Tips to Successfully Work at Home

The ability to work at home was something that I dreamed about for a long time.  Unfortunately, for years, I couldn’t find a job that would allow me to do so.  As a result, for many years, I trudged off to work at an office.  And I ended up burning the candle at both ends trying to hold down an office job, manage the house and be a fully involved mother. 

But four years ago, I was given the opportunity to work from home full-time.  It was a dream come true.  And since that time, I have been blessed to spend each day working from my home office (formerly my guest bedroom). 

Working from home is fantastic.  I no longer have to commute.  That saves wear-and-tear on my car and adds on 1 to 2 hours of free time to my day.  My dry-cleaning bill has been eliminated.  And I am more productive because co-workers aren’t popping into my office just to chat.  Most importantly, I am more available for my daughter, which is my top priority.

However, working from home has its challenges.  In order to do it well, you have to approach it in a very disciplined manner.  After all, no one is physically supervising you to ensure that you get your job done.  Instead, you have to be self-motivated and, effectively, be your own supervisor.

Below are some strategies that I’ve learned over the years to successfully work at home.  Use these tips to make working from home a great experience for you!

#1 – Buy the Best Equipment That You Can Afford 

Most folks who work from home have jobs involving a computer, the Internet and maybe even a phone.  If you work from home, all of those items should be top quality. 

For instance, your computer and phone should be of the highest quality.  You don’t want either one breaking down unexpectedly.  And if you need a clear phone line, get a landline to be used only for your job.  You need the right tools to do your job well.

You also will want to pay for the fastest Internet connection available in your area.  Nothing makes employers more frustrated than when home workers say, “Having Internet issues.  Can’t do my job today.” 

#2 – Designate A Specific Place in Your Home to Work

I am very lucky to be able to have an extra room in my home to use as an office.  Not everyone has that luxury.  However, regardless of your situation, you should have a designated place in your home that is used solely for your job.

For instance, my husband, on occasion, works from home.  As a result, he has an area in our bedroom that is his “mini-office.”  In that corner, he has a desk, two big monitors, a computer, a printer and a small filing cabinet.  That is his designated work area. 

Psychologically, it helps to have a space that you only use for work.  Of course, you can work on your laptop while sitting on the couch.  But your couch is also where you watch television or read a book.  It typically is a place where you relax.  It is hard to motivate your brain to be productive in the same place where you zone out and watch Game of Thrones.

So, if at all possible, create an office space for yourself.  It should have a desk, a comfortable chair and be near an outlet.  Your office space should have natural light.  And since you are going to be spending a lot of time in your home office, don’t be shy to take the space or room in your home that is the most appealing to you.  Your home office is the place where you will be making money – and money pays the bills.  So, your home office is a top priority!

#3 – Be Highly Reliable 

There is an understandable stigma against people who work from home.  Employers reasonably worry that if you work from home, you aren’t really working, but rather are spending the day eating bon bons and painting your toenails.  As a result, if you work from home, you need to prove yourself to your employer.  You need to show that you are reliable and hard-working.

That means that you need to respond to text messages, emails and calls immediately.  For example, I don’t eat lunch or dinner without my phone next to me.  I keep an eye on all communications and respond as soon as I receive them.  It is important to make myself as available as technology will allow.  I want people in the office to know that I am readily available.

Similarly, I don’t take unplanned days off.  I have worked through the flu.  When my head has been pounding with an awful headache, I have taken some ibuprofen and worked anyway.  If you work from home, you don’t want to take sick days.  Just haul yourself up out of bed, wrap a blanket around you, and get your work done.  Your goal is to have the reputation of being the most reliable person in your organization – even though you work from home!

#4 – Develop Non-Work Friendships

Working in an office provides us with a social life.  Television shows like “The Office,” “30 Rock,” and “Parks and Rec” depict those terrific office relationships.  Those kinds of relationships don’t exist if you work from home.  As a result, working from home can be a lonely experience.

So, to be happy when you work from home, you need to cultivate non-work friendships.  For example, I have a friend from church who I meet for coffee on occasion before work.  It is a great way to start my day.  I also have another friend from high school, now a college professor, with whom I have had a 20-year daily text and email friendship.  And I am active in my church community.  Those are all ways that I enjoy the blessings of friendship, now that I don’t have the built-in friendships provided by an office life.

The key is to have friendships that aren’t just social media based.  Social media is a great way to let other people know how you are doing.  And it is also a good way to see what your friends are up to.  But social media doesn’t provide for the meaningful interactions that make true friendships.  To be blunt, Facebook doesn’t create “friends.”  It creates acquaintances.  You can only create friendships by having meaningful conversations and spending time with other people.  Have as many of those meaningful friendships as you can, so that working from home doesn’t seem so isolating.

#5 – Accept the Limitations of Working from Home

If you want to advance in your organization, working from home is not the route to get there.  Your employer naturally will favor folks who are in the office every day for promotions.  If there are going to be layoffs, you will be the first to go.  That is the harsh reality of working from home.

You can fight against this reality, but you’ll be wasting your time.  It doesn’t matter whether you are better, smarter or more experienced than your “in the office” colleagues.  If you aren’t slogging into the office every day, you effectively are at the bottom of the totem pole. 

So, accept that fact.  And then move on.  Instead, focus on all of the great perks that working from home provides!  For instance, now that you work from home, you don’t have to commute anymore, which is a massive waste of time.  Doing your job from home takes less time because you don’t have all the distractions that occur in an office.  And you won’t get involved in office politics because you aren’t at the office to hear about it.  As a result, your life will be a whole lot more pleasant!

Working from home is challenging, but with the right equipment and attitude, you can do it successfully.  And the payback is enormous.  Your life will be calmer.  You will have more time for your family.  And you will be able to spend your new found free time doing those things that you truly enjoy.