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Ask Jane Applegate
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December 20, 1999: 1:30 p.m. ET
Taking time off to re-invent yourself; avoiding work-at-home scams
By Jane Applegate
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NEW YORK (CNNfn) - Here are answers to your questions for CNNfn small-business columnist Jane Applegate:
Dear Jane: I’ve been working hard for 12 years as an independent consultant and I’m burnt out. I’m an expert in one field and have done everything from writing books to lecturing and conducting high-priced seminars. I earn $200,000 a year, but I’m sick of traveling and not having a life.
It sounds like you need a sabbatical from your business. If college professors can take a few months to recharge their batteries, why can’t you? The key to success, of course, is to have enough savings tucked away to meeting your basic expenses while you are out finding a new direction. If you don’t have enough money saved to take six months off, accept a few big projects and put away as much money as you can.
If you know the money is going to free you in a few months, it won’t tough to work hard for a few more months. Remember, if you have been extremely busy and successful for years, you probably won’t be happy just sitting on a beach in Mexico, although that’s not a bad way to start recharging your batteries.
True entrepreneurs re-invent themselves at least three times in a lifetime, so you are not alone. Take some time to really think about what you enjoy doing and what makes you happy. Do you have a passion or hobby that consumes you? If so, you might turn that hobby into a business.
Make sure you speak to as many people as possible during your hiatus. Ask other successful folks what they do to alleviate burnout. Many super-successful people I know work extremely hard, but they play even harder. They take long weekend vacations to exotic places. They hike, canoe or go horseback riding to get away from their business lives.
Mentoring a novice entrepreneur, teaching a college class or writing in a journal are also great ways to get a clearer perspective on your life and goals.
Dear Jane: Are there any really profitable, honest work-at-home businesses? I have brochures on envelope stuffing, assembling crafts and filing insurance claims.They all seem too good to be true, but I don't have money to throw away on scams. My husband has lost his job after 28 years in a steel mill and I am unable to work outside of the home due to a back injury.
Unfortunately, there are many scams aimed at people wanting or needing to work at home. Although some opportunities may be legitimate, the safest approach is to set up your own home-based business. Here are some ideas to consider:
Many small-business owners need help from freelancers to create and maintain their databases, print and stick mailing labels, send out mailings or answer forwarded phone calls.
Others could use your help to answer customer questions or fill and ship orders. Computers and new software programs are so affordable and simple to use, you’ll be able to set yourself up in business quickly.
If providing office services is not a good fit for you and your husband, here are some other ideas. If you like pets, you might consider setting up a doggie day-care center. These are springing up all over the country for people who don’t like to leave their beloved cats or dogs home alone all day. You can charge about $20 a day for your services in some areas.
If you are good with your hands, you might be able to help local florists make arrangements when they have big orders to fill. You might also contact party planners and caterers to help make favors, pastries or table decorations.
Once you figure out what fits your interests and skills, design and print up a flyer describing your services. Distribute it widely in your community. You also might contact the local chamber of commerce to see if it will insert your flyer in its monthly mailings for a small fee. Good luck!
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