'So do you have a REAL job?'
'Must be nice being able to nap whenever you want.'
'Gee, I wish I could take it easy like you do...'
Everytime I hear these types of comments - intentionally
malicious or not - my eyes lock and my jaw clenches.
Somehow, somewhere, a nasty rumor began implying that when
you earn your living from your home, you're not actually
working.
Yes, I have flexible hours. True, I sometimes only work
2 hours in a day. Some days I don't work at all. But
sometimes I work evenings when others are watching TV,
weekends when friends are out for a day of relaxation,
plus occasional late nights or extraordinarily early
mornings - long before the rest of the neighborhood is
stirring.
The fact of the matter is, although home workers have a
great deal of flexibility they also tend to spend a lot
more time working than if they were in an office. Help
keep yourself sane with these tips.
Eat well and don't skip meals.
Don't blow off regular, healthy meals just because you're
busy. You're ALWAYS going to be busy and you may never
find the 'right' time to take a break. Eat your meals.
They'll keep you fueled with energy and provide nutrients
to the old brain.
Exercise.
Exercise is probably the first thing to go when we're busy.
I recently read a study that estimated that only 30% of the
adult population gets enough exercise! What a sad statistic.
Exercise is a great energizer, and believe it or not, it
does become a habit. If you miss a day, you don't feel
as good. I always exercise first thing in the morning.
That way it's out of the way before I get engrossed in my
work.
Take breaks when you need them.
You're a person, not a machine. Don't force yourself to
keep going when you're burnt out. Take some time off to
do something you enjoy, and FORGET about work for a while.
It really helps! You'll feel more refreshed and ready to
tackle your next task.
Stick to an approximate schedule.
I say 'approximate' because one of the benefits to working
from home is flexibility! But setting a 'regular'
schedule (barring the occasional deviation) helps you to
stay on track and get things done.
Keep your sense of humor - but don't be a wimp.
You're WORKING from home, so don't get swindled into
caring for the neighbor's kids everyday ('as a favor') or
running errands for friends or family ('because you have
lots of time'). No doubt some people will think that
'working from home' is equivalent to 'munching snacks
while watching daytime TV'. Learn to say a guilt-free
NO!
Treat yourself right, and enjoy the benefits of being
one of the lucky people who can say, 'I work fro
About the Author
Angela is the editor of Online Business Basics, a practical
guide for eBusiness beginners. You can find OBB along with
solid home business ideas, freelance and telecommuting job
updates, free magazine subscriptions, and much more at
eWorkingWomen, http://www.eworkingwomen.com/join.html
Come find out how you too can work from home!