Avoid Common Work from Home Mistakes

Having the ability to work from home is a dream come true for many. However, this dream can quickly turn into a nightmare if you fall prey to common mistakes. Knowing what to avoid at all costs it key, and the following tips will teach you just that.

When you first start working from home you will likely be tempted to work extremely long hours. What this results in is a fast and furious burnout. You may very well need to work longer hours than you would at a standard job in order to make ends meet, but you should schedule at least some down time, and take frequent breaks.

Eliminate as many distractions as possible. Children, pets, television, the telephone ringing, and more can cause you to be less productive. If you have to, shut yourself in a room, or your office until your work is done. Turn off the television and phone, and get to business. This leads me to my next tip.

Always have a dedicated place in which to do your work. This will help you be more in the mindset that when you enter this space, it is time to get things done. You may want to make this space off limits to your children, and even your spouse.

Set reasonable goals for yourself each day, and do not stop your work for the day until they are accomplished. Not having goals is a recipe for disaster, and is the breeding ground for excuses. In many ways, working from home is harder than working a standard job. When you work a standard job, you are informed of what is expected of you each day. When you work from home, what is expected of you is entirely up to you.

Track your earnings and losses as accurately as possible. When tax time comes around, you will be glad you did. You do not want to miss out on deductions and possible credits because you lost, or threw away a receipt. Keep all of your paper receipts in one place, and keep all of of the receipts you receive via email in a specific folder.

Many people are amazed at how much joy can come from working from home. These are the same people that make sure they follow work from home guidelines that ensure success. If you want to be a success, you have to learn the strategies that work, and implement them in your daily life.

Additional reading:

The Work-at-Home Success Bible: A Complete Guide for Women: Start Your Own Business; Balance Work and Home Life; Develop Telecommuting Strategies

Work From Home Jobs Directory