September 14, 2011

Working from home was a big mistake

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Q: A year ago, I was laid off after 13 years. Numerous résumés and cover letters later, I finally found employment. At first, I thought my new job was perfect for me; I work a 10-hour/four-day shift from home. But after three months, I find it so hard to sign in for work that I get anxious and physically ill. The job itself is not that hard, but I miss the interaction with the public. I started from the bottom with my previous employer and worked my way up the ladder, but I am now earning half of what I used to make. Is it too soon to quit? Should I inquire if I can be placed elsewhere in the company where I am dealing with the public? Or should I just be thankful that I am employed?
— R.P., Seattle

Kristen says: If your job is causing you physical distress, you should definitely consider other options. In the meantime, talk to your physician about your symptoms; he or she may have some suggestions on how to alleviate them.

While many people tout the advantages of working from home, it isn’t the right environment for everyone. Without knowing your industry or the type of position you have, I can’t give you concrete suggestions about the availability of other, public-facing positions within your company. Its corporate website or intranet should give you an idea of other options you could pursue.

Given how long it took you to find this position, I would suggest not leaving until you have another job lined up. The state of Washington has minimum requirements for qualifying for unemployment insurance, and quitting your job could mean you will have no income.

The good news is that with your schedule, you have flexibility for phone screens, interviews and job seeking. The economy in the Puget Sound area is looking up, so there are more job openings every week.

Use sites such as NWjobs.com’s Salary Wizard, Salary.com or PayScale to find current wages for the positions you are pursuing. When you discuss pay with recruiters or hiring managers, give them a range of what you are looking for based on your experience and the salary range for the position. Your current job is not the basis for your total experience, so be sure to capitalize on your cumulative skills.

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