Whether you’re ready to make the jump from 9-to-5 office job to working for yourself, or you are taking on a new role and are able to work from your bedroom rather than the office, then there are lots of things that you need to think about.
The unfortunate truth is that many fall into the trap of thinking working from home is a breeze, and whilst it certainly has its benefits, there are a few things you must get in place before you can be motivated and productive…
Your internet connection
Unless you’re starting up an arts and crafts business, the chances are that you’re going to be on your computer for the majority of your day.
As well as splashing out on a new high-end PC that can give you the performance and reliability you need to get through the working day, you should also think about your internet connection.
Sitting in the same room can be pretty boring, and if you live in a big house, then there’ll naturally be some blind spots, too.
As well as investing in a good internet connection (it’s better to pay an extra $50 per month to ensure speed and reliability), you should also check out these office routers, which can extend the reach of your Wi-Fi signal and ensure you can work to the best of your ability.
What to eat
Working from home can make those delicious treats in the back cupboard of your kitchen all the more appealing, so it’s important to be strict and limit your calorie intake if you don’t want to put on 50 pounds.
Sure, you’ve got the luxury of being able to whip up a tasty dish every lunchtime, but the chances are that you’ll be too busy to put on your Chef’s Hat.
Instead, you should consider making a healthy packed lunch that you can enjoy over a 30-minute break, or even arrange hanging out with friends or family during your lunch break so you’re not on your own.
Your mental health
You may have decided to start working from home to alleviate the pressures of working as part of a team, but you should know that being your own boss, or working from your living room, can have its own impact on your mental health.
It’s important that you take regular breaks, schedule time with real people, and know when to stop for the day.
Entrepreneurs can get side-tracked and end up working for ten, 12 or even 16 hours without realising – be firm on your working hours, and you’ll be able to separate work from your personal life.
Your dream office
If you’re going to be spending the majority of your time at home, you need to create a place of tranquillity where you can work without distraction.
There’s no point in setting up a small corner in the living room or kitchen, as other people will want to use the room during the day and may leave you feeling distracted or stressed.
Set aside a room in your home – or convert your garage – and you’ll be able to work in a way that suits you best. It’s worth the effort.
Productivity
All of the points we have raised in today’s article relate to productivity, but it’s something we should mention on its own, too.
Being in your own home, it’s easy to get sidelined and start doing the dishes, watching YouTube videos or catching up with your family after work or school. You must be strict with yourself, ban social media browsing, and focus on the task at hand.
You could buy a separate computer for your work so that you don’t spend time on your personal activities, schedule hours where you must be productive, or take days off mid-week when you’re likely to be most distracted so that you can spend time with loved ones instead.
There’s a lot to think about when making the jump to telecommuting, but there is plenty of benefits to doing so. Whatever you choose to get up to, we wish you the very best of luck.