While there are a variety of benefits that come with working from home, not everyone flourishes in a home office environment. If you’re starting your own business, working from home could save you money that you could put towards other expenses. However, some people don’t find that they are as productive when working and living in the same space.
At Kaeser & Blair, we’ve helped thousands of people start businesses from their homes. If you’re wondering if you should work from home, try answering some of the questions below.
Do you have a separate working space in your home?
Experts say that working from home is easier when you have a dedicated space. This can be anything from a whole room dedicated to your business, or a desk that you only sit at when you’re working. No matter how much workspace you have, it’s easier to keep on task when you can separate work activities from home activities.
If you don’t have a dedicated workspace in your home, we recommend setting clear rules and boundaries for yourself during the workday. For example, if you’re working on your couch, don’t have the TV on in the background. Keep things you associate with leisure time (like the TV) off/away while you work.
Do you get distracted easily?
Your environment can play a big role in your ability to stay on-task. If you can tune out the outside world while you work, or you live alone, then working from home might not be a challenge for you. However, if you find yourself constantly being pulled in a variety of directions while trying to stay focused, you might find working from home to be less productive.
If this is the case, we recommend getting out of the house to work. Go to a coffee shop, a local park, a library, or even a collaborative work environment. One of the benefits of Kaeser & Blair is that you can work from anywhere – it doesn’t just have to be from your home!
Can you create boundaries for yourself?
Sometimes, people who work from home have trouble switching off “work mode.” Being passionate about your work is important, but it’s also vital to step away for a while and spend time with family and friends. Working from home can be a challenge for those who have a habit of taking their work home with them – both figuratively and literally.
If this is a challenge for you, we recommend setting – and sticking to – very clear guidelines for yourself. For example, “no working through meals” or “turn off the computer at 7:00” can help you maintain a healthy work/life balance.
Learn More About Working from Home with Kaeser & Blair
If you’re interested in starting your own business from the comfort of your own home, consider Kaeser & Blair. As one of the nation’s leading promotional products distribution companies, we’ve helped thousands of people take control of their careers and build successful businesses. Learn more about who we are and what we do here.