If you’re a frequent computer user, chances are you’ve run into an instance where your computer will ask you to double check with the network administrator or owner of the computer for a certain task. You laugh because, well, you are the computer’s owner and it’s your home Wi-Fi network.
The same principle applies to running a business. You’re the one in charge of all aspects. Everything runs back through you, you make the final decisions and the company flow-chart is quite easy and linear. If you’re a freelancer, you’re already accustomed to being in charge of just about everything.
Depending on what kind of business you have, you might be working out of an office or working from home. If you’ve decided that working in PJs is the way to go, then you should check out some tips we have below.
Set Up a Productive Office
Working from home can be great but there can also be a number of distractions that are around you at all times. The Xbox is just in the living room, you can easily click on over to Netflix or your home chores may be overriding your desire for work.
That’s why you need to make sure you have a space or office that will allow you to be productive and work relatively distraction free. While this may sound like you should be locking yourself in a closet with no windows, that’s hardly the case. Make sure everything you need is within arm’s reach so you don’t have to get up and go look for something else.
Invest in a good chair with proper back support. You’re probably going to be sitting for most of the day, the last thing you need is a folding metal chair. See if you can bring in some natural sunlight or at the very least buy a natural sunlight lamp. A happy and healthy you means a more productive you.
If you are going to purchase a home and plan to set up a home office, do your research before you choose a home. Some HOAs don’t allow any foot track to your home, which could be a deal breaker depending on your business.
Make Boundaries
When your place of work is just a few steps from your bed, you need to be able to set clear boundaries and stick to them. This means setting up a firm schedule and being disciplined throughout your work day.
How do you stay disciplined though? It’s much easier said than done. One way to do so is by having planned breaks throughout the day. Know that every 1.5 hours, you’ll be taking a 10 minute break. Put your work goals in front of you, like on a bulletin board so you don’t lose focus on your goals.
Buy a planner and map it out. Plan every hour of your day dedicated to certain tasks. It’s easier to follow something when you’ve got it written down and planned out.
The Finances
Working from home typically means you’re going to be saving money. Less money spent on gas for your commute, less chance of eating out and you can track your business expenses a bit easier.
You need some means to do work at home, and computers are one of the most essential tools to have. A laptop or a personal computer is expensive, and if your company doesn’t provide you with the necessary equipment for your job, you’re pretty much left on your own. If buying is out of the question, you can go to certified refurbishing centers to buy a computer for less.
Refurbished computers are not shabby as you may think they are because they undergo numerous quality tests by computer experts to ensure that they work as intended. This means that all defective parts have been repaired or replaced and each unit is tested several times before being resold.
If you’re doing freelance work with various sites, you’ll always want to be up to date on any big changes. Last year, PayPal overhauled their payment system, charging more fees for transactions. While you can’t do anything about it, it’s better to be in the know instead of freaking out over payments.
If you’re hiring someone else to work for you or in your home, such as a personal assistant for you or a housekeep to make sure everything is tidy, you’ll need to review how that affects you financially but also when it comes to your taxes. You don’t want to be caught off-guard because of some oversight.
Find a Spot
There might be times where you realize that due to work and your personal life, you haven’t left your house in a few days. You start your day early, find yourself in the zone the whole day and before you realize it, it’s already night time.
That’s why it’s important to find a place outside of your house where you can work. It doesn’t have to be every week, but make sure and find a spot where you can get out of the house to do work or meet with a client. It could be a coffee shop down the road or the new sandwich cafe that just opened up last week. Whatever it is, make sure you have that place set for you where you can detox from your home office.
