Burtandmoya@hotmail.com has written to say: "I would like to embark on my own business, one of those work-from-home businesses. I have had great success with the products that I would market. I love them very much and I am excited to tell people about them, encouraging people to use them, with the added bonus of earning an income from doing so. The additional rewards are also great. It's all about healthy living and lifestyle change.

"I am currently employed full-time - five days per week, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. I cannot work this 'business' around my full-time job due to constraints with my time (I have other obligations) and physical energy.

"Could you give me all the ideas, pros and cons, to consider before making this move?"

For the long-term outlook, the response comes from Kathleen Robertson, associate counsellor from Family Life Ministries in Kingston and participant in the change management programme run by this organisation for Jamaican workplaces. Ms Robertson notes: First of all, Moya will have to consider what her competencies in selling and running a business and in working on her own are.

In making the decision to leave one's job and centre income-earning activities at home, one should not be 'following fashion', looking at experience of others who may have done the same thing.

One positive of working from home is a more relaxed working environment. There are some individuals who do not work very well under pressure and produce better when left to themselves and without the distractions of the workplace.

set regular working hours

However, it requires discipline and you will need to set regular working hours that you work on a schedule. Otherwise you might miss deadlines, having ignored the required volume of work within a set time period which you need.

Is Moya a good salesperson? Having tried this on the side and succeeded, it might be an indication that she can continue to do well.

For those who wish to test their business skills, it is a good idea to create and complete a project with clear targets achieved. You may also conduct a mini-feasibility study. Talk to other people in the field to see what their experiences have been so that you do not make the same mistakes that they have made.

Moya will also be facing increasing expenses at home like telephone, fax and email. The operating expenses will now go to the home account rather than the work account of an organisation.

There are also convenience considerations to be looked at. Is there space to store the products? Use of the home space for work could be a source of family conflict. Another inconvenience could be calls coming in at hours when others in the household need to rest.

Note as well that working at home could disrupt the whole flow of family interaction. You will need to discuss plans fully with everyone concerned.

Email Kathleen Robertson at khrobs@anngel.com.