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Avoiding "Overload" When Working From Home

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When you make the decision to work from home, several things may cross your mind: Will I be able to find work? Will I be able to keep the kids busy and quiet while I work? Will I be able to get it all done? Many people love the flexibility of working from home, but often forget the one drawback: leaving the work at the office when you get home.

Often, people don’t get started working at home the correct way, and end up spending more time “fixing things”, instead of working. This can get stressful, and then people give up instead of working through it. Get organized from the beginning, using a calendar, lists, and set up a filling system that works for you.

If you’re doing freelance work, start out with a couple clients and develop your best routine that works for you within their deadlines. If you get to set the deadline, always build in a cushion. If you can get something done in two days, tell them you will have it done in three, just in case something comes up (which quite often does). This gives you some breathing room and makes you look better when you get things done sooner, instead of always asking for an extension.

Keeping track of your assignments is not only professional, it’s crucial. Develop a database that helps you keep track of the important information such as:

• Client’s name

• Address

• Phone numbers/fax

• E-mail address

• Project

• Assigned/accepted date

• Due date

• Date completed

• Notes

There are many wonderful freeware organizational software programs out there that can keep your stress level down.

Having all this information will help you keep forgetting the important deadlines and will also help you keep from over committing yourself. It’s so easy to just get in the habit of saying, “Yes, I can do that” when you need the business, but it’s just as important to know when you should say, “No, but maybe I can do that for you next week? Is that possible?” Many times, the client can be flexible, especially if you’ve been reliable in the past.

Don’t forget the most important way to avoid overload and burn out: Play time. Allow yourself to take breaks during the day, spend time playing with your kids or even dinner out with your spouse. Enjoy a nice hot cup of coffee or tea and curl up with a good book. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive you will be after the break.

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