At one time or another, we’ve all wondered just what it would be like to work in the comfort of our own homes.  We wonder what it would be like to get a little extra sleep in the mornings, to walk down the hall to the office instead of making that ½ hour commute on the freeway, to eat a healthier lunch on the patio rather than always going out to eat, to be able to listen to the radio as loud as we want…without headphones…

As more and more people are stepping out of corporate America to start their own businesses…and as more and more businesses are offering options for those interested in working from home…many of us are getting the opportunity to see what it’s like for ourselves.

Before diving headfirst into the waters of the corporate version of an independent study, there are certainly several things worth considering.  First, and foremost, is the question of whether or not working from home is really for you.  Will you like it?  Will you be productive?  Will it be your dream position?  You may absolutely love working from home.  Or, you may find that you struggle with it.  Below, I’ve highlighted a few issues that I’ve personally experienced and I’ve included some of the ways that I am working with these issues, as well as a variety of ideas that I’ve been offered or read about.
 

• It takes a fairly self-disciplined person to work from home.  It is very easy to get distracted around the house.  You may find yourself doing more household chores than the work you are “supposed” to be doing.  Others may be more inclined to ask you to do non-work related things simply because you are at home.  You may find that, rather than being more productive from home, you actually bounce around from task to task…not feeling very productive.

• You may be looking forward to being more productive in an environment free of interruptions, and that can certainly be the case.  However, it can also get a bit lonely.  There is no one readily available to bounce ideas off or get input from.  You might find yourself frequently making “solo” decisions.  And, one that I struggle with frequently, you may find it harder to celebrate your successes…simply because there is not someone right there…immediately available to share them with.  And, you don’t want to keep bugging your friends and family at their work all the time!

To stay connected while working from home, join professional organizations or networking groups related to your job.  You can also regularly schedule lunch or coffee with friends or contacts.  You might also consider finding an office that you can work from occasionally, or work from one of the many coffee shops that now support internet (both wireless and other) connections.  And, to help you acknowledge your successes, appoint a “celebration buddy.”  Write down your accomplishments during a pre-defined time period and, at the end of that period, call your buddy.

• It can actually be more difficult to make the transition from work to home.  Because you don’t need to leave work to go home…it can be easier to keep working…putting in longer hours than you otherwise would.  Likewise, if you leave your computer on all the time, it can become habit to simply “check 1 more thing” on the computer at the end of the day.  And, finally, your job can pervade the entire house, if you have no distinct transitions between work and home.

You can help keep work at work, and home at home, if you dedicate 1 specific room as an office.  Make sure that you work in this room, leaving other rooms clear of the clutter and atmosphere of an office.  You can close the office door to signify the end of the work day.  If you don’t have a door, create a ritual – desk clearing, shutting computer off, emptying in-box – to “complete” the day.    Or, rather than keeping a home office…rent an office.  In either case, to signal the transition from work to home, you can switch from work clothes to “play” clothes.  To help ensure that you aren’t spending too much time at work, use your time management skills to plan your day.  Try dedicating specific hours to work and finish when your plan says to!

One of the most important things to remember about working from home…is that it is just that…work!  So, when you get that big opportunity to try out something we’ve all wondered about….go for it!  Simply start by considering what creates the most productive environment for you.  Then consistently observe yourself and your efficiency as you work.  Finally, be willing to make adjustments in they way you work as needed.  And, enjoy creating a work environment meant for you!

Copyright 2005 © Spiral of Life Coaching – Laurie Valaer