Working from home is an option for many different kinds of self-employment and a chance for stay at home moms to remain in the work force but still maintain flexible hours and be available through out the week for family commitments. Work at home moms can often find work in direct sales, customer service, freelance writing or work as virtual assistants. These jobs can be undertaken in the home office or in a small space just about anywhere, with only a laptop.
For a stay at home mom thinking about working from home, being the boss, setting your own hours and not having a commute is a great incentive. With that, comes a responsibility to organize time efficiently and work independently on a daily basis to reach deadlines and goals. It is harder than it seems to keep the momentum going but there are some ways to help make working from home a success when first starting out as a work at home mom.
Work Space for a WAHM
Define a workspace from the onset of working from home. Try to create a small home office area that is dedicated only to working, even if it is one small area of the house. Have everything that is needed for a workday set up and ready to go, such as a computer, telephone, printer, files and research. Have the area be in a quiet, cool spot with few if any, distractions as is possible.
Working Hours For the Self-Employed
With children of any age at home, chances are, working hours for a work at home mom will need to be flexible. Plan ahead of time what hours and days will be available for work that week; schedule them in a work diary, the work is more likely to be done if it is scheduled in print.
Setting a schedule is easy, sticking to it, is hard. Procrastination is easy to succumb to, so when it is time to work, make a conscious effort to sit down and work. Work during baby's nap times, in the evening and weekends, school hours or around times that childcare is available.
Anticipate interruptions in the workweek, such as a child’s school conference or holidays. Schedule alternate times to work when needed, always look ahead. Accept that the work schedule will be interrupted without notice sometimes; a spouse may have to work late, a babysitter cancels or a child comes home from school sick. Always have a plan to cover all eventualities and add in extra time weekly to catch up when life becomes hectic at home.
Creating boundaries and taking time off is essential when working from home, as the job is always ‘there’ and the temptation to fit in work everyday, at all hours becomes a trap that is easy to fall into. Take at least one day off a week and don’t even turn on the computer or check emails; it can be very difficult to do but will go a long way to avoiding burn out.
WAHM Social Networking and Interruptions
Limit time spent on social networks such as Facebook and Twitter. They are so much fun but huge time drainers. Avoid them altogether during working hours or reward yourself with 10-15 minutes of time at a favorite site for every goal achieved that day.
Screen telephone calls and turn on the answer phone. Answer only those calls that relate to the job during working hours. Let family and friends clearly know your working hours and politely tell them that there should be no interruptions unless it is an emergency.
Staying Focused when Working at Home
Be comfortable and relaxed but act and dress professional, even if alone while working. Have a shower, get dressed, arrive at ‘work’ on time and be ready to work. Take regular breaks, including a lunch break throughout the workday to stay refreshed and focused. Being self-disciplined and professional can lead to greater success when working from home.
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