Menu
I have worked from home for over 10 years with my software company. There are many perks that go with working from home and some disadvantages.
Some people have issues with not having a schedule set in stone or a supervisor to keep them accountable for getting things done. I am not one of those folks and you don’t have to be either.
Most of you have heard the phrase that a JOB = Just Over Broke
If you dive into working from home without some kind of plan you could still be Just Over Broke but if you focus on getting things done you can be more productive and get more done without wasting time and energy commuting.
Have a plan
Use a to do list of some kind even if it is just the old pen and paper. If you set a time frame of when you are going to work it will help you avoid distractions so you can focus on getting things done. Don’t let people tell you what you can and cannot do.
Many people told me I was crazy when I closed on my first house I ever bought and called my boss and told him I was going to have to let him go. That is still one of the most gratifying experiences I’ve ever had. He offered more money and even less hours than I had cut down to but I was going “all in” on my little internet business that I had started in my spare bedroom. You can do it too!
Make sure that you get your most profitable things on your to do list done every day.
Relax
If you work from home you can learn to relax during the normal hectic rush hours during the work week. I have also found that taking a break every hour or so can really help me be more productive than trying to bang out everything I need to get done in one sitting.
Don’t be afraid to work strange hours. Some of my best ideas and breakthroughs have come from working during strange hours but don’t fall into the trap of thinking you have to be working all the time. That is one of the best things about working full time from home, you get to pick when you are working and when you are not and you don’t waste any of your time driving back and forth between work and home.
Delegate things you are not good at
Many people over think this but it’s really simple. If you have something that you are not good at in your business like building or editing your website, design, telemarketing or something else find a way to get someone else to do that as quickly as possible so you can focus your time on doing the most profitable things that you enjoy.
Don’t get caught in the trap of thinking that only you are able to do something right. If the person did not create what you had envisioned give them a little more direction or pick a new provider to deliver that particular service.
Don’t be afraid to take time off
I know a few folks who work from home who never allow themselves the luxury of time off. Your brain needs downtime from work. Do things you enjoy and you will be surprised how many breakthrough ideas come to you while you are trout fishing or hiking.
Enjoy your life and don’t be afraid to tell others that you work entirely from home. This will spark conversations from time to time and you will find that many people work from home. One of the things that I appreciate the most is the freedom and ability to spend so much time with my kids. I help coach their softball teams and rarely miss a practice or a game. Any chance I can spend more of my time with them is an excellent investment for me.
Avoid distractions when trying to focus
I know that sounds easy and obvious but so many people simply cannot turn off their cell phones these days. You will be able to get more done in less time if you avoid all the multitasking that people think they are so good at.
I promise your not nearly as proficient at anything while multitasking email, Facebook, fruit ninja and other distractions all at the same time. Do yourself a favor and turn everything off and close your office door with a note that says do not disturb, Awesome in progress.