Working from home was a new development for me in 2012. It’s been a bit of a transition, but I love it! Recently a friend and former co-worker who happens to be the best grant-writer, like ever, asked me if I had any tips about transitioning to working at home. Keep in mind, I don’t have young children at home and my husband built me a dandy new home office, so I have a pretty ideal set up for working from home. But regardless of your environment, some steps apply universally. Here’s what I shared from my recent experience:
Dear Sue –
Here’s my best advice for starting to work from home:
1. Visit your tax accountant early on and set up a separate account for business income and expense. I pay taxes quarterly and they are high. But this is so much better than having to come up with a sum total at tax time.
2. Make sure you have the tools you need to be successful. I know you already have a comfy chair! I got a new laptop which is perfectly designed for what I need. It was a great investment, rather than sharing the family computer or something.
3. I rely daily on Skype for connecting with my brother/business partner and weekly for team meetings.
4. I set up hours for myself, so that at some point in the afternoon I stop working and then pick it up the next day.
5. I had the following links in a file marked “Working at home:” Perhaps you will find some helpful info.
http://mashable.com/2012/11/01/productive-virtual-office/
http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/unclutterer/~3/qFc4HrxQqWw/
http://unclutterer.com/2012/05/31/your-email-inbox-is-not-a-filing-cabinet/
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/08/16/how-to-succeed-at-working-from-home/
6. Set up a regular schedule. I almost always stay home to work on Monday, for example. I keep laundry going and get the house reorganized in between work projects. I make myself get out of the house to work on Tuesdays and Thursdays because the ambient noise of a coffee shop is helpful to me.
7. Be proactive about relationships. The biggest downside to me is loneliness. I make it a point to have social engagements like lunch or exercise dates with friends each week, otherwise I could go for weeks without seeing anyone but my family.
8. ENJOY! I love it. So much flexibility, a relaxed atmosphere, rewarding work.
I hope this helps. I know you will be successful in whatever you take on. I miss our conversations so much!!
Your friend,
Lynn
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