Work
At Home, But Don't Become A Slave To Your Business
by: Kirk Bannerman
Although
the expressed reasons for wanting to work from home are many and
varied, most home based business owners cite the ability to set
their own hours as a major factor in their decision to work at home.
However, many people that have work at home businesses often fall
into a trap that flies directly in the face of their stated desire
for time flexibility.
The
strong growth in home based business activity continues and, according
to the Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy, fifty-two
percent of ALL small businesses are home-based.
Some
home based business owners have been known to become "workaholics"
because their office is so accessible. Don't become a slave to your
business...get out of your home office regularly to renew and revitalize
yourself.
Close
the door to your office or otherwise remove yourself from your designated
"work area" and go into your "home" area to live your personal life.
If your business involves the use of the telephone and you find
it difficult to ignore a ringing phone in the office, simply turn
the ringer off and turn the volume on the answering machine way
down. If your business is internet based, just turn off your computer
(or at least get away from the monitor and keyboard).
As
a work at home business entrepreneur, you certainly aren't required
to be available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week just because your
business is located in your home. After all, your office or workspace
is just an area in your home...its not your home itself!
Working
and living under the same roof has a host of advantages, but it
can present some challenges (in addition to the workaholic syndrome
mentioned, above) and stress factors.
Here
are four ways to create a less stressful home business environment:
-
Remember
why you wanted to become involved with a home-based business
(i.e. more time for family, work schedule flexibility, etc.)
-
Have
discussions with your family members and get their input about
the working arrangements and the amount of time they want with
you.
-
Use
good time management techniques. Keep a list of tasks by order
of importance. There are many low cost and effective "day planners"
or "organizers" readily available today.
-
ALWAYS
take a little time to "smell the roses".
While
not experiencing the negatives common to a corporate office working
environment, the home-based business owner may occasionally experience
stresses and frustrations that are unique to working at home. Networking
with other home-based and small business owners provides an opportunity
to connect with others who may be experiencing the same stresses/frustrations
that you are. Sharing stressful and/or frustrating issues with someone
else in the same situation can relieve your stress and may bring
you good advice from a different point of view.
As
a final note, remember to observe Home-Based Business Week (it is
always the week of October that includes the second Tuesday).