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I work from home full time, and so do several other workers that have to attend to “issues” early AM or late PM. I’m sometimes am at the computert 5:30 AM doing work, and am oftentimes working at 11 PM. The upside is during the day my schedule is more flexible, I’m not strapped to a desk 8 hours a day. But the upside for my company is that I’m available if there’s a problem, 24/7. Another upside for me is no distractions, I love that part.

Telecommuting makes lots of sense to me, and our company uses it to great advantage.

I’ve often joked that those of us that telecommute are the most reliable employees. We work when we’re sick (without infecting the rest of the employees), we have surgery and are back on our computers working on our laptops once we’re home. (I have MS and I know there would have been days that had I needed to “go” to an office, I wouldn’t have been able to, but I can get on my laptop and get the work done from home, no problem.) We never have an excuse like, the traffic held us up, or the weather is too bad to come in.

Spot-on FRiend! I know for a fact that teleworkers are more reliable and put in more hours. I don't call in sick unless I'm extremely ill and even then I manage to get a few hours in. Regarding availability, due to the stigma of "working from home" most of us teleworkers are actually more available. For example: If someone comes to your desk in the office and you aren't there they automatically think you are in a meeting or the restroom. If someone calls or instant messages a teleworker and they don't immediately respond it is assumed they are slacking off. Perception is a challenge for teleworkers.