Making the Switch to Work at Home
A Home Business Article Contributed by Alina Sandor
Switching to Working at Home
When making the switch from the traditional working world to working at home you can run into some road blocks.
One of the biggest roadblocks are family and friends. You will soon find out that people think when you are home you are available.
Big problem!
How do you set limits without hurting feelings?
Thinking Makes a Smooth Transition to Working at Home
Many people don't take into consideration the family members when starting to work at home. The business will be in the home, were the family is, so family will become an issue that will have to be addressed.
Keep in mind the following questions:
Will my business papers, books, records, advertising, office supplies, etcetera, interrupt other family member's work space?
If so, how can I keep them separate?
Is my work at home area easily accessible to small children, giving them ample opportunity to rip important documents and records or break any merchandise that I may sale through the business?
What will I do with the kids while I'm working? Is day care an option, can I work around their naps, or will a spouse help?
If I'm alone and decide to work while the children are awake or in the house how can I get work done and keep them occupied at the same time?
Will my spouse be a part of the business? If not how will I work in time to spend with my spouse?
More importantly, will my spouse have to take over more responsibilities around the house?
Will my kids be able help with any of the errands, such as taking letters to the mail box or filing papers?
Make Working at Home a Priority
As said before, friends and family will want you to drop everything at a moment's notice because you are visible.
The first key, then, is to make yourself invisible. Sperate yourself from the family with a closed door or curtain. Post a sign on your barrier stating that you are at work and that you would like not be disturbed.
Also, make a rule that the spouse and children are not to bother you during certain times of day. Make sure that the hours are the same everyday. Let friends know these hours, too and politely let them know that you will not be able to chat during these times.
There will be some resistance at first. Children will whine that you don't spend any time with them any more, even though you spend the same amount or even more, when you tell them not to disturb you. Your spouse will claim that every time your disturbed, "It really is important! " Friends will claim that they "forgot" your hours, and, can you chat just for a little while?
The key is to be firm. Say no. The firmer you are the quicker everyone will get the message that you are taking your home business seriously and they should as well.
