"Introverts can naturally draw energy from being solitary and this (I think) is the most important factor," he writes in an iReport.

Mason says that if a person is an extrovert and enjoys social activities, loneliness will set in, and be a big challenge when telecommuting. For extroverted people who say they would love to get out of the company office, they might have a difficult time adjusting to working from home.

"You might be surprised to learn that all those personal interactions, although distracting (and unpleasant) at times, are really what make you feel part of a group," he writes.

Build trust

Jim Johnson, 57, does not miss the "office politics" that are often prevalent in the workplace. He now works from home as a mortgage origination systems consultant.

Johnson says people working from home need to earn the trust of their clients and colleagues by avoiding gossip and keeping co-workers and clients informed.

"The whole system works on trust," he said. "Always do your best to understand your customers' and co-workers' viewpoints before you communicate with them. Don't make rash promises you can't keep, and do everything in your power to keep those promises you make."

Johnson often corresponds with colleagues and clients using e-mail, but he knows where to draw the line.

"Keep all shareholders informed, but don't 'shotgun' your messages to everyone," he said. "If you do, your messages will be ignored."

Keep communication concise and work-related, he says. To earn the trust of colleagues, Johnson emphasizes the importance of keeping a written record of all conversations and correspondence.

"Document everything and use the very best desktop search tools you can to quickly retrieve and resend things," he said. "It will save you from a whole lot of 'he said/she said' trust breakers."

Make sure you have a voice

Cara Case, 25, works as a human resources representative for a small tech firm that requires her to travel. Since her company allows employees to telecommute, she alternates one week at her home in San Francisco and one week in Seattle.

Her biggest fear of working from home: being out of sight, out of mind.

"I don't want anyone to forget I'm there and maybe pass over my opinion on a project or a decision," she said.

To stay assertive and ensure that she has a voice in the company, Case makes more of an effort to speak up by keeping her cell phone on all day and communicating with colleagues through instant messenger.

But because of this, Case struggles with keeping her personal and professional lives separate. She is constantly in contact with co-workers, but she says it's important to know when to turn off the computer and hang up the phone.

"Don't let people at work abuse the fact that you are working at home," she said. "Your time is just as valuable as theirs, and there needs to be a work/life balance, or you will resent your work."

Case spends an equal amount of time at the company office as she spends working at home, but she accomplishes more when she works by herself without distractions.

"When I'm at home, I'm focused," she said. "I would even go as far as saying I get more done at home than I do in the office."

Do you work at home? Share your tips on how to collaborate and stay creative.