Can you work from home? Can you be productive just like you are in the office workplace? These questions are the basic, fundamental questions asked prior to possibly making the shift from the office computer network to your own, individual home office computer network.
You can work from home, but you have to prepare and have the right personality for it. In regard to the personality aspect, some people are water-cooler talkers or people who need to socialize each and every day. You know the types. They seem like they never get any work done. If you bring these socialites to a home office environment, chances are they’ll just be on the phone all day calling people who are in the office trying to work! These Paris Hilton-ites are just really out to fail, or let’s just say they will not be productive in the office or at home, so we’ll rule them out of the equation here.
Here are the tips to prepare for your home computer office set-up:
- Set up your home computer setup like you had it in the office. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. If you were productive in the office because you had a office with a door, make sure you have the same type of quiet time. If you had two monitors – one for email and the other for research, do the same. Basically, give yourself an area at home that feels like the office to get you in the right frame of mind.
- Set up a to-do list. You may not have a manager to report to, but your task list will hold you accountable. Set up reasonable daily tasks to achieve. If you didn’t achieve them, ask yourself if you were sidetracked or had bigger fish to fry that day.
- Prepare for the day. I’m a firm believer that you should start the day early so you can give yourself room to achieve your daily goals. If you wake up late, you’re already behind the eight ball. Also, get dressed, have a good breakfast, drink your coffee, and prepare as if you are going to a meeting. This will get you ready to go!
- Don’t overthink your tech support. You are after all your own home IT support so don’t make your role more of the computer repair man. Just take care of the basics. Set up an active antivirus software, such as Norton Internet Security, a good backup via external hard drive or online, and Gmail, Outlook, or other email account. It’s best to keep your email looking professional whether through Gmail or a corporate domain.
- Is the passion there? Whatever your industry or job, you’ll have to ask yourself if you’re truly passionate about what you’re doing. If you are, you’ll be hard to distract and your focus will be sharp. But, if you don’t feel like waking up or are depressed, then you’ll welcome watching more and more TV, phone calls, and anything else to steer you away from the task at hand.
