10 Pitfalls of Working From Home and How to Avoid Them

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I love working from home, so much so it bears repeating: I love working from home.

I am not a traditional workforce kinda girl (managers, business hours, cubicles, HR memos…), so in my mind leaving the 9-5 world for a schedule and lifestyle of my own making was like winning the happiness lottery.

Now, almost 2 years later, I am still completely in love with my home office, my 2 minute commute downstairs, and the flexibility I have everyday to not only do what I want but do when it when I want to do it.

However, while I could literally write entire sonnets to working at home, there are several pitfalls that can sabotage the fabulous elements and prevent you from getting your business done.  I know because I have done each of the things on the following list at least once…

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1. Refusing to make a schedule – When I first started working from home, I avoided schedules like the plague. “I work from home now, I don’t need to schedule, that’s the whole point!” Wrong. Scheduling in work blocks is vital to actually making you work. Sure, you can schedule them whenever you want to – that is the beauty of working at home – but just be sure they are planned and you stick with the plan.
2. Overdosing on freedom – For the first three weeks I worked from home, I did no work at all. I watched movies, I hung out with friends, I twiddled my thumbs…I was like a kid binging on chocolate chip cookies when grandma isn’t looking.  Unfortunately, I experience the equivalent of a sugar rush followed by a stomach ache: I got sick of having fun and realized I was stretched to pay my rent the next month. Freedom is a joy of working from home, but it needs to be exercised with caution.
3. Keeping the TV on - I used to work – and honestly still sometimes do – with the TV on. When my desk was in the living room, it resulted in zero productivity.  Now, with my office a room away from the TV I can still hear it in the background as I do my business, resulting in almost no productivity.  Either watch TV or don’t, but don’t try both at the same time.




4. Not optimizing work location - The  first year I was working at home I worked in the living room. While this was mostly due to space concerns, it still stunk.  Now I have my own office and I can’t tell you want a difference it makes. If you have to share a room with another function, be sure to put yourself in a corner and block yourself off as much as possible with bookshelves or chairs.
5. Ignoring the outside world - When you work from home it is really easy to accidentally isolate yourself. Try to get out a few times a week to just sit in a cafe or meander around a supermarket – human interaction, even basic human interaction, is good for you!
6. Snacking – With your refrigerator so close all day every day, snacking is bound to happen. Two easy solutions: place your desk as far away from the kitchen as possible, or don’t buy tempting treats. I had to stop keeping Sun Chips in the house because the siren call was just too strong.
7. Denouncing accountability – Many work at home folks notice that they are so excited to not have a manager or boss they forget to fill that role themselves. You need to stay accountable for working a reasonable amount each week, bringing in enough money, and taking care of your business needs. Saying goodbye to accountability is all well and good until tax season rolls around…
8. Forgetting to sleep - When you are working at home, your sense of night and day can become a little turned around. Always remember to sleep – there is no boss to impress and the only person you are damaging is yourself (who has to get up and work the next day!).
9. Allowing clutter to build up – My office is always on clutter lock down because I accumulate it so easily.  The only person who sees this room is me, after all, and as far as I’m concerned if I can make it to my desk that is all that matters, so I have to actively work to keep clutter at bay.  Clutter disrupts creativity and productivity, so avoid it at all costs! (read more about clutter here)
10. Not defending your free time – Working from home is a wonderful experience, and as much as you need to vigilant you actually work, you also need to be conscious of giving yourself some uninterrupted free time away from the computer.  Having your office at home means you can work 24/7, but it doesn’t mean you should. Free time for fun, spending time with family, and relaxing is key to keeping you fresh and productive.  So go out and enjoy a nice long walk or trip to the mall – Nacie’s orders!

Here’s to your Uncommon Life,