The internet and smart devices are making it much easier to now work from home and several companies around the world are increasingly offering the option. The growing eco-system of startups and almost everyone wanting to be an entrepreneur is another reason why this option is becoming more and more common. AngelList founder, Naval Ravikant has also said that in the not-so-far-away future, everyone will be working for themselves. If that is the future, most, if not everyone, would be working from home – the exact opposite of the present state.
A survey by the Office of National Statistics, showed that nearly 14% of the workforce were based at home – a record number – and this was in 2014. However, while working from home does sound lucrative, it isn’t always easy. So here are some simple rules to follow to help you move along with your plans of being a work from home professional:
1. Stress on ‘work’ when explaining the work from home concept to your family and friends
You need to explain to your family and friends that you are ‘working’ from home and you’re not available for them to just drop in or call for long chats and expect you to be available. It’s your career and a job that just so happens to be based at home. Given how most people spend little time at home anyway, maybe this is a better justification of paying rent or owning the house (and why it’s a smart choice because it doubles up as both – your office and your home).
On the other hand, the joy of working from home is that you are your own boss, so, if you feel the need of taking a break to have long chats and taking a walk – go ahead. It’s all on you.
2. Create a work area
Part of the reason why work from home makes more sense than renting a cheap office space is the fact that cheap offices can be less comfortable. If you’re going to work from home, you can set up a small corner in your flat or a spare room you may have. Bring in your favorite desk coupled with a comfortable chair, some plants and flowers, inspiring images, good stationery, a decent laptop or computer and you’re good to go.
3. Find a network for support
Working from home could feel lonely and it does give you the feeling of isolation. On the other hand, would you rather have another uninteresting, non-productive story of your colleague’s domestic issues/cat/diet/weekend plans? Just find a group for some solace, support and laughs, this could even be an online one – with a network of people who are into the same or similar space as you and actually ‘get’ what you do. This can be way more productive than another water-cooler gossip session you don’t want to know about. Also, you’ll be surprised at how much work help and collaborations can come from these virtual groups of fellow-professionals.
4. Wear what you like, with caution
It is undoubtedly more comfortable to be sitting in your sweat pants or pajamas rather than work clothes that often leave you feeling constricted – it’s also cheaper. However, you need not be a slob. Freshen up and dress in smart casuals before you enter your ‘work space’. Also, keep a handful of outfits for meetings with clients so that you don’t waste time looking to pair something up when you need. It need not be formals but it just needs to be something that gives the impression of a ‘professional’ so that people can take you seriously.
5. No TV while you work from home
Just like you would in an office, it’s fine if you play some music in the background while you work, some people do perform better in fact. However, if you’re watching something be it a TV show or movie, you know you aren’t working – admit it.
6. Disguised procrastination
Many people working from home may feel the need to first clean the kitchen or put clothes in for washing. You may even think this is because you are house-proud, however, that’s not what you’re getting paid for. Oftentimes these are just reasons you sew to dress your procrastination and it can leave you feeling overwhelmed and even stressed. Train yourself to follow a routine or learn to ignore a little bit of mess.
Having said that, the benefits of being able to work from home is that you can stay on top of your game in both – your professional space and your personal one. Maybe doing small home-related chores while you take a break from work is a good option.
7. Stock up on healthy snacks
Keep some choices of healthy snacks around like fruits, nuts and vegetables for salads instead of turning to fatty alternatives. Don’t turn to fast food due to paucity of time, plan your schedule accordingly and keep some portions of healthier food around that you have access to if and when required.
8. Don’t stay at home constantly and take time out to exercise
Since you work from home, you have already saved yourself of the commute to and fro to an office, replace that time with some exercise. Take time out to go for a jog or a walk at least. For office goers, an off day could just be relaxing at home but for folk who work from home, it makes more sense to try and have a get-away, else you could find yourself gravitating back your workspace.
9. Setting aside some money
Although it’s easier said than done, if you’re working from home and self-employed (as opposed to working for an organization that allows staff to work from home) your main concern, as always, is going to be finances. Guessing a client’s account schedules, following-up on late payments, trying to clear your own bills when you’re low on cash-reserve already are common. So, on certain months that you have a boom of projects, put aside some cash for times when payments could be difficult. Also, keep in mind holidays and the possibility of falling ill. Remember, when you’re self-employed you don’t get paid for days you don’t work – sad but simple.
10. Chose your hours of working that suits you best
If you’re a morning person you can wake up early and get cracking or if you work best at night you can do that too. That’s one of the joys of being self-employed and working from home. Figure out a routine that works for you, so long as you get the job done on time. Working in an office largely entails working in accordance with other people’s timetables, so when you find the liberty to set up your own, it can be pleasantly surprising when to see how much you can get through in less time.
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