The Truth About Working From Home
Because it’s not all wearing sweatpants and watching daytime TV
I get a lot of jealous looks when I tell people I work from home.
Home? Really?? Lucky you!
Do you ever get dressed or just work in your pajamas?
Ugh, I’d kill not to have a commute.
Must be nice!
Don’t get me wrong: I love working from home. But, that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its challenges.
Like with most things, people tend to focus on the good and forget the bad. But, working from home isn’t all sweatpants and daytime TV! As teacher, who worked regular school hours the last two years, working from home has been a major change for me.
When I started, I didn’t know anyone else who worked from home. If I had, maybe they could have given me some tips and helped make the adjustment smoother.
Instead, I figured all this stuff out on my own (while wearing my pajamas).
The Truth About Working From Home
Some days you don’t leave the house.
Just last month, I didn’t leave the house for three straight days. You might think that sounds nice, but when you work from home, those three days could turn into a week pretty easily. Not wanting to let that happen, I committed to getting out more.
Now, I walk for any hour every morning after I finish teaching and before I start writing. Other suggestions are joining a gym, meeting a friend for coffee or taking a class.
Friendships require more effort.
I’ve been really lucky that, over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of cool people. My social circle has often consisted of coworkers turned friends. Nothing brings people together like a shitty boss.
When you make the switch and begin working from home, you lose those daily interactions. However, it also presents an opportunity to make new (perhaps even more genuine) connections. I started a book club through Meetup, and I much prefer getting together to talk about literature over bitching about work.
You need a schedule.
I teach very early in the morning, and most days, I’m finished by 8 a.m. Once my classes are over, what I do with the rest of the day is up to me. At the beginning, I was lost. I just did whatever I felt like, which was usually watching Netflix or mindlessly scrolling Instagram. There were days that I’d nap for three hours just for something to do.
I hated feeling unproductive and decided I needed to make a schedule in order to maximize my days. It’s not super strict, but I have time set aside for exercising, reading and writing. I actually get stuff done now! The biggest game changer has been keeping the TV turned off until 5 p.m.
A defined work space makes you more productive.
The first piece of furniture I bought for my new house is a desk. I was sleeping on an air mattress and eating dinner on the floor, but I was happy because I had a place to work. I’m sure there are people out there who can get all their work done while sitting in front of the TV or lying in bed, but I’m not one of them.
If you’re working from home and struggling with productivity, reevaluate your work space. Is it what you need to get the job done? Even shutting the door to whatever room you’re working in could make a difference.
It’s not for everyone.
For many people, working from home sounds like a dream come true. But, before you make the switch, take some time to consider if it’s really the best fit for you. Do you rely on face-to-face communication? Does competition in the office motivate you? Do you need two totally separate settings for work-life balance? If so, you might be better suited to more traditional work environments.
Even if you’re confident you can be successful working from home, mentally prepare yourself for an adjustment period. Be patient and open-minded as you find what way of working works best for you.
Hi, I’m Alex! After living in Madrid, Spain, for two years, I recently moved to Mexico. Tacos and sunshine, baby! When I’m not writing, I’m reading, running or drinking red wine. For more of my writing, check out my blog: Backpacking Brunette.
