Kyle Bernstein

We live in a wonderful age.  Thanks to high-speed internet and iPhones, we can be reached just about anywhere at any time.  Because of this, many of us are in a position to do our jobs without setting foot in the office.  But should you?  Working from home sounds like a win-win situation and conjures up images of lying on a tropical beach with nothing but a Blackberry and a Margarita.  But it can be serious business and it’s not for everyone, namely those who think of it as a day at the beach.  Anyone considering moving away from the traditional office setting must take into consideration that a large part of the equation will still be work.

There are some definite advantages.  Working from home can mean more time with your family, the ability to move to a more affordable suburb, or being able to return to the workforce sooner after maternity leave.  In some instances, having a home-office allows an individual a flexible schedule and the opportunity to pursue other projects in your downtime.  However, working from home requires discipline and devotion that can be tough to master.  You may also be giving up some very important aspects of a structured office environment such as mentoring opportunities and hands-on learning which can be invaluable, especially early in one’s career.  Know that even if you do your job very well, you may miss out on opportunities to brainstorm with coworkers or stay up to date on the day-to-day operations of the business.  Lacking a presence could potentially preclude you from meetings and functions.  And forget the water cooler gossip and cake-laden afternoon birthday celebrations.  Additionally, if morale is low at your workplace, you may even get some resentment from those in the office without the option to work off-premise.  That being said, if your company is accommodating and you are appropriately motivated, working outside your office can benefit all involved.  In fact, some jobs such as sales, where clients or prospects are most easily contacted after 5pm or writing, where an office climate can be a distraction, are better served elsewhere.

 Should you work from home?  If it’s an option for you, take a serious look at your own personality, your potential capabilities, and your job.  Be sure to discuss this with any other members of your household before you decide.  If you have a roommate who throws impromptu soirees or a noisy stay-at-home spouse, those surroundings may not be conducive to productivity. But if all signs point to yes, talk to your supervisor.  Be sure you have a complete understanding of what is expected of you, in writing if possible.  Find out if the company is willing to provide you with a computer, Blackberry, or other technical equipment.  Will you be reimbursed for office supplies or can you procure them from the office?  Are there times you will be expected to go in to headquarters, and if so, how much notice will you be given?  Be sure to work out all of the details in advance and stress that although you won’t physically be nearby, you expect to be treated as a member of the staff and included in all employee memos, meetings, and other activities as well as eligibility for reviews, bonuses, and raises. 

In many cases, stay-at home workers are actually saving the company money.

So, you’re going to take the plunge.  Now you need to prepare your workspace.  Gather up all of the necessary equipment and arrange it in easy access areas so you can easily grab a file or stapler while on hold or do some quick math mid-message.  As with your first few days at any new job, it may take time and rearrangement to get your Feng Shui aligned before you can spend a whole work day without having to search for something, but unless you plan to have visitors, it doesn’t have to be perfect..

One important aspect of toiling solo is sticking to a schedule.  Depending upon the job, your hours could be determined by the office hours of your clientele – especially if you’re dealing in various time zones – or when you personally tend to be most productive.  Regardless of what hours you keep or what your labor entails, it is of utmost importance to keep your work and work area separate from your private life and personal space.  Once the PB&J gets on the mouse pad or the Jones file ends up in the dishwasher, it’s all over.  Setting boundaries will keep you from becoming a workaholic or, alternately, treating your job like a paid vacation.  It is also important to remember that your company is paying for your services, be that via salary, per piece, by the hour, or on commission.  You are expected to be professional and perform the tasks assigned to you.  A regular daily schedule can help.  Getting into a routine of, say, getting up at the same time every day and going to the gym or running out for a coffee and newspaper before dressing for the day can help you stay focused and productive and more likely to treat the next several hours like the job that it is.  Although nobody would see you sans makeup in your PJs, be forewarned that any potential laziness can seep into whatever you’re working on.  As comfortable as those flannels feel, you will at some point during the day catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror and suddenly not feel like the image of the well-groomed professional you’re trying to project.  Plus, if you are easily distracted, wear nightclothes anywhere near a bedroom and you will no doubt hear the call of the post-lunch nap.  Sure, you’ll have days when you get virtually no work done as no doubt will your colleagues at HQ – people have unproductive days or waste hours on a paper jam everywhere.  But, at home, nobody will notice if these occurrences become frequent and you’ll have to police yourself so your work doesn’t suffer, causing you to lose this sweet deal.

Working from home can be tough, but for those who are prepared and know what to expect, it can be a great way to take your career on the road and really shine!