Working from home - Dream vs. Reality

Honestly, if you ask my Husband about what I am doing, his answer will be something like: My wife stays at home.

In his mind, I go back to sleep after getting up with him early in the morning to prepare his coffee and will probably wake-up again around 10am – most certainly to let in the maid who, of course, I pay with his salary. The maid takes care of the house, gets the laundry and the ironing done, as well as taking the dogs for several walks, and prepares the food shortly before she leaves the house. If I could only train her to do the Virtual Assistance work as well :) . . . Oh no, let me correct that -- I am NOT working, not really. Working from home means sitting on the sofa, eating chocolate and watching all the newest shows and soaps. Did I mention lying at the pool as well?

Reality looks a little different though. Yes, working from home gives you more freedom and you can indeed make your own schedule BUT . . . if you want to be successful, you have to take your work seriously! You have to be disciplined, get organized and find your routine.

Remember, it’s much easier to get distracted while working from home, so make sure you have your priorities straight.

There is a time for work, for household chores, for the kids, and for the TV! Make sure you have them all separated. It’s nearly impossible trying to complete an important project while watching the Oprah show!

You have to make sure that your friends and family know and accept that while you have your “Office Hours” you will have no time for small talk, at least not more than you had while you where working at your last job.

If you have kids, make sure you explain to them that yes, you work from home now, but it’s work nonetheless. Make sure they understand and respect the hours you need to spend on work.

Know that no one will tell you how to do your job nor will anyone check whether it’s done right. It’s up to you to make sure that projects are delivered to your client on time, finished the way he needs it.

Fact is, working from home is not for everyone!