Don't think working at home is comfortable

I battle this daily.

Throw a wife into the mix and it's not fun.

I've been working at home for years now and it's hard when the kids and wife are here too.

They know you're working but you're right there so it's easy for them to interupt you throughout the day.

I have thought about getting an office space, but never pulled the trigger on it yet.

I've worked from home for 7 years now. It was pretty easy to work from home while up until 3 years ago when we had our first child. Since then there have been times when work had to adapt to my family and vice versa. I just learned to adapt to the dynamic environment. The real key to my ability to focus on work has been my wife. She does a lot to give me solid blocks of time to focus on work.

I have a similar situation. My solution was to setup one room in my house as a separate office. My family is welcome to talk with me when the door is open, but when the door is closed I am off limits, just like if I am working a "real" job. It's not 100% effective, but it works the majority of the time. You could teach your children this rule as well if you have the extra room in your home.

-- j

Distraction is such the temptress when you're working at home.

Even when you're alone, there are so many things that will creep into your mind that will distract you from what you should be doing.

Any time that you're connected to the internet, there are literally dozens of distractions tugging at you that could have you veering off in an unproductive manner.

It all boils down to self-discipline and sense of purpose. This is why some people will never be able to work from home, because they let distractions get the better of them. (At least they have to report to a boss at work and meet deadlines, something you don't absolutely have to do when you're working at home for yourself.)

I've been working at home with great success for many years and have learned to deal with family members, friends and even neighbors who assume because I'm working at home I can accept packages, wait for their repairmen..etc., etc.,

Here are some of my secrets to being able to work at home and get more done but avoid traffic:

1. Follow a daily schedule. Start at the same time every day, take breaks at the same time and quit at the same time. If you establish a firm schedule your family, kids, neighbors will learn that you can't be disturbed at their whims.

It can be easy to get out of the habit of working set hours, you’re going to have to practice a lot of self-discipline if you want to be successful.

2. Communicate your schedules to your family in advance, post the schedule by your work area and have a family meeting to explain you need total peace and quiet while working.

3. Set up a work station that is dedicated to your daily work time. You can post a Do Not Disturb Sign. It may or may not work. I always keep an iPod or similar music device close by and pop in ear buds. I also refuse to make eye contact so I can stay focused.

If possible, work in an office with a door. I have worked in my garage, in a small walk-in closet and even in the attic in order to escape interruptions.

4. Don't accept phone calls unless they are an emergency. Take time out every hour to return calls and handle emails. This will help you stay focused on your work the rest of the time.

5. Stay organized. This is key. Not only will you have to manage every aspect of your business, you will need to make sure you finish all your projects on schedule.

6. Be flexible. Although setting a schedule and trying to stick to it is ultimately going to help you get all of your many daily tasks done, you do need to prepare for the fact that life happens.

Things will come up and they will throw your schedule completely off track....like your kids refusing to leave you alone.

Good luck. Patience pays. It does get easier and you will learn to block out disruptive noises and interruptions.

Just be grateful that your able to work at home : ) Think how awesome it is to finally own your time and do not answer to anyone else.

I would trade those distraction any times of the day : )

Yep, it is a double edged sword. People think because you work at home yo can not possibly be busy and ask you to do things all the time.

It is very true when people know you have a flexible schedule, they call and expect you to always answer. If it is a family member, I do answer but other calls wait until I go away from my home office. If you treat it like an office, and not a hobby room, you can continue to have the freedom to make your own hours, be there when your sick child or parent needs you. That is why the trade-off for me is so awesome! I HAVE sat in a cubicle day after day with no windows working for a boss, and this beats that any ol' day!

Kristie from Georgia

Unlike in a regular office working at home needs more dedication since you can easily be distracted. It's just a matter of setting your priorities to make your home based job work.

I faced a similar but different situation recently... I was doing my IM work in front of the TV, and getting nothing done. I set up shop in my spare bedroom and I instantly became more productive.

Getting an office space within 5-10 minutes distance from home is the best way to get some productive work done. You need not spend too much time travelling and you will not be near enough to your family to get disturbed.

It takes tremendous understanding and support from family not to disturb during our work hours, but unless they understand the importance of 'flow' and work productivity, they will be 'tempted' to disturb or interrupt us and will never realize how much they affect us.

