When you work from home there are things that can go wrong just like in any other kind of an office. Things break down, just like at any business, no matter where it’s located. There are extra distractions, as well, from children and pets to housework.
Here are a few of the struggles you might face when you’re working from home. Unlike working at someone else’s office, you’re the one responsible when your equipment acts up. And as someone who is self-employed, you’re responsible for having good time management skills.
Something Breaks Down
When your computer breaks down at your home office it’s your computer and it’s your responsibility to get it fixed or get a new one if you don’t want to lose money and clients. This is one of the reasons it’s important for those working for home or running very small businesses to keep separate money for work and for personal use. Your work money will cover these repairs or a replacement. Also, consider warranties when buying work electronics.
If you don’t have the money to fix something or replace it, you may want to look into getting a small loan of some kind. If you’re simply a freelancer and haven’t made your home business “official” you may want to try a small payday loan to get the money you need.
The Kids/Pets/Significant Other Doesn’t Understand Boundaries
If you don’t live alone the people that share your home with you, even pets, can often not understand that you are working when you are home. They see you there, in the house, and they want to interact with you. This is why you really need to have a designated office if you work from home, not just a spot on the couch.
Especially if you are working from home on a long term or permanent basis, think about getting a shed office that sits in a separate space in the backyard or somewhere away from the main house. This can give you enough distance and keep you free from distractions, which may in turn help you finish work faster and have more free time on hand! Plus, these kind of offices can be designed to suit your work needs, so that means you can replicate whatever environment feeds your focus.
Or, you just need a room where you can shut the door and maybe even put up a “do not disturb” sign. Set hours, and make sure your family understands that during those hours or when you’re in that room you are essentially not home.
Avoiding Home Distractions
People aren’t the only things that can distract you when it comes to working from home. If your home is full of clutter or home projects that need to be completed they can often pull you away from work. Another reason to have an office.
Also, a good reason to enlist the other people that live with you into helping you keep the house tidy so you can stay focused during your work hours. Shut yourself in your tidy office and work!
Working from home can be fun and rewarding. You may get to set your own hours and you can even work in your pajamas. But you really need to have a knack for time management or you may quickly be looking for a new career.
