Everyone loves working from home, right? No more hour long commutes, healthy home-cooked meals during your lunch break, and sweatpants all day long. It doesn’t get any better than that. That is, until your pets tramp across your keyboard for the twelfth time that morning. Or the doorbell rings with an Amazon delivery for your apartment, followed by FedEx, then UPS! If you struggle with being productive in your own home, there are steps you can take.
First, make sure you have your own area set asides specifically for WORK. I’ve spent many hours working in a recliner, on the couch, and even in my own bed. If you co-opt living spaces, it can be much easier to get out of your ‘work zone’. Even just a chair and a small table used only for work can help set your get you in the right headspace for some productive coding!
Next, depending on your surroundings (i.e. a busy city apartment building like me), you should try finding the quietest possible space in your home. If there aren’t any quiet places to be found, invest in a pair of noise cancelling headphones, or even just a pair of ear plugs. Keeping your thoughts on work and work alone can be very challenging when first starting out. Blocking out extra noise, at least in spurts, can really help to keep you on track.
Finally, make sure that you clearly block off your work time from your personal time. In the office, you’re expected to present and ready to work during the ‘9 to 5’. Once it’s time to clock out, that’s it, you’re done for the day and on your own time. Working from home can distort this normal work routine. It’s much easier to overwork due to pressure from managers or even just your own desire to see a task through. The reality is, however, that most of us need our personal time to keep fresh and avoid burnout. It’s okay to work a little harder and go the extra mile when necessary, but remember to prioritize a healthy work life balance.
Working from home can be a dream come true, but it’s important to set good work habits early to ensure that it starts and stays successful.