Renting a small flat or a room in a house in the nearby street can work wonders. It helps us with our focus and schedules too. And we can treat our work with respect. And so will others.

I hate working from home, I can't think of a worse place to actually work.

Well, I agree. Sometimes it is too difficult to focus but the key is to communicate with your family members. Let them know when you are available and when you are not. Of course this will be difficult if the children are too young to understand but at least, the spouse should be made aware.

Being at home is much better than working for the boss anytime (if you're3 making money that is).

True of so many situations...

I live alone, don't drive for medical reasons and generally I think it is great working from home. Because I live in a studio appt, I do get knocks at the door from the landlady sometimes, but often it is to bring me a meal so I can't really complain.
She actually gave me a 'do not 'disturb' sign to put on the door when I don't want to be interrupted and there is a clip where she can leave messages if she wants me for something.

I wouldn't trade this for a regular job because I can't cope with one due to health reasons anyway.

I have dealt with this in a small way. My wife will interrupt me off and on (she's home all day too) not realizing how hard it is to be in such a deep concentration about something and then get pulled out of it. Also friends will call thinking you aren't really working because you are at home. It does get frustrating.

I also agree that working in home is the worst place to do your office work. The most annoying thing is that you can never concentrate on working when doing it from home. And, hence, it would be best to rent an office space to complete your tasks or work.

Well as a working mom like me, I prefer a homebase work because I can be with my children everyday even if I am working.

What works extremely well for me is getting up at 4 AM and finishing my "day" roughly the same time my neighbors are leaving for their morning commute. (But as you can see from the time stamp on this post, it's does get thrown out of whack from time to time - first the Olympics, now the political conventions.)

You'll have to experiment with it for a while because we're all wired a little differently. Whether you're more productive early or late in the day, schedule accordingly, and build a little flexibility into it so you won't have to jump through hoops every time something happens to throw you off schedule - doctor's appointments, school plays, special events, emergencies.

As far as interruptions, you need to get the co-operation of family and friends and someone designated as "gatekeeper" to run interference for you when you're supposed to be working.

Renting is fine. Buying is better.

Sidebar: I think I mentioned this some time ago...

A single mom was having similar problems juggling a full-time job, raising three children, and returning to college. She sat them down, told them the situation, and they agreed to worked on their homework together. Naturally, she had more reading and writing to do than all three of them combined, so the oldest took on the role of gatekeeper, and they each took on simple chores to help save mom a few minutes here and there get through graduate school.

Working from home is only comfortable if you are disciplined. Concentration and discipline are two main aspects of successfully working from home.

I just enjoy the fact that I'm working from home..gives me a complete control over my life..&.can work at my own comfort...stretch work hours if need..plenty of time for myself & family..most important ..don't get to see my boss..

Cheers!

I work from home, but I have a separate office space. The kids tend not to disturb me when I am in my office. I try to handle their needs before i go in and i give them a time mostly after an hour when they can come in.

Now just to train the husband !!!

Very interesting topic. It was always been my big problem especially during the starting stage, sometimes I seemed to be a slave to my computer. My wife often complained that laptop is my partner not her. She was true, later I scheduled my time to manage my business and more time with my family. Bottom line is we all do onlinebusiness for our betterment and not to spoil the life we have.

That's what I've always thought, it would seem that there would more distraction that in the work place

All the best,
Stefan

Oh life and all that it brings us. Funny how everyone has the same issues.

Do you have a spare room or so where you can use it as your office space? Or just close the door when you need to focus on work, and tell your children about the importance of not distracting you.

I actually just wrote a blog post that covers this very type of thing.

5 Tips You Can Use Today to Increase Your Work-From-Home Productivity | Prosperity Clicks

It may help you. Specifically the part on setting boundaries.

I do SEO because I enjoy it and am completly hooked. I love testing everything and am excited to wake up and see how things have progressed over night.

Its got to the point where I cant just sit and watch TV, if I'm going to be sat around doing nothing I might as well be doing something positive.

Luckily for me, i have been out of work other than a small "kicker" job on the weekend.

So i have had more than enough time to focus on learning the different aspects of internet marketing, affiliate marketing and the everything up that alley. And more than enough time to put them into action.

However, my girlfriend has not been to happy that i have to get up 3 times during a movie to check my email, page stats... lol.

