Working from Home – Tips and Tricks to Make the Most of Your Time
When I started working from home,
over a decade ago, legitimate jobs were very scarce. However, over the
last 10 years, the market has changed and many more businesses are
incorporating the home worker into their staff.
The biggest obstacle you have to face when working at home is you. You have to become your own boss, even if you are working for a company. Here are a few lessons I have learned along the way that will help you if you are just getting started in your own work at home position.
Make a designated work area: Without a space designed for your work, you are liable to get side tracked. If you work at the kitchen table, you might find you need to do the dishes instead of the report your boss needs. Having a home office is necessary for you to be the most productive.
Set your work hours: For me this isn't optional, I work the same hours as my co-workers who are in the office, which is 8:30-5:30. However, if your job is flexible, make sure you designate your hours so you can tell family and friends, who may try to stop by, that these are your work hours. You may find it necessary to use a time tracker, especially if you are freelance or work odd hours. There are software programs such as easytimetracking.net, however be aware that most of these come with a subscription cost.
Remind family and friends this is your job: For me it took a while for my family and friends to realize that I was actually working and not just at home watching soap operas and eating Ice cream. Eventually, most of them got it, but I still have the occasional friend who will call around 1pm in the afternoon and act surprised that I am still working.
Take breaks: Honestly, I still struggle with this one. Oftentimes, lunch is in front of the computer while I am working. I am trying to be better at taking a lunch break, walking outside on the porch to get some fresh air. Just the act of standing up and stretching your legs every hour or so is not only beneficial but also crucial.
Respect your employer: If you are on a salary position, as I am, remember that your employer is paying you to work for them during that time. Not to play on the computer, watch television, or clean house. You need to respect your employer and the position you have and give them the time they are paying for.
A few simple rules and guidelines, and working from home can be a successful endeavor for both you and your employer. If your employer doesn't offer work from home opportunities and this is something you are interested in, check out ClarkHoward.com. He gives a list of legitimate work-from-home opportunities.
The biggest obstacle you have to face when working at home is you. You have to become your own boss, even if you are working for a company. Here are a few lessons I have learned along the way that will help you if you are just getting started in your own work at home position.
Make a designated work area: Without a space designed for your work, you are liable to get side tracked. If you work at the kitchen table, you might find you need to do the dishes instead of the report your boss needs. Having a home office is necessary for you to be the most productive.
Set your work hours: For me this isn't optional, I work the same hours as my co-workers who are in the office, which is 8:30-5:30. However, if your job is flexible, make sure you designate your hours so you can tell family and friends, who may try to stop by, that these are your work hours. You may find it necessary to use a time tracker, especially if you are freelance or work odd hours. There are software programs such as easytimetracking.net, however be aware that most of these come with a subscription cost.
Remind family and friends this is your job: For me it took a while for my family and friends to realize that I was actually working and not just at home watching soap operas and eating Ice cream. Eventually, most of them got it, but I still have the occasional friend who will call around 1pm in the afternoon and act surprised that I am still working.
Take breaks: Honestly, I still struggle with this one. Oftentimes, lunch is in front of the computer while I am working. I am trying to be better at taking a lunch break, walking outside on the porch to get some fresh air. Just the act of standing up and stretching your legs every hour or so is not only beneficial but also crucial.
Respect your employer: If you are on a salary position, as I am, remember that your employer is paying you to work for them during that time. Not to play on the computer, watch television, or clean house. You need to respect your employer and the position you have and give them the time they are paying for.
A few simple rules and guidelines, and working from home can be a successful endeavor for both you and your employer. If your employer doesn't offer work from home opportunities and this is something you are interested in, check out ClarkHoward.com. He gives a list of legitimate work-from-home opportunities.
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