This morning I was watching the local traffic report and once again thanking the good Lord for the fact that I wasn’t battling that bumper to bumper freeway mess because, of course, I work from home.
While working from home means that many a morning may find us at the computer in our P.J.’s while sipping a hot cup of coffee; it often can present its own unique set of challenges.
Working from home is often not perceived by others as a “real job”. Oftentimes our family can be the biggest culprits, especially if you have small children at home with you. The whole concept that mommy is working to a pre-schooler is often just an excuse to misbehave in order to grab your attention.
The same holds true with the neighbors that drop by unannounced or ask that you be the person to accept a furniture delivery or let in a repairman because after all – “you’re just at home”.
It is no wonder that we ourselves get off track. Especially when there are a million things we’d rather be doing than picking up the phone. Suddenly it looks MUCH more attractive to do a load of laundry or clean out that junk drawer. Sound familiar?
Well, here are some tips to try to help stay focused while working from home.
Family challenges –
1. Have special activities that only come out when mommy’s on the phone. Consider keeping them in a box in your office for such times.
2. Set the timer for the kids. Let them know that when the timer goes off, mom will play a game or read a story.
3. Trade time for time with another friend who has children your children’s ages to get some work done.
4. When going out for the evening, be sure to tell your kids you are going to WORK (vs. going to do a PARTY). To a child, there is a world of difference!
….For more ideas on things to do with the kids while you are on the phone, CLICK HERE for a great resource.
Neighbors –
When you are working, you are working. If you were at an office outside the home your neighbor wouldn’t just “drop by” for a visit or ask you to accept a delivery. Just explain that you are working and aren’t available to help out. When you treat your job like a job outside the home, others will as well.
Other tips –
1. Make a “to-do” list the night before. We have said it before and will say it again. A list is the key to staying on task. Don’t forget a list of names and phone numbers to make phoning more efficient.
2. One load of laundry a day will change your life (another tip that is an oldie but a goodie). Laundry, dishes and other housework can be done first thing in the morning or late at night. NOT during prime phoning time. Also, consider hiring a cleaning service. I decided within my first year in the business that I’d much rather go out and do a party one extra evening than to scrub my toilets or iron my husband’s shirts.
3. Schedule your time wisely. Generally speaking, clearing your email isn’t work. Get lost on the Internet late at night or early in the morning. Resist the temptation to leave your email open all day at your desk.
4. Assuming there is another parent at home or someone to keep an eye on the kids, try to shut the door in the room where you are working. Cutting out the distractions will help you to get much more done.
Copyright 2007 by The Success Factory All Rights Reserved
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