Working Remotely
Working From Home?
Carefully Manage Your Schedule
In my own professional life, I’ve worked in a typical office environment and from home. If asked my preference, hands down I’d choose to work remotely. I prefer setting my own schedule, working without interruption, and freeing myself from office games and politics.
Interns, summer associates and new hires who succeed while working remotely adopt some best time management practices including the following:
1. Set a schedule and follow it. Don’t allow distractions (TV, laundry, children) to keep you from accomplishing your business goals.
2. Sound professional at all times. Whether you’re connecting by email or phone, you must communicate in a business-like manner. No one needs to know that you’re texting while dressed in exercise clothing and no client caller wants to hear Nate Berkus blaring in the background. (HINT: I’ve learned that my air conditioner drowns out lots of background street noise.)
3. Understand that when you work from home you are “working.” The mere fact that you have chosen not to commute to an office does not free you to attend to personal errands or neighborhood needs.
4. Schedule connect time. I’m one of those people who thrives on lots of solitary time. If you don’t, to battle loneliness, schedule lunch dates, reach out to others via Skype, or plug into webinars.
What Do You Need to Know?
When you start work, you don’t need an office to be productive. But do manage your time as if you working outside the boss's office door.
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