Working from home can be a great way to stay closer to your family and save on commuting. Working from home usually offers a flexible schedule that helps parents work and maintain a family at the same time. There are a number of different career choices that can be done from home and each one still requires a level of professionalism. Do you find it hard to stay on schedule or maintain a professional demeanour when working from home? Would you feel more motivated and productive in an office environment that feels like it is outside of the home?
Keep your office organized and decorated like a professional office space. Get yourself a proper desk and chair to work as you would in an office. Keep your space neat and tidy and only have work items surrounding you. Do not let your family leave toys and other items in your work space, let them know you are keeping it as a professional space.
Limit the amount of time you spend on social media. Just as you would in a professional office building, keep your social media usage in check and wait until you have a break or you are done for the day. Give yourself proper break times to take some personal time and answer emails.
Keep a schedule even if it is a flexible one. If you have an article due or project to manage give yourself adequate time to get it done and inform your family of the schedule you have made. As a business owner and mother I get most of my online work done first thing in the morning when I wake up to ensure there are no interruptions. I also take advantage of the weekends and evenings to get more work done. Taking your kids to play dates or planning work time with your spouse is a great way to ensure you stick to your schedule and get the work done.
Do not give up. Imagine you hired yourself to complete a job, but you are bombarded with children, parenting duties, house work, and phone calls. Reschedule your tasks and work around your family as much as you can. If you are tackling this work at home thing as a single parent just know you will find the time to work. Power through life stuff, get the kids settled and get to work. Perseverance is key to success when working from home.
Buy yourself some office products to give yourself the professional feel you’re craving. Make your space feel like an office environment and you will feel motivated to work like the boss is watching you.
Setup lunch dates or coffee meetings with clients outside of home to give yourself some breathing room. Being at home constantly can make you feel confined. Take the kids out to lunch with a friend or let them run at the park during your coffee break. Remember taking the time to go out and enjoy fresh air and friendly faces is a great way to keep you on track as a hard working professional.
Being professional and productive at home with kids is entirely possible and you can be the best at what you do. Push boundaries, grow as a professional and provide for your family in the comfort of your own home!
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