How Do You Juggle Your Working At Home Business Life From Your Personal Life?
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Working from home, as you probably know, takes some planning. Most probably when you first start out working hours and personal hours get jumbled up together and you are not productive in either area!
If you work from home it is most important to make yourself a plan of how you are going to do this successfully.
1. The most important thing is to have an area which is your working space. If you are fortunate enough to have a spare room you can set up as an office so much the better. For many this is not possible, so make sure that your ‘work’ area is defined somehow. Maybe a screen or a partition around this area would help to let others know that this is your office and not to disturb you.
2. Let friends and family know that working from home means you are ‘working’ and that you can’t just pop out for a coffee or they come over for a chat. Explain that if you were out at work you couldn’t just pop out for a coffee or take a look round the shops or drop in at the pub for a pint! Use that same working ethos when working from home.
3. If finances permit try to get a business phone so that when working hours are over you can switch that phone to voicemail and when you get back to work you can pick up the messages and deal with them. If most of your work is done on the internet then make sure that the computer you use is just for your use and not for the rest of the family.
4. Plan a work schedule. Do you work best in the morning or are you a night owl and do your best work at night, whichever part of the day suits you best then they are your working hours. Obviously this isn’t set in stone and the best thing about working from home is that you can change your working hours around.
5. Make a To Do List in the mornings or the evening before of what you want to achieve that day. Once you have completed your list then that is the time to empty the dishwasher, mow the lawn or whatever. Be disciplined in your business keep your schedule and you can combine a home business and a personal life easily.
To summarise:
• Set up your working space – let everyone know that is your office.
• Let friends and family know that you are working from 9 am to ?? am and you will give them a call or whatever after that time.
• Get a business phone or make sure you have a computer solely for your use.
• Plan a work schedule and stick to it.
• Make a To Do List that you complete each day.
Follow these ideas and you may find that life becomes less stressful!
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Very interesting article, thanks. Keep up the good work.
Thank you very much for sharing this. I have subscribed to your RSS feed. Please keep up the good work.
Hi Barbara,
many of us can relate to all of this. definitely complete your “to do” list first before starting on the household chores. thanks for all of those reminders of what we should be doing.
best regards
dawn
Dawn *Oz* Riley´s last blog ..Building a List
Barbara,
To be honest, I have pretty well dropped everything except to focus on my job, which I still have, and then come home to the computer and work on internet marketing. I don’t really have a time to do the chores around the house. If I have to get up and stretch, that is when I do the dishes, or run the vacuum for a few minutes. I don’t plan those jobs in, they become breaks from computer work.
Best regards,
Cheryl
Cheryl *IM* Jones´s last blog ..Thank you to my visitors
Hi Barbara,
Lovely to see you in the challenge
My friends really don’t understand that I am really “working” they think it’s all some kind of game and often try to distract me so I completely understand point 2.
However, now that I am starting to get regular commissions and making some decent money, they are starting to see it as real “work” and trying to get me to show them how to do it too ha ha.
Loved the tips you shared, I kept forgetting to follow a to do list, I will make sure I do that every day now.
Speak soon, Sally
Sally´s last blog ..How To Get 100 Comments On Your Blog
Hi Barbara!
Good points all but Amen to #2! Why is this concept SO hard for people to understand?
I finally learned to “just say no”. No I can’t babysit your kids, no I can’t wait for the cable guy, find the sandpaper yourself!
Of course I wouldn’t want to work anywhere but at home, but yes it is a constant struggle!
Thanks for the post,
Lesley
Lesley “Wes” Klatt´s last blog ..Week 3- Generating Traffic
Hi Barbara
Could not agree more with your post – even through you work from home, you still need to tell people it is work and you meet by appointment not when they want to drop by.
A little about me – My name is Sue McDonald and I am a student of Mark Terrell and I am actually going through the course a second time – by invitation. I love it and know if I do all he says, I will be successful. I am Australian but the US is my second home as I have family there and visit quite often. This is why I started Internet Marketing so I can travel whenever I want and have the money to do what I want.
Well I hope you are doing well and you become very successful. I would love you to come visit my blog and leave a comment.
