For most moms who begin work at home jobs it's a euphoric moment... the moment they realize that the needs of their children will no longer have to take a back seat to their outside job and from now on, they can have it all. From now on they will be able to work completely free and unsupervised and make their baby a priority, not the j-o-b. Although exciting, this set of circumstances can give birth to a common misconception among new moms who begin work at home jobs... the misconception that just because one has other more important priorities and a work at home job and can work unsupervised, that they can sacrifice some of the professionalism and take a more casual attitude toward their work.

The reality is that for many people with work at home jobs, they need to work more professionally at home, not less. This is especially true for people for people whose work at home jobs is a test for their company or for their particular position. Often, new moms are able to persuade their employer to convert their old onsite job to a new work at home job for the new mom. Understandably, when a company begins to convert some of their worksite jobs to work at home jobs, the entire concept of working at home is being tested and scrutinized. If the employers who are fortunate enough to obtain work at home jobs begin to work unprofessionally or create unnecessary problems due to the lack of supervision, the company may abandon it's offsite labor program(s) entirely. The end result will be no more work at home jobs.

Another reason why it is so important to maintain absolute professionalism in your work at home career is because there is sometimes a need to overcompensate in order to appease company critics of the work at home program or particularly insecure or nervous supervisors. If you maintain the appearance of absolute professionalism at all times the conception on the part of your employer will be that you are professional in everything you do, whether they are able to watch you do it or not.

Those of us with work at home jobs -- including us new moms -- are wise to follow these Top Six Rules of professionalism for moms and dads with work at home jobs:

1. As much as possible, try to separate the needs of your children from your work and vice versa. To the extent possible, do not allow your family to completely trample your job-related boundaries. This mental separation will allow you to be more professional with you're working on your work at home job.
   
   
2. Always maintain total professionalism when on the phone, regardless of who you're talking to.
   
   
3. People with work at home jobs that involve incoming telephone calls should not allow other family members to answer their business phone line(s). If family members do answer your business phone(s) on occasion, be sure they are fully trained to take a message or place the caller on hold and that they are absolutely professional. Children should never answer business phone calls.
   
   
4. Always keep your committments. People with work at home jobs can too easily give the impression that they're "goofing off" if promises are not kept or are not kept on time.
   
   
5. Dress the part. The old adage that claims we feel the way we look is true and it stays true for parents with work at home jobs. It's true that when you work at home you can work in your pajamas, but if you'll be working with other people by phone, mail or email, you'll feel and act far more professional if you're fully groomed and properly dressed when you begin work. Even if you don't have to, don't start work until you're fully showered and dressed so that you feel and act professional.
   
   
6. People with work at home jobs -- even busy and distracted parents -- shouldn't take short cuts. As much as posssible, keep doing your job exactly the way you used to do it in the office or the way it is commonly done in an office. Shortcuts on communication, methods or paperwork may give the impression that you're not taking your work seriously.
   
   

If you have a work at home job, you are very fortunate to be able to be there for children and family at the same time that you can work and produce an income. To help ensure you security with your work at home job remember that your work at home job is your still a job. The fastest way to lose your work at home job is to view it as anything less than a serious job. You may be working at home and getting high on your new freedom and lifestyle but if you want to keep that freedom be sure you are absolutely professional at all times. Professionalism begins with respect for your work and a professional attitude.