AboutLeslie Truex Expertise I can answer questions on how to find a work-at-home job online or off including the best sites for finding jobs, how approach an employer about working at home, and other methods for creating a work-at-home job. I can also answer questions about current trends in telecommuting, how to establish a telecommuting program in a company, and how to maximize productivity while working at home.
Experience I have telecommuted as a social worker, writer, web designer and online researcher. I have provided work-at-home job announcements and tips online since 1998 at my site WorkAtHomeSuccess.com. I am the author of Jobs At Home: A Complete Guide to Finding or Creating a Work-At-Home and of the soon to be published The Pajama Mama Guide to Online Employment.
Publications My articles have appeared in various work-at-home and stay-at-home e-zines and web site.
Education/Credentials I have a BA in Psychology and a Masters in Social Work.
Awards and Honors Work-At-Home Success has been recognized and received several awards from various online resources.
Expert: Leslie Truex Date: 2/9/2007 Subject: Approaching the boss
Question I currently work for a medical billing company, as a charge auditor. I have been there since 8/05. I do not answer phones or have much interaction with other employees besides an e-mail here or there, the boss actually jokes that I am my own island. All of my work is done on the computer and I am not supervised by anyone. Each day my work is downloaded and my boss can easily monitor how much work I have to complete and that it is completed. I am aware that my boss is happy with my work because she tells me and I received a couple of bonuses. My reason for wanting to work from home is the travel time (1 to 2 hrs, one way). I do not want to tell my boss that is the reason because it was discussed prior to me being hired. The first week I did not do the drive during rush hour, I had no idea, it had only taken me a 1/2 hour. I would like your advice on how to present to my boss the possibility of working from home. I fear that if I asked, she will assume I am going to leave if I don't get my way, and fire me. I only say this because an employee had asked for an extension on her vac to see her brother get married in India and was told if she went don't come back, because if they allow her to do it, everyone will want to do it. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Answer Hi Holly,
What a great position you are in! But you are right, you don't want to approach your boss with your commute hassles. Businesses allow telecommuting when they can see how it benefits them, not you. Your best bet is to write a work-at-home proposal (instructions here http://www.workathomesuccess.com/telecommute.html) Focus on the good work you have done and how you have helped the company. Also, find ways that working at home further benefits the company ... will it save money on real estate or equipment (because you don't need an office or parking space), will you be able to work when it snows or other situation that prevents commuting? etc.
The page I gave you above will guide you through the process of creating the proposal and presenting it. Scroll down the page for details.