Kind regards
Sue
Sue McDonald´s last blog ..Week 3 of the Newbies Course
Hello Barbara,
Always enjoyed your writing.
It may seems easy, but working at home do require a separate time and space. I like what you shared here. Especially on the part to keep friends and family not from distracting us. Can’t blame them really, cause during the time when we are working hard for our dreams, it is the time when they chilled out from a day work.
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
Jason Ser
Hi Barbara, great list. I have always been lucky enough to have a dedicated workspace. I insist on working from a desk and find a space for it wherever I am. It’s very easy to get into the habit of working on a laptop while sat in front of the telly! Or working on the dining room table. When I feel I want to be around other people instead of shut in the office I do both of those things! I guess for me that is the only part of working for yourself from home that is sometimes a shame – being on your own in a room with just your computer for company.
Enjoy the journey.
Mandy
Mandy Allen´s last blog ..How do you relax
Hey Barbara
I have just come for a visit to your site. How are you going?
Yes it’s Mark and I am following my students as they post on other peoples blogs. They don’t know that I am always checking to see they are getting results. I am passionate about helping them achieve and then they are able to make some money online exactly the same as I am doing. It is not really difficult as long as they are willing to put in the effort.
Keep up the good work. I see some of my students have left you a comment.
Regards
Mark
Mark * Coaching Newbies* Terrell´s last blog ..Coaching Newbies 20 Launch
Hi Barbara, working at home is not a joke and should be taken seriously. Good points you bring up. Working at home is a job but instead of working for someone else, you are working for yourself.
Terry Conti
Terry Conti´s last blog ..Sell your ebook on its own or put it on Clickbank What do you think
Hey Barbara, Thats a great list that you have put together and very sensible advice. Like many I am working a fulltime job as well as running my business on the side but the principals you outlined are equally as important with this situation. In fact in some ways it can even be more important to be super organised when one is trying to juggle all the things that need to be done in a confined amount of time. For me one of the greatest challenges working from home is being productive with my time, the ability to do things that will generate income. Sometimes we have to be really tough on ourselves. Great topic!
Hi Barbara,
Good post…I find #2 the hardest… friends and family just don’t seem to get it…they just drop by unannounced and expect you to drop everything and spend time with them…. I am slowly getting through to them I think
Good to meet you here on the 100 post challenge.
Cheers
Bryan
Hi Barbara,
Welcome to the 100 blog challenge
I notice you mentioned about letting friends and family know you’re working!!
That seems to be the one difficulty I’ve always had!
Even though I tell them I’m at work – it seems my family in particular think it’s OK to ‘ring dad’ when they’re stuck and need help…
After all – he’s at home and just messing with his pc!
They must believe that I can just drop everything and pop along to help them – and easily catch up later….
I can’t imagine them doing so to anyone who was ‘at work’…lol
But I am getting used to it after all these years, and I’m gradually being firm on the days where my list is too great to leave til later…lol
Randy
http://www.RandolfSmith.com
Randy Smith@Internet Marketing Rambles´s last blog ..A Negative Review- MobileMonopoly – Don’t Buy It! Plus other news
Hi Barbara, were you spying on me when you thought of this subject?
I’m not fortunate enough of having a spare room and work out of my bedroom, suposedley the quiet room of the bungalow……
My family don’t seem to grasp that i am at work. Even brothers and sister will phone and talk away about everything and nothing. I tell them all the time about interuptions but i think they think i’m talking about other people and that they’re ok calling as they’re family. I still try to smile before picking up the phone though.
I do make plans but at the moment they’re on hold due to health issues. Fingers crossed i’ll be back on track in a few weeks.
Best of luck for the 100 blog comment challenge Barbara, i’ve added you to the twitter list.
Catch up soon, Barry
Barry@The Newbies Guide´s last undefined ..Response cached until Mon 16 @ 21:13 GMT (Refreshes in 47 Minutes)
Hi Barbara,
I am just starting out at the moment so am still organising things so especially appreciate your very practical tips. I think my biggest problem is going to be trying to persuade other family members to allow me some peace and quiet while I am working. I guess until I start actually earning some money they will continue to think of me as just “playing on his computer”.
Feeling well out of my depth at the moment but enjoying starting the 100 Comment Challenge!
