The key to working from home

As a contractor, freelancer or consultant you may have to work from home.  Most freelancers and consultants will usually work from home and often contractors may be required to do so at some point.  What to others may seem like the perfect work-life balance is actually an art form.

Working from home can be no picnic you know.  It is not as fun as the idea of daytime TV and long lunches.  In fact it can be very hard to switch off.  Yes, the lack of commute is amazing and the chance to pop out to run an errand here and there at lunch is great but it does have its downfalls.

So how do you avoid these?

An office space

It is important to have a designated area where you keep all work related things.  A desk, filing cabinets or bookshelf’s for all of your relevant paperwork.  Keep it neat and tidy and remember to switch off at the end of the day.

Don’t use this space to do non-work related tasks such as your home finances etc.  It can become hard to feel like you are ever away from work.

Inform people

Let friends and family know when you plan to be working in any given week.  That way you can avoid distractions from family members or friends popping over.

Background noise

Working from home can be quite lonely so some background noise can help.  Having the radio on can make it feel like you are in the buzz of the office, without even leaving your home!

Don’t let your home office become a dumping ground for all non-related tasks such as laundry and ironing as well.  It is vital that you keep your work and home life separate, for your own sanity if anything else!