Good morning all! I hope you're well. I decided to work from home today. I've been fortunate since the first of the year because I have such tremendous support from my company. In fact, I haven't worked from home this much in years.
Granted, my drive to Bellevue is 30 miles one way. This can take a minimum of 45 minutes and is often tiring. I also have the luxury of being all by myself most of the time. My wife works and the kids are grown and gone. How does working from home work for you?
I think the key is to minimize distractions. I could see how it might be difficult if you still have kids at home, for example. I also try and break up my day and get out of the house. Today I'll probably work out this morning and then come back and make phone calls, send emails, etc. This evening I'm meeting a couple buddies for a beer in Renton.
How often do you work from home? I keep hearing about the dawn of the virtual office. Personally, I like to have my cake and eat it too! Most of the time I head into out corporate office (probably 4 out of the 5 days a week I work). I find the camaraderie and support to be helpful.
But there are days where I just don't feel like being around the noise and chaos no matter how positive it might be. That's when I opt to work from home. So tell me your story. How productive are you working from home? I think if a person is disciplined enough it can work great. Have a fantastic day!
Paul McFadden
Home offices will get more common as the need to go to "the office" diminishes. Skype, twitter, etc. What happens to places like NYC then?
I guess it is the difference in personalities. I don't work well from home. I enjoy going into the office every day. I also have a 30 mile drive each way.
Ted: I'm the same way but like having the choice if I don't feel like making the drive.
Marisa: Good for you. It takes a strong, independent personality to do that. My hat's off to you!
Heath: Interesting question. I think office buildings with workers will always exist. People need other people around them including me!
Thanks to all of you for visiting!
Paul, I've worked from home for years. I have no problems with motivation and have learned to shut the day down better than I used to. My repeat mortgage customers used to tell me working at home ='s working in my bunny slippers. How could it get better than that? :) Kate
After years of always having to be in the office, I found working at home initially somewhat challenging. I am a disciplined person though and have learned to time block and stay focused when needed. I do go to an office about 1/3 of my time because I like to have interaction and share work stories and ideas. Part of being in real estate is learning to be flexible with my time because I need to be available when my clients are, which many times involves evenings and weekends. But I'm better now at keeping some balance and not feeling so guilty if I need some personal time during the day, during a weekday.
I love to work from home early in the mornings! No one knows that I am still in my jammies, it's quiet and I find I can get quite a lot done. But I do enjoy going in to the office (15 miles away). I need the interaction with my co-workers. So I guess it's nice to have the best of both world's.
Jane: Thanks for commenting! I think if a person can do both that's ideal. I need to go into the office for the social aspect.
Katy: Thank you. Your job is probably even more difficult than mine because of the unusual hours. I think it's important to pace ourselves and take time off when need be. Otherwise, we could end up working every day. Not good! Take care.
Kate: Thanks! Good for you. I'm just getting used to the idea. For the first three years of this business, I went into the office. Now, I like the idea of occasionally being able to work fro, home! Take care.
I love working from home, I do it about 12 hours a day M-F. I don't get lonely because I always keep my schedule busy with meetings, appointments and lunch dates with collegues! I think the most important thing is what you prefer and what makes you focus best. Since I am highly social by nature, an office environment does NOT do me well, in fact it makes me very unproductive, LOL
Renee: Thanks for your thoughts. It takes a special person to be able to work from home. For me, I'm rarely distracted at work. But I do have a door so I can shut out the noise. Plus, I'm pretty focused right now. I think that's the key. Stay on task regardless of where you are! Have a great day!