Thanks to the telecommuting trend in business today, a growing number of people have found a way to add productivity to their work and enjoyment to their lives. A job no longer determines where you live. Home offices can put you in contact with your corporate office and your clients at a moment's notice. And that home office could easily be located at a second home of your own -- somewhere where you can enjoy the resort or vacation environment of your dreams.

High-speed communications and advancing technology coupled with the chance to save money on overhead make companies more likely to let workers take the job home. Employers looking to reduce costs can save money by reducing office space. Consequently, many employees are taking advantage of the opportunity to work from home.

Why is telecommuting on the rise? The image of a tanned employee operating a laptop on the beaches of Maui apparently doesn't bother most employers as long as the work gets done. Many employers view telecommuting as not only good for employees but also advantageous to their companies. After all, managers who implement telecommuting programs can point to cost reductions, increased productivity and improved employee morale as good reason to make the change.

What affect could telecommuting have on my special needs? Today's workers have sometimes been referred to as the "Sandwich Generation." They are providing care not only for their children, but also for elderly parents. To these workers sandwiched between work and important commitments at home, working at home or having a home-based business is more important than ever. Telecommuting offers more flexibility by allowing people to work business schedules and personal obligations into a pattern that's good for them, their families and their employers. The option to spend some of one's working time with family at a resort property or vacation home can help to alleviate the stress that accompanies these personal obligations.

Is there a trend toward second homes? There are millions of "Baby Boomers," those born between 1946 and 1964, living in the U.S. and Canada today.

The first of the baby boomers just turned 52. The last of the boomers will be turning 50 in the year 2014. And the first wave of "Generation X" is not far behind. Since many people buy a second home between the ages of 45 and 64, this affluent group of home buyers could be buying second homes until 2030.

As these trends continue, the number of people telecommuting from their "Paradise" and "vacationing" at the office for occasional business meetings and training programs will almost certainly continue to rise.

Only you and your employer can decide whether you should become a part of the trend. Together you must determine whether or not your skills and responsibility fit the telecommuting mode. However, if they do, you should know that corporations that mandate telecommuting often pay for the equipment and provide full benefits. So it's a win-win situation. Good for you and your company.

How can a real estate professional help? Purchasing a second home makes financial sense for those seeking an enhanced lifestyle, reduced stress and more opportunities to combine work and play. A qualified real estate professional that can connect you with a network of resort property specialists can be a real asset in your search for a second home. Not only should they be able to help you compare various resort and vacation home communities, they can connect you with real estate professionals in those communities that are part of a respected North American real estate network.