I’m 43 years old. Love my life, don’t mind working hard, but this is not our parents’ world. There’s no guarantee social security will be there to help us make ends meet when it’s time for us to retire (*if* we ever can). With the state of the current economy, it’s not unusual to meet people whose primary source of income may be great, but they’re still working on multiple streams of income.

I’d rather work a little harder now while it comes easy so that by the time I do consider retirement, I just might have a super-thriving business that allows me the freedom I want.

And the great thing about social media is that it has opened my doors to the world. I’ve yet to meet the first client I acquired last year. The business is in Oregon and we work wonderfully together. Having the possibility of bringing in business from our seats is an amazing asset that we didn’t have not too long ago.

I think it’s fantastic for those of us carving our ways out on our own. Even though I don’t have children, I also think it’s spectacular for those that do who can show their children how to run their own businesses early. It will help them in their futures whether working for others or for themselves down the line!

Some people find they get too distracted working from home, others that they work way too much. Very few find that in between balance!

However, with that said, I have to agree with Jewelry Assembly Chicks. I have a friend who calls me almost once a day and asks if I’d like to make a run here or there. While it’s appreciated, I find myself constantly re-explaining that just because I’m working in my home office doesn’t mean my time is free. Even if I’m researching for a client or sending out marketing brochures, the point is I treat my days just as I did when I commuted to someone else’s office to make a living.

Sometimes the best way to communicate is silence. When I don’t take calls all day and then check my messages to find I didn’t miss anything at all, those that really care get the message. And those that don’t . . . well, I’ve got an empire to build. I’ll catch them later, too!

You do have to be disciplined and sometimes family thinks because you are home, you are at their beck and call. You have to shut that down, including just letting their phone calls go to message (if it’s that important they’ll leave a message so you can tend to it), getting them to take on more responsibility (just because I’m home, I’m NOT making you lunch), shut the door and put out the “I’m at work” sign.

I started this jewelry assembly business from scratch, one piece at a time. I didn’t have any money and it started as a part time income. Now it has really taken hold. If you put in the time, energy, and focus into what you do, you will be able to make a living. I found that I spend way less money working at home and therefore I’ve been really able to boost the household savings. Little boy is going to college next year!

I love having myself as my own boss…I didn’t need a lot of money to do this, but I sure am happy I did it!

Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google or Twitter for questions, comments or violent reactions)