Well this week I achived what most of us want at one point and when gas reached $4.00 a gallon out here last summer I not only dreamed for but prayed for the ability to work from home full time. So this is week one. I decided to do this right it makes since to ask someone that has been doing it a long time how to make it work. So I e-mailed a good friend and asked the question, "How do you make this work"?
His reply was insightful and funny so I thought I would share it with you.
Working from home; one word: Discipline
Get in a work pattern; be in the “office” by x O’clock every day. Remove distractions from the “office”, I have a separate room that I only use as my office, I do 95% of all my work there. Eliminate distractions (no TV, no News on the radio, nothing you “pay attention to” your own music is fine, but set it and don’t mess with it (Pandora or iTunes Genius is good for this)). I sit with my back to the window (not looking out). I leave my “office” to get coffee (need the exercise). I have some simple rules, NO Drinking in the “office”……… until after “closing time” which I consider 5:30 PM. Some other rules I’m not so strict about; lunch if eaten at home (rare for me) takes no more then 30 minutes; and when I go out no more then 2 hours (including time to do any grocery shopping). I do go out to eat almost every day, part of my routine. I try to be in my office working before 8AM, usually I’m “in” just after 7. No more than 1 pot of coffee (12 cups) a day. Door to office always open, but kids/family should not generally interrupt (unless they are looking to fill my coffee cup).
Interesting guy we have the same issue with coffee too (Know coffee Know Peace No Coffee No Peace).
Now while all of that sounds great one thing is the biggest challenge for me, getting rid of distractions. I have four guitars hanging on the wall next to me and I sit in a room with two keyboards and a baby grand not counting the bar LOL. Distractions are not just radio and TV but my passion. So I will do what I can but I am sure I will be playing the guitar and working on databases one day soon.
Enjoy Life and live it as best you can, we only get one ticket for this ride called life make it a good one.
R.E.