Regards,
Brendan

I seriously admire all of you guys that actually achieved to be able to work from home effectively. I’ve tried it – at first I was so happy and enthusiastic about the fact that I am the master of my own time and that I am my own boss (at least I had the impression that I’m my own boss).

However, I soon got into hot water. There are just so many distractions at home that I wasn’t able to work effectively. For me, working in office is a pleasure, because the office-environment is the only environment that forces me to work effectively.

A large box fan will drown out the noise. Also earphones with music if you like.

I stick to simple task that dont require a lot of deep thought when my 6 year old is around, like keyword research.

I save article writing for when shes in school.

My children are grown so I don't have this problem, although I take breaks to walk the dogs and feed the chickens. lol. Damn chickens can be so demanding.

Interruptions are my main problem with WFH. Sometimes I take myself and my laptop off to the library where they can be kept to a minimum.

I simply explain that I need to be alone and do this. My kids have an understanding of what money provides and since I am taking a couple days off a week to work at home now. They get it.
It is all about structure and discipline.
It isn't all rainbows and butterflies, but my day job is both physically and mentally demanding. So I will trade it any day of the week.
To work at home and see my kids and wife all the time is the most wonderful thing in the world to me. It is my why. The beauty is I can take a break and hang out with them, can't do that when I am at the J.O.B.

Working from home is good until u set up a time limit sitting behind the laptop

Yes. Working at home = you are off every day to most people that have o idea the amount of work that goes into this.

I have been working from home for years and love it......

Firstly dedicate 1 room for your home office. No one allowed but you!
Set a schedule up. time for work, time to be Husband, son, daddy etc.
Let ALL of your extended family know that they cannot contact during XXX times unless it is an emergency (life or death)
Let your wife know, its a no go zone during those times
Let your kids know even they are little, XYZ time is daddy's time

Close the door whilst your working during those times.

It does take discipline, and honestly it is fantastic to work at home.

I have 3 dogs that also know my routine - when I go into the office they come in as well and all jump up and sleep in their chairs I have for them. When I have finished a work session, its walkies time and play time, then back to it!!

Nothing better than working at home

BUT - YOU HAVE TO BE THE BOSS of the situation ....it is your bread and butter!

Good luck.....

I have been working from home for past two years...I live alone so it's really cool.No disturbances.

I improved the environment around me by spending my online earnings on tangible objects I found appealing. I now wake up in the morning and sit at my own spaciously crafted desk, a luxury leather executive chair, air conditioning, high quality speakers (allowing me to play music of my choice), 5 conveniently placed monitors, super fast Internet etc.

All this aids in making me feel comfortable in my own working environment. And given it was all bought with my online earnings, it also motivates me to earn more.

I see some IMs that spend their first major earnings on a new car, bike or holiday. Why bother when you work from home? I don't see the logic in immediately investing in something so temporary, that requires so little of your time each day.

Like any potentially successful business, I believe money should be invested in where your time is demanded most. Time, after all, is money. Try investing a little of what you earn online in your children. Show them (and yourself) what working from home can provide. Buy them some toys or a new gaming console. It will free up your time, allowing you to invest more into earning.

I work at home all day and when I feel bored, I just watch Korean drama...

I would dedicate some specific hours to my work . for example, I would say to myself I will work from 9AM-1PM and 2PM-7PM and wouldn't work outside these times . this way you can handle both your life and work

Better than working with 10 people in the same small room. But you must be much more dedicated to work

Sure, I have some distractions at home, but it's nothing like a 9 to 5 job distraction. I'm super grateful I don't have to go to a job and do IM on the side anymore. Every day is like a vacation day. Love this stuff.

My wife is really cool. She seldom comes into my dedicated office. I have a 9 month old who I get to play with during breaks.

Sometimes I spend an afternoon at the coffee shop to mix it up.

When I went full time IM I did have an off-site office, but I never went. I didn't like having to shower and get on the road. I much prefer getting to my desk ASAP. I gave up that office. Coffee shops work as a substitute to vary the routine.

All I have to say is I'll take some home interruptions as a full time IMr any day of the week over running a bricks and mortar business (which I did) or having a job (which I've also had). Aside from added pressure of a growing family (9 month old child), I love the IM life. I still work a little harder than I want because expenses went up quite a bit ... but I hope to ease back in a year or so.

