Wednesday, June 13, 2007

5 Steps to Avoid the Twin Work-at-Home Killjoys


Recently, I was going through my email when I found the
following question.

Q. After a long period of unemployment, I was offered
a telecommute job. I've never worked from home before!
Any suggestions?

A. This question has come up a lot lately. The twin
challenges seem to be either (a) too much time alone
or (b) too many interruptions.

A New York Times author plans a return to a "real
job" after realizing she looked forward to the voice
on her answering machine.
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/03/business/yourmoney/0
3pre.html

Another article (can't remember where) described
interruptions from spouses, cats who slept on the
laptop, and neighbors who needed rides to the airport.

(1) Be firm about boundaries.

Many people -- neighbors, friends, telemarketers --
assume you're available 24/7 because you're home. If
you're over 45, they think you're retired.

When someone calls, I recommend saying, "You know,
I'm right in the middle of something. Can you call
later?"

Even better: stop picking up the phone unless
you're expecting a client call. Leave a strong "not
available" message with a promise to call back later.
(You can have a special line or secret signal for
family emergencies.)

Practice telling the UPS driver,
"I cannot accept packages for anyone except myself and
my family." Even better: Rent a mail drop and send
all your packages there.

No matter how politely you decline, some friends will
never understand. And they won't hear you the first,
second or third time.

Setting boundaries with family? Too sensitive for an
ezine column: ask an expert.

(2)Have a reason to get up and go out each and every
morning.

Several years ago, I was working from home to write a
book in Philadelphia. I'd begin each day by
visiting the Tuscany Coffee shop and editing pages
I'd written the night before.

I was awake and dressed (though not for success).
They had great coffee and the best "everything bagels"
on the planet.

Now, of course, I'm forced out the door at a
ridiculously early hour by a demanding dog who
frequently makes secret alliances with a grumpy old tabby
cat.

(3) Schedule around your own productivity pattern.

People who work best in long spurts need to clear their
calendars. They might schedule client consultations
all together in one day, go to the gym after hours,
hire a dog-walker and arrange for reminders so they
won't miss important meetings (and lunch).

Those who work in short bursts (which is my pattern)
will be tempted by breaks and interruptions. I get
more done when I break up my day with dog walks, lunch
meetings and exercise class.

(4) Cut back on chores and interruptions.

Sure the grocery store will be empty on Tuesday
morning -- but should you be there? These days you can
order groceries online. In Seattle, you can get
healthy food delivered in a cooler box right to your
door. Pay your dog-walker to take Fido and Fluffy to
the vet (yes, there's a story of how I figured this
one out).

(5) Ask the Magic Question.

Tim Ferriss (author of of The Four Hour Workweek) asks:
"What is the one thing you can do that would make you
feel the day was productive and successful?" Ask the
question early, he says, so you'll have time to get it
done.

Read Tim's book.

Readers: What are your work-at-home challenges and
solutions? Please post a comment.

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