WORKING FROM HOME

(NC) - The idea of working from home seems like a dream come true: no long commute, no brown bag lunches, no dress code. However, the reality of setting up a work space in your house or apartment can be quite daunting. Whether you work from home a couple of days a week or operate a full-fledged home-based business, certain issues must be addressed in order to ensure that your work space actually works.

Dedicate the Space

Having a designated space in your home is priority number one. While this may seem like a given, you'd be surprised how many people think they can work effectively from a desk in a corner of their living room or even at their kitchen table once the breakfast dishes have been cleared. Working in an actual office (that means a room with a door that you can close) is essential to keeping your work life separate from your family life.

Set the Boundaries

While balancing work and family can be hard for everyone, it is particularly challenging for those who work and live in the same place. The home office is a minefield of distractions. You may find it difficult to focus on writing that report when the room you are sitting in is next to the one where four loads of laundry are waiting to be folded. A little structure goes a long way. Create a daily to do list, make a work schedule and stick to it. With some vigilance and self-discipline you'll be able to take a real afternoon off in no time.

Get Equipped

Finally, if you've decided to set up a home office, remember the old adage and be prepared to spend some money in order to make some money. While purchasing the right office equipment is necessary, it is much less expensive than it used to be as long as you choose wisely to get the most out of your investment. When it comes to furnishing your home office, the key words are efficient and compact. If space is an issue, do some research on the latest multi-function centres, which feature a laser printer, digital copier, PC/high-speed fax, and scanner, all in one. Several makes and models are so compact that they allow you to perform all the tasks you need within a smaller desk space. Most multi-function centres are also network-ready so your home office is ready to grow when you are.

Now all you need are clients. - (NC)

Source: www.newscanada.com