The first time you decide you would like to work at home, you may be tempted to find a telecommuting job or join a home business opportunity immediately. No doubt the benefits of those options, but stop and think for a moment: "Is that the right choice for me?"

While there are some great companies and programs out there, it is important to assess their true needs and wants in a career at home. I see many people jumping at the first opportunity they see, simply because it promises great income. The money is certainly an important part of our job right, but it's more important? You have to choose the option that meet your needs, not just financial.

How do you know which is the best option for you? Consider the qualities typical of remote jobs, business opportunities at home and home based businesses started from scratch:

Telecommuting Jobs

Pros - With jobs usually have less responsibility than a home business, and a steady paycheck and a structured work schedule. If you are very efficient, organized and "production oriented", this could be a good option for you.

Pros - You will have less flexibility and freedom that you would with a home business. You are not encouraged to "do it your way" - instead must follow the instructions of his employer. Their workload is not guaranteed. Companies can reduce speed and not have work to do, which means no income. Typically, they earn less than a telecommuting job that would make a home business. If they are very creative and free spirit, and want to get a higher income, a job may not be right for you.

Home Business Opportunities

Pros - More flexibility and freedom to work, more opportunities for higher income (if you're motivated), less likely to slow business (because they generate their own business) benefit from being part of a team related the people who support and help grow your business. No need to create your own products and marketing materials, as the company provides for you.

Pros - and much less flexibility and freedom to start their own business, as the company may have restrictions on driving your business, how to promote, etc. You can have sales quotas to meet needs, or other limitations. Choose a company that has existed for a long time can lead to market saturation, while the choice of a new company can result in instability or the company goes bankrupt.

His own company

Pros - total freedom and flexibility in creating products or services offered, as well as the ways in which you choose on the market. There are no quotas to meet, build something bigger or to be small. Set your own schedule and determine your own income. Be as creative as you want.

Pros - A great responsibility. You are the President, CEO, Director General, Director of Sales, Marketing Manager, Production Manager, Comptroller, Director of Personnel and everything else for your company. There's nobody there to help or encourage you on, everything depends on you.

There are certainly exceptions to the qualities listed above. Perhaps you can find a great job that allows telecommuting complete flexibility and creative work. Perhaps some of the "cons" that actually above are considered "professional" you, or vice versa.

The intention is what you want. What works best for you? Make a list of what is important to you. How much do you earn? How creative you are? How flexible you want your schedule to be? What kind of work makes you feel happier?

Building a vision in his mind of the perfect work at home career for you. And then try to find (or create) just that!