How to Develop a Schedule When Working at Home

By Kristen Fischer

Rate: (7 Ratings)

Working at home? You may think you're a free agent, but you may need to develop a schedule in order to be most productive.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • Day planner
  • Computer
  • Pen/pencil
  • Email
Step1
Know Your Bod. It's important to realize when you are most productive, and when you work at your best. If you're not a morning person, don't try to force yourself up at the crack of dawn. Some people work at night and find it really benefits them. Most important is to work with your body to ensure peak performance.
Step2
Mind the Kiddies. Having kids can put a damper on productivity. While it's great to be home with your children, they can be disruptive. Set boundaries by setting time limits when they can't disturb you. Or hire a sitter at home. Another thing to try is to work when they're at school or asleep. The hours may get a little crazy that way, but it's vital to set a schedule, especially to help your children get in a routine.
Step3
Use a Day Planner or an Internet Program. It helps to write things down when you have appointments popping in and out of your day. Purchase a day planner or use an Internet-based tool like Microsoft Outlook. In this program, you can set your schedule electronically and set alarms. However works best for you, it's vital to keep things recorded.

Tips & Warnings

  • Work in an office. Even if you don't have a separate room in your home to devote to work, corner off a section of a room for your work.
  • Add breaks. Taking a breather to rejuvenate while you work will help you from getting burned out. I recommend a 10 to 15 time limit.

Comments

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on 10/4/2007 good point Virigina!:)

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on 10/3/2007 I have been really working on this issue...here are a couple things that help me out...

Make a short to-do list each day. Don't overload yourself - just choose one to three key tasks. When you finish those tasks, call it a day, even if you finish early.

Make sure that at least one task is high income-producing. This way you will get at least one thing done each day that will have positive results on your income. Don't let anything distract you from accomplishing this one task.

kohuether

kohuether said

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on 9/24/2007 I make sure I prioritize and stick to the list. If not, I waste a lot of time doing things that aren't really important. Great advice here!

Veesites

Veesites said

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on 9/23/2007 An idea I find helpful is to schedule a time for reading email. Keep it to a few set times per day. That way you aren't allowing yourself to be distracted by email all the time.

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on 9/23/2007 Great idea for an article!

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eHow Article: How to Develop a Schedule When Working at Home

eHow Expert: Kristen Fischer

Kristen Fischer

Expert: Careers & Work

Profession: Copywriter, Author

Location: NJ

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