I was recently reminded how flexible my schedule is since I work from home. I had to call a service person to repair my washer. Normally, one of the major concerns is having an adult there during the three hour window they give you.

If I was working for someone else, somewhere else, I would have to work out with them having time off to be at my house to wait for the repair person to show up.

Because I work for myself from my home, I was able to say with confidence that I would be home. This allowed me to schedule the repair time when it was most convenient for me instead of others. And I didn’t feel like I was wasting my time waiting.

Other benefits that I enjoy is being able to do things with my sons, ages 16 and 10, during the day when they want to do them. I get to spend quantity time with them and quality time running my business.

Having a home based business has allowed me to minimize many irritants and given me the flexibility to maximize my enjoyment.

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Gas prices are one thing that I have not had to really worry about this year. I work from home and drive maybe 3,000 miles per year. I fill up about every six weeks during the summer, every four weeks when school is in session.

To get to work, I do a carpet commute to my office. I work in what I feel like working in, usually shorts and a t-shirt. Shoes are optional. The schedule is flexible. The boss doesn’t complain if I don’t come back from lunch.

If I had to really deal with gas prices, I can increase what I am receiving from my business. I control it.

It wasn’t always like this. For 20 years, I worked on someone else’s schedule and let them control what I received. Then, five years ago, the best thing that ever happened to me was that I was laid off from a ‘secure’ job. If I was still working, I would be paying over $600 per month just getting there and back.

Gas prices, and other ‘doom and gloom’ events can become less scary when you take control of your life and your income.

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Recession is the word I keep seeing over and over in the news. Business is contracting and laying off thousands of workers. Gas prices are cutting into to everyone’s budget. The unemployment rate has hit 5.7% ( I remember times when 5.7% unemployment was considered a good level.)

What is happening in the economy in nothing compared to what is happening in your personal economy. Even in the midst of the Great Depression, fortunes were made. In the booming economy, many bankruptcies are declared.

No matter which way the wind is blowing, sailing ships can go in all directions.

My economy is under my control. I determine what I receive. I am reminded of an old saying, “Dogs prefer meat, they get bones because they don’t get to choose.”

Working even part time on your side business can produce great dividends from income coming in as well as tax savings.

Set your sails to go where you want to go.

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Lifestyle freedom is different for everyone. My working definition that I use is being able to do what you want when you want. What is implied in this statement is that you do not work for someone else or have someone else control your income.

I enjoy this right now. I work from home. I have enjoyed playing with my boys this summer. Most dads, including my own, get to see their family maybe early in the morning and then when they come dragging in after work. I get to go to movies, get an ice cream or malt in the middle of the afternoon. I have come to understand them better as to who they really are – their thoughts, dreams, fears and humor.

I have a carpet commute. I fill up my gas tank once every four to six weeks. I work from home on my schedule.

I don’t have to worry about my job being cut. I was involved with a layoff about five years ago. Once it was driven home that no job was secure, I stopped pursuing security and sought freedom instead. I have found both.

I invite you to explore how to discover your lifestyle freedom.

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