Pick a spot that’s quiet, well-lit, comfortable, and roomy enough so that you can spread out any materials you need for your work. Avoid working in places where you normally relax or sleep, like the couch or your bed. You may be tempted to fall asleep! If possible, set aside a dedicated room for work. Ask your family members or anyone else who shares your home not to disturb you while you’re working there unless it’s urgent.
If your workspace tends to get cluttered or messy, set aside 15 minutes each day for tidying it up.
If you find yourself regularly getting up to search for an item (such as a pair of scissors or a pen), move that item permanently into your workspace. Set aside a specific area for it where it’s easy for you to find. Other items you may find helpful include a power strip, chargers for your electronic devices, a pad of paper and pen for jotting down notes, drinking water, and snacks.
Try to choose hours that work well for you. For example, if you’re a morning person, you might choose to start working earlier in the day so that you’re energized when you begin working on your high-priority tasks. To help maintain a good work/life balance, you can also block out specific times for other obligations, such as chores, meals, and spending quality time with friends and family.
For example, you might put a time-consuming task like drafting an article at the top of your list, while putting in a quick order for some new office supplies might go lower on the list. Try to block out specific times for each task, since this can help them feel more manageable. [7] X Research source You can also break down larger tasks into smaller chunks. For example, instead of just putting “Write a blog post” on your to-do list, you might break it down into “Do research,” “Write an outline,” “Draft the post,” and “Edit post. ”
For example, you might spend half an hour having your breakfast and morning cup of coffee, then another half hour planning out your day. Establishing a consistent morning routine can help energize you and get you into the right headspace for work.
Consider installing an app or browser extension on your phone or computer to keep you away from time-wasting apps and websites. Apps like StayFocusd and Strict Workflow are great for keeping you on task. If you share your home with other people, explain to them that you need to be left alone while you’re working. Ask your friends to keep calling and texting to a minimum during your work hours.
This doesn’t mean you have to put on a nice blazer or a tie, although that’s fine if it helps you get into the right zone. Just put on some clean, daytime-appropriate clothes. [11] X Research source Take time to attend to the rest of your grooming, too. Take a shower, brush your teeth and hair, and do any of the other things you would normally do to prepare for a day at work.
Respond to calls, chat communications, and emails in a timely manner. This will let your bosses, coworkers, and clients know that you are taking your work and their needs seriously.
Take advantage of multiple forms of communication, such as email, chat programs like Slack, your phone, or video calling programs such as Skype or Zoom. Staying in touch can also help working from home feel less lonely and isolating.
Similarly, don’t let your personal life bleed into your work time. Avoid chatting with friends or doing time-consuming household chores while you’re supposed to be working.
You can also try getting out during your work hours. If you need a change of scene while you’re working, you might try setting up your laptop at your favorite coffee shop or in a quiet corner at the public library. [15] X Research source
Getting a little exercise during the day can boost your mood and help you feel more energetic, leading to greater productivity. [17] X Research source Even if you don’t have the time to join a gym or do an extended workout every day, try to go for a walk or a quick jog most days of the week.
Moving around occasionally will help energize you, promote better circulation, and improve your mood and productivity levels. You can even use your breaks to get quick chores done, like taking out the trash or going to check the mail.
Keep a supply of healthy snacks and meals in your fridge and pantry at home so you won’t be scrambling to find something good to eat. Don’t forget to drink water throughout the day, since being dehydrated can cause you to feel fatigued and unfocused.
Claims that there’s no special experience or skill needed for the job Offers of large amounts of pay for little work Requests for upfront payment from you in exchange for training, certification, or work materials
Check out sources such as Forbes, FlexJobs, Glassdoor, and the Better Business Bureau for information about legitimate work-at-home opportunities.
Jobs that require a lot of typing or editing can be great work for at-home workers. Think about becoming a medical or legal transcriptionist. Similarly, positions that require help with schedules, like personal assistant or receptionist work, can be done online and over the phone. Pay for virtual assistants can range from $15 an hour to over $100 an hour. [23] X Research source Do you speak more than one language? Many websites build content in multiple languages and look for people who can edit their multilingual content. Do you have great people skills and know a lot about traveling? Consider being a travel agent from the comfort of your own home. Many booking companies hire at-home workers to answer phone calls and work with customers online.
Do you have dedicated space to work from home? Do you have a phone and internet access? Are you good at working under pressure and meeting deadlines? Can you work well without a lot of supervision?