Ian.
Ian Douglas´s last blog ..The Beginning
Essential advice Barbara, for anyone who wants to start internet marketing.
I have worked from home for a long time, and am lucky to have my own room/office. I also have a separate business phone. As you said, it’s important to keep business and home life separate. If you can do that physically with a dedicated work area, it makes life easier.
Good luck with the 100 comment challenge Barbara.
John
John McNally´s last blog ..TOP 10 TRAFFIC Blogs
Hi Barbara
Welcome to the challenge
When I first started working from home I found I was suddenly in charge of a ton of domestic chores…which didn’t go down too well from my side.
These days I seem to just do the jobs as I take a break away from the laptop, put the washing on the line while the kettle’s boiling or more likely I’m watching 10 minutes of sky sports news
See you soon
cheers
Steve
Hi, Barbara,
I have the most “problems” with family. I am confident as soon as I consistently make one sale a day friends and family will take me seriously. They will also have forgotten all the hours I had spent prior to achieving that one consistent daily sale. No matter. I still LOVE all I am learning and doing and being, even if it is usually at night after everyone else is asleep! LOL.
Best Wishes,
Fran T
Fran T´s last blog ..Betalains to the rescue!
Hi Barbara
Whatever your domestic situation there is always a way you can sort out a dedicated office area, I initially put up a shelf that was big enough for my laptop and that was my office!
Make an agreement with those around you and stick to it, remember how irritating it is when your child insists that bed will happen after one more race on mario karts, well this works both ways.
igor
igor Griffiths´s last blog ..Hitting My Marketing Objectives
Hi Barbara:
Nice post you have here. This posts intersts every Inter Marketer. Everyone will connect to your blog post to give a great comment and best traffic in results. All point you have mentioned have value and it is content enriched well formatted post. Your writing style brings value to your credibility and good searh engine results.
Brabara, I am new to the group and to 100 comment challenge too.
Though I have placed a comment for every body in the list, I am not receiving comments back from the group, and I know the reason because the group is extremely good, and I am new and it is human nature it takes time to know people. So Barbara I will appreciate it if you will read my blog post and write a comment for me. I will like to read your future posts if I got the opportunity.
Talk again
Fran Aslam
Fran Aslam @kw LUV´s last blog ..How To Write An eBook That Is Included In The Best Seller List
I think there is a lot more to it than that, but you touched on some really important points, some even that I wish I had known to utilise when I first started working at home fulltime.
I personally find that I STILL struggle with it, so can;t really add any strategies that I use – because clearly they dont work LOL!
Alex´s last blog ..Article Marketing Part 3 The Unique Article Wizard Review
Hey Barbara,
Good post. These are some really good tips for setting up yourself for success. Working from home can get hectic so I think having a workspace is really important too. It’s good to set-up these kind of rules for yourself. Nice post!
Peace,
Darren L Carter
Hi Barbara,
I already did have an office at home (which is fortunate) as I run my offline business from there. So I have 2 desks to keep each one separate.
I also find that having a white board with my daily tasks on has helped me loads at being more productive.
My wife understands what I am trying to do and is very supportive but as for other friends and family they just don’t get it and it can be hard to explain that it is work.
Thanks
Craig
Craig´s last blog ..Put Your Email Marketing On Auto Pilot By Using An Auto responder
The trouble with my to do list Barbara is that it is so long that I never get to the end of it. I have to force myself to make time to do a bit of housework before the spiders take over. I’d much rather be working on my business than doing the chores!
Sandy
Sandy Halliday´s last blog ..Failure Is Not An Option In Making Money Online
Hi Barbara…
Nice summary of how to best succeed while working at home.
Having your own workspace is imperative…as well as having your own equipment. I can’t imagine having to share my computer
And, making that list the night before or first thing in the morning is a must for me if I am to remember what it is I want to accomplish for the day…checking them off as I go…
Thanks for the reminders!
Kathy
Kathy Dobson@Outsourcing to the Philippines´s last blog ..HiveDesk…Track Your Outsourced Workers Time
Hi Barbara,
Some great points there most of which I do anyway. However my office has now been made redundant. I just could not work in it at all.
