Most workers in this industry work in clean, quiet offices. Given the technology available today, however, more work can be done from remote locations using modems, fax machines, e-mail, and especially the Internet.

About 9 percent of the workers in software publishing firms work part time, compared with 16 percent of workers throughout all industries. For some professionals, evening or weekend work may be necessary to meet deadlines or solve problems. Professionals working for large establishments may have less freedom in planning their schedule than do consultants for very small firms, whose work may be more varied.

Employees who work at video terminals for extended periods may experience musculoskeletal strain, eye problems, stress, or repetitive motion illnesses, such as carpal tunnel syndrome.