As someone with over 20 years of experience, I wanted to create a series of articles on home office work, blending research and observations. This was an endeavor I began before my acquaintance with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). After MS entered my life, I started to harness all the advantages of working from home. I’m excited to share these insights with you.
Yes, working from home is a trendy topic. It’s nearly in every decoration magazine every month. But do they tell the reality? Honestly, I’m not ultra-rich, so most of the home office setups and ideas in those magazines don’t apply to me. If you feel the same, you’re in the right place, welcome.
I work freelance, and my budget is limited. Thus, I don’t have the cash or time to spare on decoration. If I do have time, I prefer playing with my cat, Pıtır, chatting with my husband, John, or enjoying a coffee.
In 2018, when I began writing this article, I had been doing 3D modeling and working from a home office for about 15 years. I did have short stints in office jobs, but it’s hard to return once you taste the freedom of home office and freelance work.
I have many words to say and ideas to share about home office. I hope they make your life easier and you enjoy this way of working. Maybe you have an idea but lack the courage?
I hope in this series of articles, you find the courage and helpful ideas you’re looking for.
Note: As I’ve always worked in computer technologies, many examples in this series will be of this nature. However, this doesn’t mean only computer technology, graphics, and 3D work can be done from home. Maybe you have a craft project you’re planning to sell. Rest assured, it will be beneficial if you use social media correctly.
To me, a home without a study desk always feels incomplete. We grow up believing what we’re surrounded by. My childhood home was always buzzing with activity – reading, crafting, and working. Now, I enjoy continuing this tradition with John in our home.
As a childless couple, our home office life is, of course, different from those with children. I’m very aware of that. Still, based on my observations and discussions with friends with kids, I’ll share how to manage the home office with children.
Working efficiently is a challenge, even in office settings. It’s a challenge that needs to be overcome, but it may not be as hard as it seems?
Breaking habits, acquiring new ones, creating efficient routines, maintaining a healthy diet, keeping up motivation, focusing, not letting external factors distract you, and constantly having to remind people that you’re working…
Yes. Okay. It might be a bit hard?
In this article series, I’ve offered solutions to potential problems and distractions based on my home office routine. But it’s up to you to make these into habits 🙂
Home office means practicing your profession from home, fully equipped. Those who want to set up a home office establish a corner or a room in their homes for their profession. This creates a disciplined and orderly office environment at home.
For many, working from home is utopian; for others, it’s impossible, and for some, it’s a matter of indecision. That’s why I wanted to share the challenges I faced, how I overcame them, and insights on what else might arise.
So, should you work from home?
- If your company consists of just you or a few employees, you can turn your home into an office.
- If you believe in using social media effectively, can communicate with customers focused on sales, and can produce the products/services you sell,
- If renting an office seems expensive, consider it as a start.
- If you believe you can maintain concentration and discipline,
- If your household agrees to adapt to your work routine. If you won’t have a meltdown every time you hear ‘Since you’re home, can you help with this?’
- If you’re willing to take your computer even on vacation, understand that work can come anytime.
- If you can dismiss relatives saying, ‘Since you work from home, come stay with us tonight,’
- If you can tolerate comments from those who don’t enjoy home office work like ‘I don’t understand how you do it.’
So, you shouldn’t work from home if:
- It is not about being undisciplined.
- It’s not a system that tolerates disorder and messiness.
- It’s not about choosing to be out of communication.
- Don’t think you can work lying on the couch.
- Even though late nights are often the best time to work, if you have regular business hours and colleagues who communicate with you, you need a normal routine.
- Okay, you’re on vacation but don’t sip Mojitos while working. Drink cold coffee. You need to be sharp.
- It’s not for you if you’re not serious about your job.
- If you’re looking for easy money, it’s definitely not for you. We’re talking about working day and night, even on holidays 🙂
- If you’re easily tempted. If you’re thinking about a TV show while trying to work. Sorry, it’s not for you.
I hope you find inspiration as you read and join the world of home office work!
