Is Working at Home Dead?
I spent the whole day at home finishing some freelance projects, which would be from a productivity standpoint. Unfortunately, all my planned errands were not done. I was simply too comfortable working in my room and basically became a hermit for my freelance clients, trying my best to will myself out of the house, to no avail.
Right now I’m thinking if work-at-home freelancers should consider not working at home. There are a lot of advantages staying home. At the very least, you get to save on the daily commute (especially with fuel prices being what they are).
At the same time, there are probably some people who really do their best when away from home. Personally, my home is such a comfortable place that, once I spend the first few hours in it, I do not want to leave for the day anymore.
Now I’m considering asking a nearby friend if it’s possible to work at his place. Like me, he does his freelance work at home, and I know we keep ourselves, so I’ll be able to concentrate enough to get things done. He’s willing to let me access his WiFi, so that’s free Internet there, though I will have to pay for meals (which is quite understandable). It’s like Jelly!, but on a more personal level.
The point is that, since I’ll have to get ready to go to his house, I’ll be able to do errands. I’m already out of the house, so the comfortable temptations are practically non-existent; it would be a bit awkward if I literally made myself at home at my friend’s place.
Another alternative I’m considering is a nearby coffee shop, which offers free WiFi. I can spend the whole day there, and just buy meals. Of course my food budget will grow, but it could be worthy trade-off, as again I’m already out of the house. I also don’t have to regularly impose on my friend.
In short, I’m currently dissatisfied with working at home. The distractions are just too much, and it seems that the solutions I’ve come up with a year ago are no longer effective. So, fellow freelancers, what do you think? Should I consider the options above, or should I try something new to stay focused at home?
Tags: alternatives, obsolete, Work at HomeRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Avoiding the Temptations of Home, Living as a Freelancer
3 opinions for Is Working at Home Dead?
marylou
Aug 20, 2008 at 7:56 am
Plan your errands a day in advance and schedule them in on your calendar. Make sure you include something like a drive thru at the coffee shop so that you are rewarding yourself for making it out. You gotta get out!
SarahD
Aug 20, 2008 at 5:51 pm
Such an interesting post. I love working from home but also have to work at finding workable solutions for the challenges similar to the one you describe. So many people champion home working as a panacea for every working woe, but the truth is it comes with it’s own set of challenges.
The main thing I’ve learnt so far is that there’s no easy answer, and that what works for others may not work for you… but do keep working at it. Your more personal version of a jelly sounds like an excellent idea - please do keep us posted on how you get on with it if you decide give it a go.
Rico
Aug 20, 2008 at 8:16 pm
marylou: Ok, I’ll try to push myself out of the house next time. Good advice on making a reward for yourself! What other self-rewards do you have in mind?
SarahD: I will keep working at it Sarah, and will let you know how working at a friend’s hosue turns out. What has proven the most effective anti-home-distraction technique for you?
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