Telework and telecommuting (working from home or from a telework center) are a growing trend, especially in or near metropolitan areas. You may work as an independent contractor or as an employee of a corporation or government agency. For example, in telework centers around the Washington, D.C., area, corporations or government agencies rent fully equipped cubicle space. Some employees may opt to work at these centers instead of traveling all the way downtown. Some corporations will also equip home offices for employees who telecommute.

If you're interested in telework, be sure to keep the following in mind:

• Be proactive. If you work for a company in a job you love when your spouse gets orders, ask your employer about telework possibilities. Many employers have the technology that makes this possible on a large scale.
• Be creative. Do your homework before asking your employer about telework possibilities. Have a plan in mind for how you will work and how you will make the arrangement practical and profitable for your employer.
• Equipment needs. If you’ll be working from home, determine whether your employer will provide a computer, Internet access, or other work necessities or whether you’ll need to supply your own.
• Installation regulations. If you’ll be working from your installation home, check with the housing office when setting up your telework arrangements to make sure you comply with regulations.
• Licensing, certification, taxes, zoning. Be sure to check into local regulations as well, to make sure you’re in compliance.