I have a large kitchen which is open plan which has a corner sofa for relaxing, and lots of light where I feel most comfortable. I actually work in this area as it makes me feel better. It’s quite and I do not get disturbed by anyone! I think if you find a nice place where you feel comfortable and relaxed it’s easier to work and get your jobs done without feeling like I’m at the office
Just have to stay away from the TV!
Thanks for the tips.
Daniel Sumner´s last blog ..Self Learning – Outsourcing – Student and Teacher
Hi Barbara
Isn’t it weird that friends and family don’t except that your working from home. I get it all the time and have just learnt to accept it.
I do try to elimanate the distractions by putting my phone onto answerphone while I’m working and having a seperate working area like you said.
Nice to meet you and good luck with the challenge
Regards
Dawn Kay
Dawn Kay´s last blog ..Free Internet Marketing Blueprints and Checklist Guides
Hi Barbara
I know what you mean. Working from home can have its distractions and in some ways you have to focus even more. I’ve got two teenagers if you get my meaning
Best of luck with the course
Regards
Mike
Mike Calmot´s last blog ..Blog Comments Challenge- Using the “Power of Six”…to drive traffic!
Some very helpful tips, Barbara!
I’m lucky enough to have a spare room in my home that I use as an office.
One of the great things about working online is that I don’t really need much else (apart from a PC and broadband connection, of course!).
Stuart Turnbull´s last blog ..We need your ‘make money online’ ideas!
Hi Barbara,
I can fully understand with this post many people do not understand what internet marketing is and don’t take it as serious as i do
I am a student of Mark Terrell’s coaching and I would love for you to stop by my blog and check it out thanks for the good info.
Karen
Karen Dahlin´s last blog ..What is Niche Marketing
Hi Barbara
Domestic life does often get in the way of business life when working from home. But, for me, that is one of the benefits, because I can choose when I work and so am available to ferry my childern around during the school holidays. But I can’t wait until they’re back at school and I can get on with my internet marketing online business!
I’ve posted a link to this page on identi.ca for you (makes a change from Twitter!)
Martyn Boaden´s last blog ..What Was Your Biggest Challenge When You Started Your Internet Marketing Online Business
Hi Barbara
Great post, all good advice. My ‘office’ is a computer desk and a set of shelves in the corner of the dining room, it would be wonderful to have a spare room to use as an office.
I think the hardest part, like others have already mentioned, is getting family and friends to believe that you are actually working and not playing around on the computer.
And I must admit that I occasionally sneak away from my desk to load the washing machine or put some food in the oven, lol.
Warm Regards
Lynn
Great advice Barbara! A balanced life is a good life. We “homers” (short for work at homers, LOL) need to create that space you mentioned and get down to business, but stay attentive, and listen for any signs from those close to us that just might be more important than anything else we’re doing. Be well, Steve D.
Hi Barbara,
Boy can I relate to number 2. My friends and family think I am nuts! Actually they have always thought I was nuts. To tell you the truth my whole adult life I have never really held a normal job! I have always worked from home some how.
I have learned over the years, not to answer my phone during my work hours because most of the time it is for social calls. I have caller id and unless it is a call to do with my daughter I ignore them.
Working around my bubba when she was younger and sleeping during the day was a lot easier however now she is older I have organised for her to be in care 2 days a week so I can actually get some work done.
The worst is my hubby when he is home. He pops in to my office all the time and expects me to drop what ever I am doing. He thinks I am just playing on the computer and going through a phase I will get over soon!
The worst is when people tell you to get a real job!! I hate that!
OK had better continue the blog hopping for the challenge. I am finally getting around to everyone. I am taking a table as I go checking on everyone’s comments. It is up to the contributors now as to how successful this challenge will actually be for everyone!
I do hope everyone honours their commitment and gets to everyone’s blogs!
This has definitely been one big challenge!
See you back here soon!
Cheers
Jacinta
Jacinta Dean´s last blog ..The 100 Blog Comment Challenge Update!
What is hardest with working at home is having the discipline to work. It is so easy to get distracted.
But if you can handle it you do save a lot of time.
You don’t have to travel to work, you don’t have to go out for lunch and so on.
So having the discipline really can make a difference.
