Do You Have it in You To Work From Home?

When working outside of an office, a poor Wi-Fi connection or a nagging spouse in the background can seriously derail your productivity. However, technical difficulties and home distractions aren't the only factors that make working remotely difficult. Indeed, many of a person's successes and challenges with working from home are influenced by his or her personality.

You've been wanting to do this for a long time. No more commuting; no more boss looking over your shoulder; no more strict work hours. You'll be able to work from home for the first time. Do you, however, have what it takes to work from home? Are you the type of person who works from home? I am, and I hope you are as well. But, before you make the big leap, go over all of the facts and pros and cons.

 

Do You Consider Yourself an Extrovert?

Is it necessary for you to be around other people? Do you like to be in the thick of things, always on top of what's going on? If this is the case, working from home may not be for you. Working from home, on the other hand, may be ideal if you are more of an introvert. Alternatively, you may be someone who can balance their need for people with your alone time at home. However, before moving forward, it is important to take an honest look at yourself.

 

Do You Have Self-Control?

Do you require someone to give you a "to-do" list in order to complete tasks? Do you need deadlines or to be told what you need to do? If this is the case, you may have difficulty working from home. You'll need the discipline to prioritize work, set deadlines, and create a structured schedule in order to produce the work required to earn a paycheck. A lack in this area can be disastrous. If you're serious, you should read a book on self-discipline or time management.
Do You Get Easily Distracted?

Many distractions can rear their ugly heads when working from home. Kids or your spouse may believe that because you're at home, you can still help or wait on them whenever they need it. When your friends find out you're home, the phone may start ringing more frequently, or they may stop by to chat. You may be checking Facebook alerts to see what has happened. You might be the type of person who can write blogs, care for three children, and do a couple of loads of laundry all at the same time. More power to you! But, if you're like me, you'll need to mute your cell phone, turn off social media alerts, and explain to the family while you're in your home office, you are at your job and wait until lunch break or until you are done for the day.

 

Be honest with yourself

Working from home can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience. It can also be empty and a nightmare. It completely depends on your personality and how you handle situations. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but I have friends who enjoy being around the gang all day at work and would be lost at home alone. So you must be honest with yourself about who you are and what you are capable of.

 

Forever Pajama Party

I'm sure you have visions of sitting at your laptop in your pjs, coffee in hand, working away. And I do this on occasion, but you must have the discipline to force yourself to work. Working from home is far more difficult than working in an office. You reap the full benefits of your efforts. Nobody else. And there's even more pressure if you're the family breadwinner. So, before you make the decision to work from home, whether for yourself or for your company, make sure you have what it takes.