Maintaining a quality work life at home can be just as
challenging as working outside of your residence. The first step toward
creating a quality work life at home involves organizing your life so
that time is spent efficiently. This way, there will be more time left
to attend to family activities for a more balanced life.
Design an Adequate Working Space
Set
up your home office area and keep it separate from your personal home
life. This kind of boundary helps organize time and thought, as well as
make it easier to take a tax deduction. Ensure that you have everything
needed for your business close by. Maintain the space in a part of your
home where you aren't likely to spend leisure time. This will make it
easier to be serious about your work at home, and give it the dignity
and respect it deserves.
Devise a Schedule
Create a
work schedule that includes attending to personal activities, such as
exercising, showering and eating breakfast. For mothers who work from
home and have children, arrange the schedule to work around getting them
ready for school, taking them to school and picking them up. If you
have babies, arrange the schedule to incorporate feeding, play and nap
times. Try to use the same routine each day, so that your children will
get used to the schedule. This will also make it easier for you to be as
productive as you can be.
Ensure that you tell everyone
necessary about the schedule. Arrange to have routine phone calls go to
voice mail so that you are not continually interrupted from your work.
Explain to family and friends that you are running a business, so that
they respect that you are a working professional. By establishing
regular work hours, it will be easier to be more effective with your
work. Keep your social life active, returning calls regularly when it is
convenient for you.
Arrange for a Support System
Always
let your partner, spouse or family know about schedule conflicts or
areas where you could use help. Rather than trying to do it all
yourself, realize that there will be times when it seems like there
aren't sufficient hours in the day to get all of your work done and
manage the household. People in your support system will be
understanding and can help when necessary. It may be a good idea to
consider hiring outside help from time to time when possible. For
example, a nanny could take your children to a park for a few hours each
week.
Network with Work at Home Professionals
Find
a network of work at home professionals and mothers to compare notes
with. This can be beneficial in giving each other support and exchanging
ideas. Arrange to trade kids or share child care duties. As you
increase your support circle, it will enhance the quality of life for
you overall. You can find resources online through websites, as well as
local coffee shops and other places where work at home professionals and
mothers congregate socially. Visit online forums to chat and share
ideas, tips and other suggestions.
How to Maintain a Quality Work Life When You're at Home
