Experiences When Working From Home

[worfromhome_au]

What challenges do telecommuting moms face? Especially those who are working from home? We'd like to know.

[msuggitt]

I think the largest difference is the lack of social interaction with co-workers. Online interaction is not the same. That's why I try to get involved in other local activities for the 'people bonding' experience that is missing online.

For newbies entering the work at home market, battling lack of exercise, not taking needed breaks & bad eating habits are easy patterns to fall into if you are not paying attention.

[danasurvey]

Distractions can be a challenge with friends and family stopping by. Some people don't realize that working from home means work, lol.

Having a room dedicated to work and closing the door when necessary can be a big help.

[MrsTeresa]

Originally Posted by danasurvey

Distractions can be a challenge with friends and family stopping by. Some people don't realize that working from home means work, lol.

I can so relate to this LOL
Totally!!!

[FreeElectricity]

Originally Posted by danasurvey

Distractions can be a challenge with friends and family stopping by. Some people don't realize that working from home means work, lol.

Having a room dedicated to work and closing the door when necessary can be a big help.

Yes this one has been the big one for me in the past...even with my husband!

[workathomeinfo]

Biggest challenge is eliminating distractions. When friends call, I usually let it go to voice mail or quickly pick up and ask if I can call back after business hours.

I also try to schedule home tasks within a couple hours time bracket to I don't stop working all the time to clean, put away laundry, prepare dinner etc...

It's a challenge but I've been working at home for 13 yrs and would not ever want to commute to work again.

[Tamitha]

Distractions can be a challenge with friends and family stopping by. Some
people don't realize that working from home means work, lol.

What they said!

[Jeannie Zavala]

My biggest challenge are my kids. Since they're still young, I can't close any doors to focus on work. Work has to be done around their time. That's one of the biggest reasons why I do what I do. I get the best of both worlds

[J*Vette]

I agree about the distractions. I had to move my computer into a small room so that the family knows I am working - the only telephone allowed inside is the one for work.
But by far - the hardest transaction has been lack of colleagues! Talking on the chat is not the same. For one thing - everyone 'hears' you, and you are expected to always be in professional mode. I was also used to walking with my coworkers either at the end of the day or at lunch. Now my breaks consist of getting dinner prepared and straightening up.
I actually signed up for the community pool this year and have marked times in my calendar to go to the pool or just out. Otherwise, I would be a hermit, only going out to soccer games and to get groceries.
You have to remember you had an active life before - just because you do not work outside the home does not mean you have to stay hidden in the home.

[malea]

It is easy to get distracted ... But if you can stay focused the rewards are huge !