Photo: ujnemzedek
Working from home sounds more like a dream come true. But people who've been on this boat can understand that even though working from home has its perks like saving time on commute, working as per your own terms and being your own boss, sometimes it can certainly bring a lot of challenges.
These challenges can be different for every person but most commonly people working from home face difficulty concentrating on their daily task as they have no boss to keep a check on their productivity.
One other common challenge is lack of motivation. Working alone at home can be a bit monotonous at times which can be daunting.
So how do you make this 'work from home' task a success?
My sister and I have both been freelancers for a while now so we have faced and prevailed these common challenges in the early phase of work from home. And we would like to share the effective tips that helped us make working from home both fun and rewarding.
One other common challenge is lack of motivation. Working alone at home can be a bit monotonous at times which can be daunting.
So how do you make this 'work from home' task a success?
My sister and I have both been freelancers for a while now so we have faced and prevailed these common challenges in the early phase of work from home. And we would like to share the effective tips that helped us make working from home both fun and rewarding.
1. Make a To-Do List
Make a list and jot down everything that needs to be done. Make different categories it that helps. Commit to yourself that no matter what comes in the way, everything in the to-do list would be checked off at the end of the day.
Make a list and jot down everything that needs to be done. Make different categories it that helps. Commit to yourself that no matter what comes in the way, everything in the to-do list would be checked off at the end of the day.
Photo: dumblittleman
2. Set Aside a Working Space
Invest in creating a home office with proper lighting and infrastructure that screams 'perfect office'. Set up a work table with a comfortable chair and perhaps a book shelf at the corner with your favorite books on it. The idea is to make your brain believe that you in a legitimate working environment. And that nothing or no one should interfere during your working hours.
Invest in creating a home office with proper lighting and infrastructure that screams 'perfect office'. Set up a work table with a comfortable chair and perhaps a book shelf at the corner with your favorite books on it. The idea is to make your brain believe that you in a legitimate working environment. And that nothing or no one should interfere during your working hours.
Photo: mycyfi
3. Dress For Work
This doesn't mean that you should wear formal clothes like you would for a business meeting but do make an effort to get out of your PJ's and take a shower. Wear something comfortable yet presentable that would make you feel more professional. Change into your PJ's at the end of the day after having finished your day's task. This would set clear boundaries between work time and off work hours.
This doesn't mean that you should wear formal clothes like you would for a business meeting but do make an effort to get out of your PJ's and take a shower. Wear something comfortable yet presentable that would make you feel more professional. Change into your PJ's at the end of the day after having finished your day's task. This would set clear boundaries between work time and off work hours.
Photo: seoglobalwork
4. Keep 'Friends Time' For The Weekend
Don't let friends stop by for a chit-chat session. Agreed, you are home but that does not mean that you should entertain friends and relatives whenever they come by. In case they do stop by, politely tell them that it's not a good time and weekend and you'd love to catch up on the weekend.
It is all about separating your work time and leisure time.
Don't let friends stop by for a chit-chat session. Agreed, you are home but that does not mean that you should entertain friends and relatives whenever they come by. In case they do stop by, politely tell them that it's not a good time and weekend and you'd love to catch up on the weekend.
It is all about separating your work time and leisure time.
Photo: dignited
5. A Change Of Environment Might Be Good
If sitting on the couch or or your home office suddenly feels a bit boring, pack your stuff and take your work to a coffee shop. This change of environment can be really helpful. If that's undo-able, try moving to your porch or the backyard. The fresh air and nature will feed your brain with new ideas.
If sitting on the couch or or your home office suddenly feels a bit boring, pack your stuff and take your work to a coffee shop. This change of environment can be really helpful. If that's undo-able, try moving to your porch or the backyard. The fresh air and nature will feed your brain with new ideas.
Photo: yaminivijendran
6. Make Fun Signals For Family
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is unintentional interruption from family members. They may not realize that them barging in during our working hours can be extremely disturbing and may even hamper our deliverable. So what do you do? You can't tell them as it might hurt their feelings, so here's what we suggest you do.
Get big hardware tapes that come in different colors and put it on the door to convey your work status.
Stick RED for 'busy' or 'do not disturb', YELLOW for 'knock and check first', and GREEN for 'not busy'.
This can be fun for others and kids comprehend the rules easily.
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is unintentional interruption from family members. They may not realize that them barging in during our working hours can be extremely disturbing and may even hamper our deliverable. So what do you do? You can't tell them as it might hurt their feelings, so here's what we suggest you do.
Get big hardware tapes that come in different colors and put it on the door to convey your work status.
Stick RED for 'busy' or 'do not disturb', YELLOW for 'knock and check first', and GREEN for 'not busy'.
This can be fun for others and kids comprehend the rules easily.
Photo: exactrix
7. Pretend You Are Not Home
Imagine you are at your office and not your home. Don't answer the door for neighbors or solicitors, don't go out for midday errands and definitely don't take care of home chores during your working hours.
Imagine you are at your office and not your home. Don't answer the door for neighbors or solicitors, don't go out for midday errands and definitely don't take care of home chores during your working hours.
Photo: entreprenista
8. Take a Day Off If You Feel Burnt Out
Don't let work stress or frustration get in the way. Boost your creative energy by taking a day off if need be. Don't push yourself too hard and realize when you are stuck. It's absolutely normal to get stuck sometimes and all your need is a break from routine. Go for a drive, meditate, read, swim, play tennis or golf, or just go to the beach, whatever you'd like to be. Get back to work the next day, you'll feel a lot better.
Don't let work stress or frustration get in the way. Boost your creative energy by taking a day off if need be. Don't push yourself too hard and realize when you are stuck. It's absolutely normal to get stuck sometimes and all your need is a break from routine. Go for a drive, meditate, read, swim, play tennis or golf, or just go to the beach, whatever you'd like to be. Get back to work the next day, you'll feel a lot better.
Photo: tantaicbs
9. Stay Away From TV And Phone
We can understand the temptation you may have of watching your favorite movie or show but television is off limits during work hours. Remember point 7? Pretend you are not home. If the day feels too monotonous, take an early break and watch TV during your break. Also keep from taking personal calls during the day and save it for your break.
We can understand the temptation you may have of watching your favorite movie or show but television is off limits during work hours. Remember point 7? Pretend you are not home. If the day feels too monotonous, take an early break and watch TV during your break. Also keep from taking personal calls during the day and save it for your break.
Photo: andreabcreative
Being able to work from home is godsend, so do it right to make it work for you.
Good luck!
Good luck!