Now that you have some information about working from home, you may ask yourself is this the way forward for you?
This article shares some specific working from home pros and cons for mothers:
The Pros
- Flexible working hours
- More time with your children
- No stressful commute
- You’ll feel as if you are contributing financially to the household
- You can be your own boss, no one checking if you left too early to pick up the little one
- Making money can remind you that there is more to you than being a mum
The Cons
- Childcare dilemmas – how to do your job whilst constantly being interrupted by little ones. You may need to consider getting childcare depending on your situation
- You often have to spend money before making it
- Your work may take over your home or at least change your home life
- You struggle to meet deadlines due to a myriad of distractions
- There’s no escape from “the office” – you’re always there
- Lack of social interaction or feeling housebound
Working From Home Success Tips
If working from home still seems like your cup of tea, here are some tips to help you make a success of it:
1) Set up a dedicated workspace away from personal space:
Working from home can make differentiating between work time and leisure time a challenge. If possible set up your office in a separate room of the house.
This way you can shut the door when you want to concentrate, and keep distractions out.
You can also close the door on work at the end of the day, and go to a different place to relax and switch off. If you can’t spare a whole room, try to partition off a section of the room you use the least.
Keep your work area away from the kitchen or the television. A good source of light is essential and natural light will increase your productivity and help to keep you alert.
Position your desk near a window and keep a lamp on your desk with the switch in easy reach.
2) Get into a routine:
Most people work to standard office hours and recreating these at home can help to keep work and home life separate.
Get up, have a shower, get dressed and eat breakfast.
Try to work out roughly enough hours in the day to do your work, and be consistent with starting and finishing around the same time each day.
Don’t forget to take a proper break for lunch too. Avoid the tendency to run errands, have visitors, talk with friends or family or do things around the house during your office hours.
3) Set boundaries:
If you have a family member at home that requires care, that person may expect you to be more available for caregiving because they see you at home.
You would need to be firm with letting them know when you are available and when you’re not.
You would also need to set boundaries for young children who will try to disturb you when you’re supposed to be working.
Get a baby sitter or nanny if you can afford it.
4) Limit distractions
Working from home is an exercise in avoiding distractions. Your home is full of distracting objects and reminders of chores and other things you could be doing.
Clear your workspace of all but the essential items. Don’t keep personal clutter around your desk.
Keep the television and radio off and if necessary, turn off the sound on your mobile phone, chat and email notifications.
Avoid your kitchen or bedroom during your working hours, temptation to procrastinate with work are always there.
5) Invest in the right equipment
Setting up a home-office can be expensive, so you’ll need to prioritize. At the very least, you’ll need a comfortable chair and desk.
Find one that supports your back, and make sure your computer screen is high enough.
You may also need other office equipment like a telephone line, printer, scanner, and fax machine.
If you can persuade your employer to set these up for you at home, great. If you have to pay for them yourself, choose wisely. Buy the best you can afford.
Working from home doesn’t suit everybody, but most mothers would benefit from trying it at least part time.
If you enjoy what you do, you may be even happier doing it from the comfort of your home.
But in any case, the advice for those working from home is the same as it should be for everyone. Work when you’re paid to; don’t when you’re not.
Tolulope Popoola is a writer, blogger and a work from home mum. She blogs athttp://www.onwritingandlife.com and is the creator of the online fiction series, ‘In My Dreams It Was Simpler’. She also writes short stories, flash fiction and magazine articles. Her first novel “Nothing Comes Close” will be published in summer 2012.
