telecommuting

AuburnGirl04

Hi Ladies!

I am a part-time working mom, working 24 hours (sometimes more depending on workload) a week.  I am having the blues about my job and am considering a change.  I am interested in the concept of telecommuting but was wondering how most people obtain those positions.  (I do project management and planning type work currently).

Telecommuting moms - how did you get your position?  Did you apply for and receive a telecommute job immediately or was there an in-office trial period?  Was it difficult to obtain one in your skillset?

I had to really pitch and sell the idea of my reduced work week to my management a few years ago and don't believe a telecommuting job at my current company (or at least in my current position) is an option.  Thanks for any insight!

expectingnothing

I no longer work from home but at my old job it was put into place over the years to the point that most of the office WFH 2 days a week.  Considering we had teammates in Canada, Mexico, and India, management's initial argument against it for needing to be together in one room to collaborate and communicate was thrown out the window.

Most other WFH moms I know started out with office jobs that transitioned to home.  WFH moms still need full time daycare/childcare.

rockychryslerb2010

I also do project and product management, and work from home 3-4 days a week.  I started doing this about two years ago, after I had been with the same company for almost four years.  My company didn't really have a work from home program either, but DH was relocated so their options were to lose me to another firm or allow me to work from home. I was moving over an hr from another office location and wasn't willing to do the commute five days a week. I basically told my manager the situation and I was willing to quit if they didn't agree to it.  Most people I know that have legitimate work from home jobs (especially in project management) have these arrangements due to their track record with their company.  I don't know of any employers who actually hire telecommuters.

Agree with pp, you definitely need to line up childcare even when you work from home.  Our nanny starts tomorrow and I go back to work on Wed - I know there is no way I would be able to work and watch E, and I wouldn't feel comfortable doing that. 

FriskyPanda

I work from home full time.  The company I work for has alot of associates that do this , particularly in my department.  I started out in a branch location, and was there for 5 years.  I knew what positions in the company had this available, and kept my eyes on the hiring boards to see when any opened up.  I was fortunate enough to get into a newly created department where everyone works from home.

 

AuburnGirl04

Thanks for the responses so far!  I did already know that childcare is required for telecommuting jobs (at my current company it specifically states this in the rules for occasional work from home use and I imagine most other companies are the same way) - so we would continue to use our nanny for sure.  Rules aside, there is no way I would be able to be productive work-wise if I was in charge of my toddler all day!

I saw and applied for a project management job today for a legit healthcare company that specifically stated it was a telecommuting opportunity with little to no travel - seems too good to be true and probably very competitive to get.. but I've got to start somewhere!

I guess I will also start networking within my current company some more - it makes the most sense for managers to hire people they know they can trust based on past performance - and I have a great performance ratings at my current employer.

Strunella

My company allows people to work from home, and I did so on occasion.  When I went back after maternity leave, I really wanted to work from home one day a week every week. I got very lucky and they ended up offering me two days a week at home in exchange for transferring offices (and a longer commute).  What is the culture at your company?  Do they encourage flexible schedules and telecommuting?   If so, I would definitely discuss it with your manager.  

I am also very flexible...so, if I have to be in the office for some reason on my usual day home, I will swap days and stay home another day. A few co-workers wondered how I was doing this..."What about the baby?"...but I reminded them that I always have a nanny and can mix my days up when necessary.  This reassured them that I was always available when needed.

A friend at my company works PT (20 hours) and her arrangement is to only come into the office one day a week...she works from home the rest of the time.  So it is possible! 

Good luck!  I have to say, working from home is great!

 

madhatter2003

I do, also in product/project management. Like the pp, I worked in my office for several years (5+) and then we moved for my DH's job and my company didn't want to lose me.  I do know a few that will hire telecommuters straight away if you have a good track record other places but will involve more travel up front.  I fly back to my home office/clients at least once a quarter, sometimes twice now for a week or two at a time.

 

AuburnGirl04

@ Strunella-  My company does offer some limited permanent telecommuting.. I know of a few people who work from home once or twice a week on a standard schedule.  I guess I am just shy about changing things up with my schedule again in my current role - since I already got my part time work arrangement approved.  And since I'm also desiring a change out of my current role, I am still figuring out how I would walk right into a new job with the flexible arrangement I want.  Probably will come down to networking within my current employer, I guess!