Daniel M. Wood @ Sales Techniques, Motivation and Success´s last blog ..Here is a Method That is Helping Successful People to be Much More Efficient
yep u gotta get ur plan together
Amy Steelman-Prueter´s last blog ..Are you up for the Challenge
Hi Barbara,
All very good points you’ve made here just sticking to them is the problem to many distractions although I do have that spare room that is set up as my office that I can go to and maybe get something accomplished mostly in the morning before it gets to warm the sun really warms it up during the day.
Have a great day
Mike
Hi Barbara,
I agree, it is essential to seperate home and work spaces where possible otherwise you will not progress.
I find that if I don’t make that “to do” list and see it through, the distractions can really slow me down.
Excellent post Barbara and great to visit your blog as part of the challenge.
Kindest,
Brian
Hi Barbara
I think having your own work area as in 1. is paramount.
You have your own space with no distractions, and having spent all my working life on construction sites, to be able to work in an office, setting up an IM business, is paradise to me.
As for 2. my family know that they just have to leave me to it now.
My wife thinks I have left her for a PC.
Regards
Bill
Bill Murney´s last blog ..Research- Research- Research
Hi Barbara
Great list. I especially like the separate phone. As I’m not domesticated, I don’t have too many interruptions, but I see in relationships how the phone thing is a definite negative. Better focus with a separate phone, and shut it OFF when you’re not just working.
Thanks for the post and good luck with the challenge.
Alex
Hi Barbara,
It’s great to meet you through the 100 blog comment challenge.
I’m a fellow student of Alex’s I’ve created my plan and I’m working from my to do lists which is great.
I’m so with you on point two, people seem to think that because I’m at home I’m available. I need a shed at the bottom of the garden.
Enjoy the challenge
Michelle
Hi Barbara,
I can understand your struggle, folks who are working from home. People having a job don’t understand this or really know that you can really work from home. It’s important to learn to say ‘no’ at times.
Hope you are doing well, it been long since I’ve interacted with you.
Thanks again for sharing the giveaway information, I still refer to it. And I have successfully registered as a contributor and have my 1st subscriber on my list .. hurray! Appreciate your help.
Cheers!
Abizer
Hi Barbara,
A clearly defined workspace is a must. I am lucky enough to have a spare room, although I do share it with the ironing!
Planning is also key.
I try to plan my week on a Sunday, so when Monday comes I know what has to be done.
Luckily I don’t have to share a computer with my wife, otherwise it would only be Farmville that would be getting done.
Pete
Pete Carr´s last blog ..Your Blogging Toolbox Part 1
great post and gresat advice.
Thank you Barbara
John Edler
Author of ‘Sticky Memory’
http://johnedler.com/blog/sticky-memory-have-i-coined-a-new-term-/?/html
Barbara:
I have not been able to make the jump to working at home full-time…yet.
But I do work from home part-time building my online business. It takes planning, maybe even more planning because I have less time and I still need to spend time with the family.
I think your tips are right on! Following this tips will definitely help people to be more constructive, which is key when working from home, especially those trying to work less hours.
Good luck to you!
- Rick
Rick Byrd @ MarketingWithRick.com´s last blog ..Business Ethics – Is There Such a Thing
Thanks Barbara – this is great advice for a person who works at home, and likes to burn the midnight oil. It’s so important to have time away from the office – even if your office is at home (in your bedroom LOL).
Gwen
via 100 Comment Challenge
Gwen Tanner´s last blog ..10 Free Tools for Your Product Creation Toolkit
Hi Barbara,
Thanks for the tips on how to get and stay organized. I sure need that in my life right now. It’s so easy to get distracted with all that going on in your life all the time.
Good, sound advice there. Thanks.
Take Care,
Steve
Steve Troutman´s last blog ..BoilerMaker 15K Road race July 11- 2010
Hi Steve,
great advice I amust admit though that I am guilty of all of these which is the reason I never really feel that I have achived as much as I ought to have done. Just finishing my round of the 100 blog challenge and realised that in some parts of the world it is already september the 1st Doh!!!!
Cheers
Rob
Rob Corrigan´s last blog ..What Is The Cheapest Way To Start A Business Part 2