So I really love my home office. I’ve been working from home for close to a month now. There are many pro’s and con’s. But with all the new Web 2.0 tools, it makes it easier. I use Basecamp, Things, Skype & iChat all day long. Also, I still feel connected with Facebook and Twitter.
I try to get out daily. Head to coffee-shops such as Sodade or Thunderbirds or schedule one or two lunch appointments a week. This is huge so I don’t become like a zombie.
Pro’s
- It’s convenient. Everything is always close to me. Phone, fax, key documents etc. I never have to “run to the office” to pick stuff up.
- No commute: This is so huge. I save time and money everyday.
- Kids: I watch my kids everyday after school. I still get to work and I don’t have to pay someone to care for my kids. Win-win.
- Cost: I don’t have to drive, save wear and tear on my car. I eat lunch from home and coffee is cheap.
- Productivity: I’m able to get a lot done. I just focus and go for it everyday.
- Forces me to be in the community.
Con’s
- Sometimes I don’t have an “off” switch.
- I don’t have time to switch from work to being at home.
- I get bored at times.
- No one else is around to chat with.
- Sometimes I work to much. I can work all day, eat dinner and hang with the family. But then I go back into the office and work late-nights. This is both good and bad. After a few “3AM” nights I’ve had to learn to “shut-it-off” no matter what.
I love having a home-office. I still miss being around an office filled with lots of people. There are benefits for sure. Someday I hope to have that again. But for now I’m content and feel productive.
buy yourself a timer. it will really help.