Balancing Home & Business Under The Same Roof

[Lynn Terry]

1. Work With The Natural Flow
Dont try to break the schedule or routine in your home so that you can work there. Go with what works instead. For example, work during the hours you are most productive. Do housework or other tasks when your home is most distracting. Make the most of your time and space!

2. Be Self-Motivated
It doesnt come natural to be in a highly motivated and productive state of mind when you are at home in your favorite pajamas. It comes more natural to be relaxed and to escape the rest of the world.

Study , learn to keep yourself on your toes and , and basically figure out what it takes - for you personally - to stay on top of your game.

3. Set Ground Rules
Once you get an idea what works best for you, and where you need improvement, set some rules and expectations about your work time and your work space. Turn off phone ringers, be firm with friends and family about your work hours, etc. Having a flexible schedule is great, but some structure ensures that you get your work done and you have free time with the kids/family as well.

4. Create a Productive Work Space
Organize and arrange your Home Office so that you can work efficiently. Since this is not going to be the same for everyone, its important to pay attention to your habits and change things accordingly.

5. Know Your Priorities
There will be times when 1, 2, 3 & 4 fail you and you find yourself frustrated. Its not easy to balance a career and a family under the same roof - no matter how well you plan it. Always keep your priorities in mind, instead of the tasks and details. Work towards the greater goal. This kind of focus will alleviate much of the stress that is common with a Home Office situation.

[iceforever.diamonds]

working home-based is a nice idea having the comforts of your home but sometimes you just can't leave your work...

[Ruth Robins]

Man,all your points were really brilliant.It clearly shows the expertise you have in this field.Being self motivated is the highlight of all the points you had mentioned.Nothing works like self belief and commitment.

[Lynn Terry]

[gallito89]

[Lynn Terry]

[Ellen C. Braun]

Thank you, Lynn! Great points.

I especially appreciate (1) since working online takes far more concentration than, say, sweeping and doing dishes.

What works for me is to have a separate desk for my biz and home things. Once home things (kids' permission slips, recipes, who-knows-what) start piling up on my biz desk, I know that I'm in trouble!

[dagmar]

They sound really good. I understand I have to implement some of them to become more efficient on my goal of working from home.

Thanks!

Dagmar