When you work from home, it can be more difficult to concentrate. Distractions are everywhere: There is always housework to be done, and when the kids are home, you literally have small people begging for your attention. So how can you make the most of your time working from home?
Set up a home office. A home office is a great way to set priorities for your work when you are at home. Make it a place that is free of the distractions of home as much as you can and a place that allows you to concentrate and focus.
Use your quiet time. There are always periods of quiet time in the home, whether it be your children’s nap time, first thing in the morning or late at night. If you find it really hard to get anything done when the house is busy and loud, schedule your work time for those quiet times when you can get down to the task at hand without those distractions.
Keep the kids entertained. Working from home during the school year can be great – but during vacations or holidays, it can be very stressful. So work ahead or cut back on work during those times and spend that time with your children. Allow your kids to have free play for a couple of hours with the promise of an outing when your work is done. Make sure they know that when they are home you are there and want to play as much as you can. Hopefully with some practice they will learn to respect your work time when you need it.
If all else fails, escape! Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just can’t get anything done with the kids and family at home. So hire a sitter and escape to the library or a park and work in peace and solitude for just a few hours. It may be just what you need for a little sanity!
Having the freedom to enjoy your time with your family is one of the greatest benefits of working from home. Though it can be difficult, we know that having the freedom to schedule your time as you need it is the best part of working for yourself!