program. Some people are able to work out in their own home with home equipment. Others find they can not maintain a routine unless they go to the gym to work out.
The issues for some people are related to both infrastructure and structure. An effective telecommuting program needs to take into account all of the teleworkers needs.
Remote Office Centers are fairly new, but can be found on the internet by searching for "Remote Office Centers" in quotes.

aullman of TX 4:49PM August 31, 2008

What is not addressed is that if you can telecommute then nothing stops your company from out sourcing your position to another country opaying them a fraction of your cost.

of NY 3:41PM August 27, 2008