While most people think working from home sounds great, in reality it is not without it’s challenges. Let’s take a look at what they are and, more importantly, what we can do about them.

Challenge – You’re not really busy

When you work from home people just assume that you’re not really busy. They call to chat, stop by and make time consuming requests. After all, they know you are on your own and take for granted that you control your schedule. In their minds you’re not really busy.

Solutions – Honest and to the point reminders

You have no boss or structure to protect you. It’s imperative that you set clear boundaries and insist that people respect them. This may require firm reminders, especially in the beginning. Take heart, if you are consistent, they will get it and realize that your work time is sacred and that, in fact, you are really busy.

Challenge – I don’t feel like working

Of course you don’t. This is one of the major challenges with working from home.

Solution – Let yourself slide now and then

It’s OK to not feel like working some of the time. We all experience it and while is feels like the end of the world, it isn’t. The best thing to do is give yourself some free time and do something you enjoy. You’ll be surprised that before you know it you’ll be back at your desk happily working away. The benefit of the downtime is that your productivity will increase and you will actually get more accomplished then if you would have forced yourself to stay at work.

Challenge – I work lots of hours but don’t get much done

All day long toiling away and not much to show? This is another common issue for people who work from home.

Solution – Functionality is key

Your area must be set up to support your work style. Things should be arranged in accordance with usage. Frequently needed items should be close at hand and conveniently located. Statistics show that an estimated 40% of all work time is spent searching for things. Don’t support the numbers, get organized.

Challenge – I have no place to work

Often the issue is that their space isn’t their own, they’re jockeying for room at the kitchen table, have been confined to a cold, dusty spare room and worse yet a closet. While an office is out of the question, the space many people expect to work efficiently from home would be illegal in an office setting.

Solution – Set yourself up to succeed

You actually should be allotted more space than the rest of the family. They are only there at times during the day and evening and you are there constantly. Be bold, be brave and get the space you need to do a good job. If there truly is not a bit of space to be had, rent a place in which to work.

There’s hope…

I’ve overcome all these challenges and you can too. With a little moxie you can get what you want, need and require to successfully work from home. I’m sure if you looked beyond the basics, you might even snag an office that launches a fabulous career.

Good luck, let me know how it goes.