It’s never been easier to work from home, and 20+ years’ experience has taught me you can have as much, or more success working from home, if you just set yourself up well in the beginning. My latest book 30 Tips To Successfully Work From Home helps you do just that.
I’ve lost count of the number of times someone has asked me about working from home. The queries usually increase at the end of the financial year or during times of restructuring. The discussion usually ends with the enquirer lamenting, “I don’t think I could do it”, delivered in wistful tones, signifying their strong desire to do just that.
The current Corona Virus situation has provided you with an opportunity to taste the forbidden fruit of freelance life, while resting in the safety net of a regular wage. The question is how many of you will be successful and want to continue down this path once life returns to normal? The answer is greatly influenced by how you set yourself up at the outset.
Working from home as a consumer psychology consultant and writer has taught me a lot. I’ve made many mistakes over the twenty years. However I’ve also experienced a number of surprising successes that I’d never have thought possible. So this year I’ve decided to condense my twenty years of experience into a short book, 30 Tips To Successfully Work From Home, to help others experience the same benefits.
The book is broken into five main areas covering: the benefits, concerns, the home office, setting standards and managing distractions.
People tend to think that the main benefit of working from home would be getting up late and working in your pyjamas. While that is possible let me assure you that phase doesn’t last too long. Boredom, dwindling money and pressing clients soon signal an end to that. There are however many other long-lasting benefits. Things like increased productivity, the psychological benefits of greater control and self-belief, which far outweigh the financial benefits obtained.
Working from home is not without its challenges though, such as procrastination, social isolation, the Clutter Effect, the Choice Paradox, and the potential to become a workaholic.
30 Tips To Successfully Work From Home helps you set yourself up to make the most of the benefits while reducing the concerns. It includes tips such as:
- Definitely setting up a dedicated work area. The kitchen table is not an option. And working in bed is the first step on the slippery slope to chocolate and NetFlix until 2am;
- Set clear standards at the outset. The types of standards have been discussed in the book;
- Set clear ruthless expectations for friends and family;
- Consider how much work is enough?
Armed with these insights it will be interesting to see how many of you will take control of your work situation and want to remain independent post-Corona.
Good luck and enjoy the process. The book can be found on Amazon.com 30 Tips to Successfully Work From Home. And for the Australian version Amazon.com.au this one 30 Tips to Successfully Work From Home. If not search my name Glennys Marsdon or the title.
