Beginner's Guide to Working From Home
Congratulations on reaching a new phase in your life where it’s not ruled by morning traffic or mindless elevator chit-chat. Working from home is not for everybody, yet no one who works from home has ever said that it sucks. Truth is, it’s the best. There is an up-drive in energy, concentration and even ideas. And it seems glamorous doesn’t it, the idea of waking up and not having to go anywhere. But, there’s rules or rather suggestions on how to get started with this new work life.
*photo: @iamlubi
HAVE A GOOD WORKSPACE
Sorry, but your bed is not equipped for a full day’s work. Even if it’s a portion of the kitchen counter, create a clean, minimal space that will encourage you to focus. I believe in only having the necessities in front of me, such as coffee (duh), notebook and pen and maybe on hectic days a crystal to ignite good energy and concentration.
via Elena Taber
WRITE DOWN YOUR TO-DO LIST THE NIGHT BEFORE
This is the equivalent to picking out your work clothes to save time, the same effective idea. Not only is it a time saver, but it allows you to have set goals for the morning. It is true (at least for myself) that working from home does keep you more organized.
DECIDE IF YOU’RE A MORNING PERSON OR A NIGHT OWL
I tried to be both, at the same time and it wore me down. The thrill of working from home is the independence of either setting your own hours or determining the amount of hours you work a day. You just can’t be both, because your body and mind will retaliate.
HAVE A ROUTINE
Working from home does not mean slacking off. From personal experience this is what I’ve imagined when I tell someone who works in a traditional office setting, “I work from home”, and I can almost hear their mind saying “oh you’re one of those”. Your home office is not to be treated like a paid vacation day, especially if you’re a freelancer, no one is paying you to have one. Whether it’s a 6am gym or workout sesh, stick to a morning routine that you at least enjoy. It sets the tone for the morning and builds productivity throughout the day.
illustration by ayeyokp
GET DRESSED
It’s so tempting, and I’m very guilty of starting my work day in pajamas. Then, I learned something about myself, that I’m the type of person that needs the right aesthetic and a good attire to help me focus. I’m sure there’s something psychological to that, but on the days that I’ve stayed in pj’s, answering emails until 11am always proved to be the longest days. Nothing makes you feel lazier than the clothes you slept in. (Read “Why I Still Dress Up When I Work From Home”)
FEED YOURSELF
Have fruits, snacks and a meal plan ready, at least for lunch. There’s a difference between craving lunch in the office, than when you’re working from home. I believe it’s because you are at your highest productivity in a home office. No one is distracting you with odd, casual conversations and you’re not worried about any supervisors lurking around. So, when you get hungry in the home office it’s a pleasure and not a chore. Something to look forward to, you’re almost excited to refuel and get some more work done. Lunch at a regular office feels a little more mandatory. Whether it’s a co-worker’s birthday lunch or the feeling of eating at your office desk in fact feels lonelier than when you’re at home.
MORNING HUSTLE
If you can, schedule all conference calls in the morning. Anything truly time sensitive or with a deadline, get those conversations and matters squared away before lunch. Doing so, it leaves your afternoons light and nobody in the history of working has ever expressed excitement over a 3pm meeting.
illustration by Carla Llanos
TAKE BREAKS
Take a walk. Take a break. Do yoga. It’s important to have a mini-recharge, step away from the blue light and do something fun for 30 minutes to an hour. My favorite part of working from home is that no one is deterring you or giving you the side eye if you choose to step out for a bit.
WATCH A YOUTUBE VIDEO
You click that link a colleague sent you on Slack and now it’s time to sip a cold brew and enjoy a mindless YouTube vid. Why is this an important part of the work from home day? Well, one of two things can happen and it’s up to you how it ends up. You can watch something that makes you laugh and that’s great, or you start watching one video that leads you into a YouTube hole for the next hour. Whichever it ends up being, don’t regret it or make excuses for it. I mean, the endless cat videos, cooking tutorials, carpool karaokes and even a woman and her possum, just turn your brain off and enjoy it.
(Then back to work)
CHECK YOUR INBOX
Before you virtually clock out, check your inbox for any emails that should be answered by EOD. You can and should even schedule emails to go out the next morning. Technology is great. Also, check Slack chats to make sure you’re being “seen”.
illustration by @bodiljane
In these post-pandemic years will we ever return to offices full-time? If you’re lucky enough to have the freedom to work from home, do not take it for granted. If you’re freelancing, make the atmosphere conducive to your creativity. Enjoy this luxury and work like nobody’s watching.
