10 Tips For Working From Home

Here are a few recommendations for making the most of working from home:

1) A space to work and a space to live:

I like balance in my life. I really like work to be different than home. Also I am a very multi-task oriented person. So I find that having a separation between my "work mess" and my "home mess" to be beneficial. I also have a work line that is turned off at night and during the weekends.

2) Categorize your piles

I have the basket of home mail that stays at the door and a divider in my office that holds invoices, request-for-proposal, bills, and junk separately. When I am frustrated I shred some junk-mail.

3) Build a support network

I miss having people around. So I go to lunch with one my favorite past co-workers at least once per week. It is nice to have a reason to get out of the office and you get to bounce ideas off someone who understands your business.

4) Make the hours work for you

You are the boss. Set the hours that you are most productive. Early, late, whatever works for you -- as long as you get your work done it is okay.

5) Break time

Again you are the boss, schedule a meeting with your self every day. Shred some mail take a walk, just don't miss your meeting.

6) Get dressed

Even if everyday is casual day you should get ready, just like you were going to work somewhere else. Taking a shower and brushing my teeth in the morning gives me a clear separation between work and home.

7) It's on the schedule

Because you have lots of things to do in two different worlds that are physically very close you should give them both time. Decide what you are going to do with your lunch hour and your breaks. I find it easier to be productive when I have a specific time that I take care of the home things that pop into my head during the day.

8) Be human

My day almost always ends with a not work phone call/meeting. At 6pm I have a home appointment. Some days I go back to work but every day I have a dinner period that involves no work.

9) Friday is my day

Every Friday I have a beer at lunch. Everything after lunch is considered optional. During that period I have free reign to post-pone anything I want until Monday.

10) Be discriminating about your work

Since you are the boss you get to choose who you work for. If a client is difficult you can politely fire them. Whenever possible only take jobs that excite you. Believe me it makes the work more fun.