Not everyone is cut out to be work at home. Well, maybe not all of their situations enable them to be successful. I'd like to think, based on job duties, that anyone could work at home if they gave it the effort. But let's ground ourselves back in reality and agree that I'm a bit pie-in-the-sky.
So, if it doesn't work for everyone, how do you know if it will work for you? Let's explore some of the factors:
Distractions - To be successful at home, the things that take focus away from work need to be kept to a minimum. That doesn't mean you have to lock yourself in a windowless, soundproof, isolation chamber. But, you do need to make sure that you aren't adding more distraction at home than you would have in the office. The biggest distraction is other people - babies, kids, significant others, neighbors, etc; anyone that is present in the house and requires too much of your attention. While you may switch a load of laundry during lunch, you must remember that you are here to work.
Office Space - Despite what some may think, working from home is not sitting on your couch or lying in bed. You need to have a dedicated work space, just like a space when you would physically go to the office. This cannot be your kitchen table, or an end table, or whatever makeshift thing you think will suffice. In some industries/roles, your office must be private and secured, with the ability to lock files and manage confidential data. Your office must also be safe and ergonomic, for both your long term health, and for legal reasons to protect your employer from workplace safety liability.
Outside Interests - Working at home is physically isolating. While you may compensate socially, there is still a feeling of confinement if you don't leave the house. It is important to have interests that go beyond your four walls to keep your social skills up and your creepiness down. You don't want to be that weirdo that never leaves the house and neighbors whisper about! Your house will turn into a prison if you don't step outside of it. You will feel isolated, alone, and depressed. The best candidates are involved in activities that take place in the outside world: volunteering, church, school, sports activities, social groups, activities with your family, etc.
Social (Media) Skills - You are not the only person working for your company. Even if your work is solitary, there will be others you must connect with, and others you should. If you live on an island, you won't be as engaged with your work, and in turn will not put your whole heart into it. We are social creatures, even the most anti-social of us. We also have a base level of needs, and belonging is a large component. To belong, to engage, you must interact. Being remote, this takes more effort. You have to be willing to reach out and not wait for interactions to come to you. Through electronic means, you must be able to share of yourself and invite others in. This will likely take the form of email, instant message, video chat, phone, and social media venues. If you don't actively employ these techniques in your personal life or current job, you likely will not thrive remotely.
Past Experience - This one is obvious. If someone has worked remotely in the past, they generally know what they are getting into and know if they can handle it. Obviously this cannot be the only factor, but it certainly does help.
Equipment/Tech Savvy - When you work at home, there will be at least some equipment/connections you have to manage. Even if your company supplies everything from the computer to the phone and internet lines, tech support is not onsite to help you if something goes wrong. You should be able to diagnose basic problems like connections. Ideally you are familiar with collaboration tools as well. Being remote, you will need to use webcams, social media, and other tools to stay connected with coworkers. It is important that you feel comfortable with technology enough to utilize these tools with little hand-holding.
Internet Speed - Duh! If you can't maintain a high-speed, dependable connection, it won't work no matter how great everything else is.
This isn't comprehensive. Each role will have unique qualifications, and of course the standard role desirables will also be in play. But these are some of the unique factors that may help you determine if working remote will work for you. Please comment with others!
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