Work From Home? Do It Professionally
December 24, 2012
Guest post by Blog Manager Robbi Hess
When your commute takes you less than 30 seconds, there are times when it is tempting to simply roll
out of bed, brush your teeth, grab a coffee, click on the computer and start your day. While this may seem ideal, especially to individuals who have to brave the roads and traffic on a daily basis, you still need to be "presentable" even when you work from home.
As a work-from-home writer, it was a thrill to be able to give up the commute, but there was a learning curve when it came to being a productive work-from-home individual. Here is what I learned:
- Get dressed. No, you don't have to put on pumps and panty hose or a suit and tie, but please get out of the pajamas. You will feel more productive and professional if you face your workday with the same professionalism as if you were going to an office.
- Make a to-do list. When faced with being able to work when you want for how long you want, it is easy to see the day slipping away and when the five o'clock whistle blows you've accomplished nothing. What did you do? Where did the day go? A to-do list, made the night before, gets you in the mindset of having to get your work done and will help you keep set office hours. You don't want to be working at midnight when the rest of the family is sleeping just because you frittered away the day, do you?
- Speaking of working until midnight... set regular office hours. Let your clients and family and friends know that even though you work from home you are actually working between the hours of 8 am and 5 pm (or whatever hours you set for yourself) Let friends and family know you are unavailable -- just as they are when they are at the office -- during your office hours.
- Get up and move. It's easy to fall into the trap of sitting in front of the computer and not getting up and moving around. It's unhealthy mentally and physically. Get up and move at least once an hour. Also, make certain you step away from the computer to have your lunch break.
- Find an accountability partner. If you have work due for clients, they may well be your accountability partner, but in some cases it's nice to talk with someone who works from home and who understands your situation. Lean on your partner when you need motivation and provide the same to him or her.
What are your work-from-home tricks?
That's right that we feel more comfortable and more serious with our work when we are not dressed with our pijamas. It makes me feel more serious and gives me the atmosphere that I'm at work when Iim dressed normally. but not with the pijamas. Making a to-do list is our schedule and standing moving or giving a break every one hour is very important for our health.
Posted by: Gokhan | January 19, 2013 at 06:41 AM
You are absolutely right that when you work from home then you should Get dressed and Make a to-do list. I am working from home so I totally agree with two points. Because when I work after well dressed then my work output is better.
Posted by: p4parttime | December 24, 2012 at 02:35 PM