The Plight of the Work-at-Home Professional
Damaging Patterns of Independent Professionals Who Work From Home
Sep 8, 2009
When beginning a business venture, many professionals don't take the time to plan the details of their everyday work life: work hours, goals and professional standards, and outings. This isn't a problem initially, because the opening drive creates momentum that pushes them to succeed in the beginning. Over time, however, the pace slows and the lack of planning emerges as patterns that negatively affect the business.
Poor Time Management
One advantage of working from home is the ability to plan one's workday at times that are personally convenient rather than being assigned times or working the 9-5 grind. Unfortunately, many don't take the time to plan their own work schedule. Without those boundaries to tell them when the workday begins and when it ends, professionals can fall into poor habits.
Procrastination is one bad habit that can result in high levels of stress and low levels of productivity. In this case, one is constantly putting off projects. In this state, very little gets accomplished. Ironically, this creates anxiety because there is no relief from the pressure one feels to get things done.
On the other side of the spectrum is overworking oneself. Although this can increase productivity in the short term, in the long term this practice can take a physical, psychological, and emotional toll. Waking up early to get the most out of one's day and staying up late to complete a project can lead to burnout. Eventually, creativity is stifled and energy is depleted.
Failure to Set Goals and Professional Standards
Independent professionals have a unique opportunity to set the bar for themselves and succeed in their business's market. There are no company standards to uphold, no supervisors to dictate which projects to work on, and no performance reviews. For some, this lack of external standards provides the freedom and flexibility necessary to seek out personal initiatives and take high yield risks. For others, it is a recipe for disaster.
Without goals and criteria to guide independent professionals, projects take more time than necessary to complete and the quality of products and services remains low. Motivation comes in spurts because there are no output objectives to produce energy and momentum. Without a plan, work-at-home professionals set themselves up for failure.
Self-Isolation
Working from home is convenient. The commute involves walking from the bedroom to the home office. This workspace has the potential to be a relaxing space for a professional, one that encourages achievement and inspires productivity. On the other hand, the room can become a hideaway for individuals who are afraid of branching out.
Professionals who never leave the house put themselves at a disadvantage. By hiding out at home, they miss out on networking opportunities they could be creating by stepping out. Many work-at-home professionals do business and make contacts over the internet, but while the internet is a great venue for promoting oneself and connecting with others, real time conversations create deeper personal and professional relationships, giving people a stronger sense who their contacts are and what their companies represent. Without this element, professionals are limiting their professional development.
Work-at-Home Professionals Can Succeed
Professionals who choose to work from home are embarking on a daring venture. There is a great deal of freedom that comes with the decision to work independently, but with it comes a great deal of responsibility. Failing to create schedules, set goals and standards, and venture outside of the home are patterns these individuals are likely to fall into, but by putting more attention and energy into short term and long term planning, work-at-home professionals can create a productive business and successful career.
Next article in this series: Morning Managment for Those Who Work at Home
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