Do You Have the Discipline to Work from Home?
(c) Copyright 2001, Angela Wu
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It's a common perception that home workers experience a
significant boost in productivity. Although this can be
true, it isn't true for everyone.
As a home worker - whether you work for a company or work
for yourself - it's up to YOU to ensure that you get the
job done. Working from home, no matter how great it sounds
in theory, isn't for everyone. It takes a certain type of
person to be successful at home. Ask yourself:
= Can I resist the temptations around me, such as the TV,
refrigerator, the sunny deck or garden?
= Am I well-organized? Can I work without supervision
and keep track of what still needs to be done, and by
when?
= Do I tend to put things off until 'later', or am I self-
motivated? Will I be able to complete the tasks at hand
effectively and on time?
= Do I have good time-management skills?
= Can I work alone, or would I miss the daily interaction
with co-workers in a traditional office environment?
Would I be tempted to make excessive personal phone
calls just to 'make contact'?
= Am I able to set goals and stick to them?
The much-touted 'freedom' of working from home is balanced
by responsibilities. Many home workers have found that
establishing a routine helps to keep them on track. That
means:
= Get dressed when you get up - working in your pajamas
can make you feel "too" relaxed and unmotivated.
= Set 'regular' office hours. Start working at the same
time every day -- and STOP working at same time too.
Home workers often fall into the habit of working all
the time, since the "office" is only a few steps away!
= Develop established work routines. For example, you
may decide to do tedious administrative tasks every
Friday afternoon. Routines help you to accomplishment
work that you may otherwise be tempted to put off.
= Create self-imposed deadlines - and stick to them. Even
if you work for yourself, establishing deadlines helps
to keep you on track and continuously working to achieve
your goals.
These are just a few things to consider before looking for
at-home work. Only you can decide if it's right for you.
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Angela is the editor of Online Business Basics, an
exclusive newsletter for eBusiness beginners. OBB features
ongoing tutorials on how to build a profitable Internet
business on a shoestring budget. You don't need a million-
dollar budget to be successful! Find out how you too can
join the thousands quietly earning a living online:
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