[Toni Breeden]

With gas prices increasing and more technological advances becoming available, you've probably considered working from home at some point. Check out our article for some easy ways to stay focused, manage your time, and eliminate distractions while working from home.
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[AnthonyRusso]

As I do Telecommute (fancy word for work from home), I thought I could share a few other tips as well.

Make sure friends and family understand even though you are home, you still have to work. Family and feriends can call or stop by and think you can help them do this or that, or call and think you have all the time in the world to talk on the phone. Make sure you set the rules that when it is work time, you are not to be treated like you are AT WORK. On the othe rhand, when something does come up that is important, or a rare occasion, it is nice to be there to take care of it.

You are now you own IT department. Working from home usually means a lot of computer work. Make sure your computer is up to par, and ready to go. Also make sure you have basic knowledge of handling it when it gets finicky, because the company IT guy isn't most likely coming to you.

Location, Location, Location - make sure you are not trying to work from the kitchen table. Have a dedicated desk and arrangement. You shouldn't be working and stirring the sauce at the same time. When you are on the phone, there shouldn't be kids in the background or barking dogs, or TV/Microwave beeps/Blender noises behind you.

Working at home is a privileged in most cases. don't abuse it. It takes discipline in two forms. Know when to work, and also know when to stop. If you work from home regularly, remember your family wants to spend time with you also in the evenings and it's important for your personal life.

I still am grateful to be in the situation where I do get to Telecommute and make sure I do the work to support it.

Anthony

[Jennifer Flaten]

Great article, with some awesome tips. Really the best one is get up, get dressed just like you are leaving for the office (you maybe able to be more casual but still). This really sets you attitude for work.

Thanks Anthony for your tips as well. I have had to become my own "help" desk when I work from home. How annoying! Now I can't blame anyone else for my quirky, buggy computer-it is all me.