You Don’t Want to Work at Home in Your Pajamas…
(Day 11 of evolution.)

But that’s the dream, isn’t it?
To be able to roll out of bed every morning and shuffle over to your couch in fuzzy slippers. To earn money with the option of removing your pants whenever you want👖.
Maybe you are more of a globetrotter. Ah yes, palm trees swaying overhead, a frosty coconut flavoured drink in hand, all of your work available through your slightly sandy laptop.
I’ve come across a lot of people who share this dream. They lust after the chance to work remotely. I do find it strange that 90% of these individuals don’t pursue opportunities that would permit them this flexibility but that’s a whole other topic for another day.
Working Around the Globe
I have been absolutely blessed to enjoy several different careers that have granted me flexibility. When I worked in sales, completing phone calls and creating marketing materials from home was perfectly acceptable. I could spend a Friday out of the office and on the golf course. As a freelance copywriter, I crossed off tasks in Indonesia, Thailand, India, Australia, France, and Ireland.
Sounds like a dream, right?
Well…yes and no.

I would not trade my past experiences for anything. Freelance writing did not pay all of my travelling expenses but it certainly helped. Even as I sit here writing this I get all sentimental, reflecting on all the trials and tribulations along the way. Every single project and client has helped me get to where I am today.
The Power of the Divide
Ok…so what’s the problem? If I can work remotely, wear whatever I want, and go wherever I want, what would I possibly want to change?
After talking with a few other individuals that have enjoyed similar freedoms with their work, I realized that working at home or remotely might not be “the dream” after all.
Now, don’t get me wrong. One of my end goals is to endlessly travel the globe. And, I absolutely love relaxing at home. However, there is something beautiful about having a clear divide between your “work” and the rest of your life.
Work, Work, Work
I create my best work when I am in a “work environment”. For me, this can be an office that is outside of my home or another work-conducive location such as a coffee shop. This is where my brain switches into “get shit done” mode. Without distractions, I can hammer out a to-do list like it’s nobody’s business.
When I’m at home, I indulge in procrastination from time to time- I think everyone does. If given the opportunity, I will fold every piece of laundry and cook every vegetable in my fridge before finishing an assignment.
Play Time
I will also find time to complete “work” when I should be relaxing at home or enjoying a beach in Bali. Work, leisure, and pleasure all get mixed together until there is no separation between the activities.
This results in sub-par work and the inability to truly disconnect and relax. No good.
I’m not suggesting that you can’t bring elements of your career into your personal life and vice versa. The majority of my writing references are derived from personal experiences. I believe that’s how great art is made- by making it relatable in some way.
The key is to find your ideal balance. What do you want to experience and how much income-producing “work” will those experiences require?
Divide, Schedule, and Enjoy
If you want to increase your productivity, create higher quality work, and find more time to actually enjoy your life, create a divide. Make it extremely clear when and where you work. Give yourself strict deadlines and create a rule about not working at home. Your living space is for rejuvenating and enjoying life. It is sacred and should be protected at all costs.
On the flip side, I suggest that you actually schedule time in your calendar to relax, play, and sometimes do nothing at all. These periods of leisure are just as important as the hours you put in at the office.
I hope you take a few minutes today to PLAY and rediscover the joy of care-free time!
