Getting Started Part 2

Workspace

I have found that the best suitable private workplace for me is in my bedroom since I do not have an available spare room in my home at this time. I do intend to have a separate private room for my home office once things get going. Being a parent who works from home comes with a few challenges as despite being more easily accessible to our families as we are present at home, during working hours we need our privacy and quiet. This means, that our families need to respect and be supportive of our work-at-home ethics. We must be firm and lay down the rules early or end up getting stressed from the constant interruptions and background noises.

Equipment & Services

To set up your home office all you need basically is:

ü  Desktop or laptop

ü  High-speed internet ( BTL currently offer 512 kb for $ BZ 88 )

ü  Webcam

ü  Microphone

ü  Phone

ü  Security Software ( some clients prefer you using the same as theirs)

ü  Desk

ü   Comfy chair

ü  Air conditioning unit or low noise fan ( depending on your comfort level and budget)

ü  Multifunctional printer such as the HP Officejet Pro 8600  cost only $ US 160.

 Most online employers require us to have Skype  which is blocked in Belize by BelizeTelemedia Ltd. who are as the foremost ISP in Belize. Those seeking employment as administrative support, virtual assistants or secretaries are excluded from many telecommuting job bids due to not having this service available. This is very exasperating for those who are desperately trying to find a job and many Belizeans are now using VPN (virtual private network) services to bypass this problem. I am still researching these services and alternative solution to this impasse and suggest you do the same.

Payment Methods

The payment method for most companies is via PayPal or Bank Wire Transfer.

PayPal

According to Ms. Coyi of the Belize Central Bank, we must get permission from the Belize Central Bank prior to opening a Paypal account.  To get permission you must do the following:

1. Write a letter explaining the purpose of your needing this type account, that it will be used only to receive payments for online work/income and not to send foreign exchange out of the country. Remember to provide a valid mailing address, telephone number and email.  Address letter to:

Ms. Azucena Quan-Novelo
Director
Research Department
Belize Central Bank
Belize City

      2.  Attach a copy of your Belize passport or Social Security card

Upon of receipt of the permission from the Belize Central Bank you may then proceed with opening your PayPal account.

Bank Wire Transfer

For bank wire transfers there is a fee of $BZ 50 charged by local banks for the transaction. Companies like oDesk charge a commission fee of 10% plus a fee of $US 30 per wire transfer for bank fees and processing. So folks, we need to be making some serious dollars here for this type of employment to be lucrative as we are looking at some serious overhead costs here.

Exercise

As telecommuters we will be spending a lot of time sitting at a computer, therefore ensuring we get adequate exercise is very important for our health and well-being. I highly recommend daily walks as this not only keeps us fit and energetic but helps us to not feel isolated from missing the office crowd.  If you are not a morning person like me, then instead of driving to do errands during the day, take a walk. If you decide to walking early morn or after dark, remember always to be safe and have a walking buddy and to avoid known high crime areas of the city and isolated and poorly lit areas at night.