I run a business from home. I came out of a big corporate environment, so at first I was concerned that customers and suppliers would look-down on me or expect to see a nice office, etc...
I have worked all over the world, and in fact, Americans are the most accepting and practical in this regard. Many of my customers still in the corporate world envied me, and many customers found passing business to me, at home or not, saved them money on new hires, training, benefits, etc...(its also why I believe existing companies will not drive employment in this economy - but I digress)
In the end, few seem to care if I work from home. Its the strength of one’s work and character the speak loudest.
I’m running my own commodities business. I’m becoming an agent so that way when I seal deals, I can get both the commission and the income from the contract. I simply don’t see the point in trying to get a normal job when there are none out there and also dealing with co-workers who are ready to blow up at you within a moment’s notice.