I have to echo an earlier poster's comment for using the library...It is by far the most productive place there is outside of the home!

Their Internet connections are super fast there and it is a very non-distracting environment!

Put your phone on vibrate when you get there so the entire world can leave you voice mails while you get a lot of stuff done!

Sitting all the day in the home is irritating for me. I am not getting the working feeling at home. Work place should be out of home.

Home is for Home. This is my personal feeling....

There have been some good suggestions in this thread, all of them should work for you to some degree.

The things that you can do if the interruptions are getting to you at home are;

1. get into a private area, even a large closet, that is 100% yours for the time you need it. A door is wonderful, if you can get private space that is not being used by any other family member. Sitting in the family room with your laptop while the family is around and yelling at them to be quiet is never going to be effective, so get yourself private.

2. post office hours, and stick to them even if you are reading a comic book during this private time. The idea here is to train yourself to focus during these times and to train your family members that there are no non-emergency interruptions. Drifting in and out of the 'office' area while in your fuzzy slippers and trying to catch a 15 minute work block while also making dinner does't work. Treat it like a real obligation.

3. Sit your family down all together and go through a short outline of the things you need from them, including your wife. Not too heavy on the numbers and money for the kids, but make it very clear that their livelihood sinks or swims on your ability to concentrate and have uninterrupted time. New soccer balls or dancing lessons are directly tied to your new office. Give consequences for breaking rules--remove privileges for noise, restrict new purchases, or whatever works for your situation. Make the restrictions known up front, and don't be arbitrary. infraction a = consequence b.

4. Set goals, both for yourself and for your family. Tell them that the 'boss' will be taking the 'team' out for (ice cream, pizza, swimming, movies, dvd rental, etc) on ___ day at ___time if we all work together and stick to this important schedule because our future and financial ability to afford these things depends on this schedule. Ask for help, reward for good results.

5. get the kids active and involved in extracurricular activities. sports, music, school clubs. give them an outside interest that is all their own, keeping them out of the house for a bit...

6. Ear plugs. and a fan or air conditioner for white noise.

good luck, it's not easy.

This is a great thread on social psychology. The mere fact that those who press on despite obstacles to make a full time living on line is a testament in and of it self that even with a monkey wrench thrown in you have to stay the course. You may not get task done at the mechanical military schedule you set for yourself, but, it still has to get done.

Very good sociology!

If you love your job, I think It must be very comfortable

Wife and I are resident managers of an small apartment building. Of course the office is in our suite. Month end and rent is being paid. A few tenants only will only give you rent cheques then. Over half on them will give us posted cheques.

They all have letters telling them that my days are Tuesday and Wednesdays for repairs. Unless it is an emergency, or month end move outs or move ins. Wife is full time.

Then there are the contractors that we have to deal with, that will not call and arrange a time or the property manager that appears out of nowhere.

Lots of time they come and say it is bad and it is not.

I am lucky as there is library next door to us, Starbucks 1/2block away, Tim hortons near by.

How about setting intervals (2hours work) (one hour family) throughout the course of the day. Make this a known and a standard with your family and perhaps they will respect your 'business' time with little or no distractions. Worth a try!

Yep, definitely gets stressful sometimes.

I've been working from home for the past 8/9 years and I enjoy it so much that I can't even think of a reason why I would change it. Of course there were times when I thought about renting office space... mostly to have a more neutral place to meet up with clients.
I always decided against it and keep meeting my clients in their offices or in a coffee shop or the like.
I'm a night owl and pretty much addicted to my work so discipline and disturbance has never been much of an issue for me. I had to learn to take and enjoy breaks.

Yes, I experienced similar thing as well. You can tackle this by doing 2 things:

1. Wake up really early, like 4 or 5am when no one is around and focus on getting things done for 2 - 3 hours straight. This will minimize distractions and keep you focused.

2. If you can't wake up early, ask for some uninterrupted time. Say to them "I'm going to work from 2-5pm" at this time do not knock on my door, bother me, etc. After that I will have time for you"

Those should work in your situation.

In the beginning I can guess that it will probably be rough, finding your way learning new things etc., but in the long run part of your goals should be to make it a business and have the business run itself.