Working From Home: Reality Checks
When you are working from home, you might think you have it made! I mean, let’s be honest — you don’t have to leave and deal with traffic, figure out what you are wearing each day, or even worry about doing your hair if you don’t want to. While there are some definite perks to working from home, there are also some downsides that are not often talked about.
The Fear of Burn Out
Burn out is a real thing. It can make you cranky, have you falling behind on deadlines, and even affect your sleeping habits. There has to be a line that you draw. Take some time and find things that you enjoy doing outside of working.
When you work from home, the work is always there. Plain and simple. You cannot walk away and leave it at the office for tomorrow. No matter what you are doing in the house, whether it be family time or even working on a project you enjoy, that nagging is always there. “I should be finishing XXX,” “The deadline for XXX is looming, and I am not done,” and so many other thoughts are going to be there.
When this happens, and you let these thoughts constantly derail you, then you are already headed down the path to burn out. Combat this by setting a schedule, and only work during those hours. It can be a bit of a challenge at first, but you can work this schedule around your best and optimal times.
Take A Vacation
Yes, you need to do this! Every now and again take some time off, and do not touch work for anything! This allows your brain to relax, and focus on something other than what you have going on at work. This can be one day a week that you do other things, or a small block of time every couple of months that you take off and get out of the house. Even if it is a “stay-cation” just stepping away can leave you feeling rejuvenated and keep you on top of your game.
Learn To Say No
Just because you are working from home does not mean that you have to take everything that comes your way. It is okay to say no. There are some jobs that are going to leave you feeling worse off than you were before, and those are the ones that are not worth it. If you have the time, then go for it, but do not, under any circumstances hedge yourself in with deadlines so tight that you do not have time for yourself.
Using an online task manager (there are several free ones out there) can help to manage your time and show what you have going. Figure out which one is the best for you, and build out your calendar. Then you are better aware of what you have coming, and what you can feasibly take on.
Enjoy What You Do
This is the biggest one! You have to enjoy what you are doing, otherwise, why are you doing it? Money is not a good enough answer, although, we know that money does help pay the mortgage or keep food on the table. Finding jobs that you enjoy doing, and will leave you feeling satisfied are the best ones to have!
Take your time when you are applying for positions at home. At first, you might have to take a few that are not as fun, but you need to build your portfolio and get some recommendations. But as you grow, stick to what you know and what you know you can do well. This will lead to better jobs in the long run, and leave you feeling happier with the work that you are doing!
Rebecca has been working from home for the past ten years, and has quite a few tips and tricks up her sleeve to keep the work-life balance in check. When she is not working, you can most likely find her working on a craft project or reading a book, and spending time with her family!
