Want to Work from Home? Here’s How to Make Your Transition Easier

Working from home sounds easy in theory, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. While you may get to work in your pajamas, you might also face a slew of issues that could dampen your productivity and make you wish you could go back to the office.

It’s not uncommon for hard-workers to feel stressed out, especially when they first start working from the comfort of their living room. If you’re one of the many people coping with the stressors of this new adjustment, here are the top tips to make the transition easier.

Define a workspace

One of the most difficult — and distracting — aspects of working from home is the sense that you can’t stop working. It’s common for remote employees to experience their work life invading the comfort of their home life. If you don’t have a defined workspace, you might notice that the two start to bleed together. Something as simple as sitting at the kitchen table might release a surge of anxiety at the thought of your next task.

Not only is this frustrating, but it’s also unhealthy. We need time to sit down and decompress following a long day at work. If you’re constantly in “work mode,” you’ll feel burnt out more quickly, and start to suffer from the ill side effects of stress. In the long-term, you might notice your work quality begin to suffer — in particularly severe cases, you might start to notice your health has begun to decline.

One of the best ways to draw a line between work and play is by establishing defined work spaces throughout your home. Many people are able to achieve a healthy work-life balance by creating an office space in their home, or by relying on a desk in the corner of the room. You can even make this a blocked off space from the rest of your home through curtains or other room dividers for increased benefits. These designated work spaces should only be used for work in order to limit other distractions. When you have these defined locations, you’ll start to experience higher levels of productivity and a healthier balance between work and play.

photo/ Jan Vašek

Make sure your tech is up to par

Most remote jobs rely on technology. Whether you’re in the marketing field, customer support industry, or a freelancer, you’ll likely need a computer and a cell phone if you hope to get anything done.

That is why it is vital to invest in up-to-date technology. Even though your college computer works “just fine,” you will notice lagging load times, potential crashes, and more than a few lost connections when you use older pieces of technology.

Save that old laptop as your personal computer and make the move toward newer tech. New computers and cell phones load faster, respond more quickly, and are less likely to experience issues than your old computer. Talk to a trusted technology supplier to see which computer works the best for your specific needs. For example, a graphic designer will need more processing power than a freelance blogger. Choosing the right option for your line of work will ensure you get the most out of a new piece of tech.

However, sometimes computer and cell phone issues aren’t the result of poor technology. More often than not, it could be a problem your router or your physical location. Even though most data suppliers rely on high speed networks, you might be living in an area that doesn’t get a good signal. This could significantly slow down your work, putting your livelihood at risk. When you want to ensure that you’re connected to the world wide web, rely on a company like Hi Boost to boost your cell phone signal and get in touch with those important clients.

Stick to a schedule

The best way to work from home is to treat it like any other job. Wake up at the same time each morning and act like you’re going to the office. Set a schedule to work throughout the day and try not to deviate from it unless there’s an emergency or other issue. Providing this essence of structure is one of the best ways to achieve a successful remote position.

Even the most well-organized and prepared individuals may experience the issues that come with working from home. By following the tips explained above, you’ll be able to reap the full benefits of working remote without sacrificing much in exchange.