I remember the old days. Rushing to meet deadlines, followed by a computer crash.
The babysitter has called to say she is leaving early.
By the time I got home, late, very late, the kids were hyped up. They were starving.
The saving grace was that dinner was prepared. With many deep breaths, we are at the table having family dinner.
This is followed by clean up, homework supervision, a 'disagreement' about piano practice and bedtime.
Coast clear, I can throw in a load of laundry, work on draft revisions and still get some sleep. It is not to be...
My youngest is coughing and needs attention. I attend to her until she is asleep. It is now after 10:30. Still time to get work done. I yawn and get to it.
All of that was before I 'crossed over' to the other side. I now work from home and things have changed.
Working from home is not easier than working out of the home. It is just different. That difference is making my family and me much happier. The woman coming home from work is now greeted by huge smiles and engaged children.
Here's what I've learned:
1) Efficiency is Queen! It takes more work, not less, to be productive from home. There are more distractions. When you are in your work mind-set, do not take calls not pertinent to business.
If you can, have a dedicated phone line for business. If not, use caller ID to screen. Follow a routine to get work done most efficiently.
For example, first I peruse emails and select those needing immediate responses. I determine which phone calls are priorities.
Then I write my article quota, make my blog entries, and update business financials. View your to-do list as your personal template.
2) Create your Space! Some women need music. Others require silence. Whatever your choice, have the proper setting prepared before you start work.
Make sure your office space is conducive to doing your best work. My office is open space without doors. Not optimum. That's why I work most when the kids are at school. Flex for optimum efficiency.
3. To Multi-task or Not? Multi-tasking is a perk of working from home. You can multi-task yourself to distraction and not get the work required by your 'real' business accomplished at all.
Do multi-tasking that requires less focus while you are 'in-office.' It's easy to throw a load of laundry in quickly. Trying to cook a meal requires more concentration. I don't cook during business hours.
4. Get Your Kids Involved! I am not suggesting you violate any Juvenile Workplace laws. As your children get older, they can be more 'computer smart' than you. My 13 year old loves to help "clean up" my computer by organizing desk top files.
News Flash: That woman coming home from work to huge smiles is me! With a little effort and motivation, it can be you too!
The babysitter has called to say she is leaving early.
By the time I got home, late, very late, the kids were hyped up. They were starving.
The saving grace was that dinner was prepared. With many deep breaths, we are at the table having family dinner.
This is followed by clean up, homework supervision, a 'disagreement' about piano practice and bedtime.
Coast clear, I can throw in a load of laundry, work on draft revisions and still get some sleep. It is not to be...
My youngest is coughing and needs attention. I attend to her until she is asleep. It is now after 10:30. Still time to get work done. I yawn and get to it.
All of that was before I 'crossed over' to the other side. I now work from home and things have changed.
Working from home is not easier than working out of the home. It is just different. That difference is making my family and me much happier. The woman coming home from work is now greeted by huge smiles and engaged children.
Here's what I've learned:
1) Efficiency is Queen! It takes more work, not less, to be productive from home. There are more distractions. When you are in your work mind-set, do not take calls not pertinent to business.
If you can, have a dedicated phone line for business. If not, use caller ID to screen. Follow a routine to get work done most efficiently.
For example, first I peruse emails and select those needing immediate responses. I determine which phone calls are priorities.
Then I write my article quota, make my blog entries, and update business financials. View your to-do list as your personal template.
2) Create your Space! Some women need music. Others require silence. Whatever your choice, have the proper setting prepared before you start work.
Make sure your office space is conducive to doing your best work. My office is open space without doors. Not optimum. That's why I work most when the kids are at school. Flex for optimum efficiency.
3. To Multi-task or Not? Multi-tasking is a perk of working from home. You can multi-task yourself to distraction and not get the work required by your 'real' business accomplished at all.
Do multi-tasking that requires less focus while you are 'in-office.' It's easy to throw a load of laundry in quickly. Trying to cook a meal requires more concentration. I don't cook during business hours.
4. Get Your Kids Involved! I am not suggesting you violate any Juvenile Workplace laws. As your children get older, they can be more 'computer smart' than you. My 13 year old loves to help "clean up" my computer by organizing desk top files.
News Flash: That woman coming home from work to huge smiles is me! With a little effort and motivation, it can be you too!
If you want to be the woman coming home from work with a smile, come over to my house at http://www.maestrocasa.com
To learn more about how to work smart with your own home based business, check out http://www.maestromoney.com
To learn more about how to work smart with your own home based business, check out http://www.maestromoney.com
No comments:
Post a Comment