Making a career transition from the corporate office to the home office can be a thrilling or frightening experience. Many moms in your position have smiled all the way home, despite their fears and unanswered questions. Some moms have a more difficult time and are not prepared for a major change. The following five tips can help you make a smooth transition and enjoy the experience:

1. Get Your Financial Situation in Order

Most of the fears that attribute to making a career transition from the corporate office to the home office revolve around money. You may be fearful of making enough money to pay your bills each month, or whether you'll ever be able to pay off your debts. If you're making a transition in your later years, you may be concerned about having enough money to pay your health care costs or insurance premiums. Before you make the transition, draft a financial plan to address all of your concerns. It should include a budget, financial goals and downsizing where necessary.

2. Network with Veteran WAHMS

You'll get your questions answered, fears addressed, and receive comfort and moral support from WAHMS who have been there and done that. Find WAHMS who have worked home for awhile so that you can get advice. You'll also have someone willing to listen to your challenges when you need it. You can find WAHMS online, in your neighborhood, or by asking friends and family for referrals. You'll be surprised at how many WAHMS are willing and able to help you with your career transition.

3. Ask Your Employer for Work

The first client of some WAHMS is their former boss. If you have an established relationship with your employer, a solid job performance and an honest reputation, you may have an opportunity to do some work for your employer at home. It doesn't have to be your main work, especially if you're seeking a career transition out of that field. Working for your employer may be a temporary situation until you get clients or work for others. Don't miss an opportunity that might be available to you right there at your job.

 4. Set Work Hours

You should approach working from home with the same professionalism as you did your corporate office job. Set work hours and stick to them as much as possible. The best hours revolve around your family's schedule, and for many moms that's when the children are asleep.  If you don't set work hours, you won't take your new job as seriously as you should. You won't be successful in getting all of your tasks done, and you'll struggle with time management.

5. Leave on a Good Note

Your colleagues and supervisors should have a high opinion of you when you leave. Try to leave your job on a good note. They may refer clients to you in the future or give you professional help if you continue to work in the same line of work and get stuck.

The key to a great career transition from the corporate office to the home office is to practice humility. Ask for help when you need it and don't stop learning.

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Daphne Mallory, Esq. is the co-owner of Mallory Writing Services and has written more than 100 articles helping home based business owners and entrepreneurs start and market their business.