Get Up And Go To Work - At Home
What's a typical work-from-home day like for you? Here's mine: I get up at whatever o'clock. I turn my computer on and then spend an hour making coffee. I get through with breakfast in time to get an hour or two of work in before lunch. I finally manage to get dressed only because I know I've got to go somewhere. Throw in the several times I get interrupted by the TV and by the time I decide to call it a day, I've logged a good three or four hours of actual work.
Working from home can be a blessing or a curse. The benefits go without saying, but you know I'm going to say them anyway. At the top of the list is: no commute! You don't have to worry about bringing your lunch, and you don't have to get along with anybody.
This isn't my first rodeo. I know better. In my first at-home business, I learned very quickly how important it was to manage my time wisely. It's pretty easy to think that just because you're working from home you have "all the time in the world." I developed the necessary discipline, but, I have relapsed. I'm thinking about going to TMA (Time Management Anonymous).
Discipline is the operative word here. To be successful in a work-at-home endeavor, it must be treated like what it is: a job! Whether I'm working for myself full time or part-time, I am working for myself. People who get paid to study these kinds of things (probably from home) say that even though you are working from home, get up at a predetermined time and get dressed.
You don't have to "dress for the office," but put on some clothes! Do your personal hygiene thing and get dressed. Other recommendations for increased at-home productivity include:
- create a structured routine - answer business e-mails, do research, write, etc.
- go on a "digital diet" - no personal e-mails, TV, personal phone calls, etc.
- set a goal for the day - write a blog, research the next post, write the next post, listen to a training session replay, work on Google Analytics, etc.
- work outside the home occasionally (coffee shop, etc.)
- stay motivated
Sounds a bit more restrictive that what you had in mind? Not really. There's plenty of room to enjoy the work-at-home experience. And remember, if it doesn't work out, you can always fire you.
Recent Comments
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I like how the day goes for you as much as I like your recommendations. Self disciple is key indeed if one is to work from home. Nice post.
Lol, thank you...this is my first time being fully emmersed in working full-time online and I agree, discipline is required.
My main issue is with other people, thinking that because "I am not really working" they think that I am free for them, to pop in and chat for hours, drink my coffee and then there goes my precious time...or the ones who think yay, she is "doing nothing" maybe you should ask her....now how do you deal with those situations in a nice way - although I would love to be rude every now and then if they cross my boundaries.
I make sure that I let everybody know I am at work! Stop them at the door and tell them what time you will be free. Put your work on! By that I mean during your work hours, treat everybody you come in contact with as though they are in your office, which they are! You might have to get rude every now and then because some people just won't take you seriously. Stand your ground.
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I love this. I spend a lot of time on this computer after work.
I can actually say this is hard but I am hooked. I am telling myself every day don't let the fire burn out, don't let the fire burn out.
I am not sure how I am going to feel once I start working from home. But I am willing to give it a try.
Be Blessed
You'll be scared at first, but when it hit's you that you are your own boss, you'll walk a little taller, and hold your head up a little higher. It even feels different spending money you've made instead of money you've earned. It will change how you look at things, how you relate to others, It will change your life. You will love it.
Caljone6750,
I look forward to that day. I want to walk in all GOD's glory of letting be my own boss. It will wonderful day. I am only 5'4 so walking tall will be nice for once.
Thank you kindly for your words. Be Blessed.