How to Separate Work From Your Personal Life When You Work at Home

Sometimes when you work from home, you feel like you're on call 24 hours a day. That's why it's crucial to establish clear boundaries between your work and personal life.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Men's Suits
• Women's Suits
• Answering Machines
• Copy Machines
• Desk Chairs
• Desk Set
• Desks
• File Cabinets
• Folding Screen
• Folding Screen
• Computers
• Office Software

1. Decide on a work schedule and stick to it. This is difficult but critical. When it's "after hours," don't do any business-related activities.

2. If you live with other people, make sure they know when you're working - and not available for socializing.

3. Choose a work space that's separate from your living space. A separate room is best, but if you don't have that luxury, you can use a screen to partition off your "office."

4. Don't take business calls after hours, and don't take unnecessary personal calls during office hours. It helps to have a separate business phone line, but you can make do by using an answering machine or a message service.

5. Dress the part. Some people find it helpful to put on business attire when they're working, changing into different clothing when they're done for the day.

Tips & Warnings

• When you set your business hours, there's no reason they have to be the same hours that everyone else works. Some people thrive working in the mornings, playing in the afternoon, then resuming work in the evening. Find the rhythm that's right for you.

[tinksmagic]

on 2/26/2009 Definitely let everyone know you are working unless there is an emergency.

on 11/22/2005 From the get-go of moving my business home, I found it very important to be up and working at 9am and organized and ready to leave the house within half an hour, if needed. It's okay to do laundry and other chores, but after all, it is a work day.