There are lots of ways one can work at home and it is easy to get distracted doing other activities around the house. When setting out to start working from home, be sure to understand these things.
Online Business – 5 Steps to Creating a Healthy Work-at-Home Environment
By Anita Kearney
When I started my online business I found that it could be a very noisy place. Sounds and situations that never bothered me before seem to spring up over night. I was used to my husband watching the television while I read a good book it was homey and comforting to share that time with him. It has been a lot different now that I am working. We have had our share of ups and downs and even a heated discussion or two. He could not at first get used to the idea that because he could see me did not me I was available to him. We sat and talked it out and I feel certain these will work for you and your family. I am pleased to say that I now work with complete abandon and while I am working there are fewer distractions. These are the steps I took.
1. Have a designated work time
I informed my spouse neighbors and friends what hours I would be working when I would take breaks and when I was just plain going to be unavailable. I asked that they respect those time periods and do not call or need a sandwich until I was on a break for six months and counting no interruptions.
2. Have a designated work area
We live in a small place as retirees and that can be a little tricky. I have portioned of a space where my computer desk is and worktable whenever I am in that space it is to be assumed I am unavailable.
3. Make family time a priority
I am a freelance writer and I have a hard and fast rule that there are just some days I have to turn down job offers. My family is important to me, as I am sure yours is to you, and they will be grateful and please that you still make them a priority. Spouses and children tend to feel that if they are not the center of your world or at least a goodly portion of it, then you don’t love them. This is especially true if they have never had to share your time. I have been a homemaker for the most part and have always made my spouse my top priority so he had a lot of adjusting to do.
4. Include family in your planning
When I get assignments I sit down with my spouse and tell him the details. How long it is expected to take and what it’s about. I have found that he is a great resource as he has a 30-year naval career under his belt. He also makes a good sounding board.
5. Stick to your schedule as possible
I have found that now that I have my friends and families full cooperation they are sticklers for my schedule if you say you will be done be done and by the same token I took an unscheduled break and a neighbor spotted me a chided me for it. She did it lovingly of course.
To sum it all up is that it will take time an effort on the part of all the players to make your dream of being an online business success story come true. It is your dream if you respect them and include them they will support it.
Anita Kearney is a grandmother looking to make the most of her time on the internet. She is a published author of children’s poetry and loves writing.
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