Working at home
Working from Home: The Pros and Cons if the computer stops working and a solution if the internet goes down, for instance, a local library or nearby cafe with Wifi.
Create a routine Some people like to do the difficult calls or tasks early in the day to get them out of the way and to kick start the day. Take regular breaks, do some exercise and get out and see people. Let people know your working hours and let neighbours and family know you are working and not lounging about at home.
Get good childcare
So you want to work from home? For many parents the chance to work from home on a regular basis is the Holy Grail. Not only does it cut down on endless hours spent commuting and travel bills, but it means you are around for your family in case of an emergency. Yet working from home isn’t for everyone. If you’re in a sector where working from home is possible or you are considering freelancing or running your own business from home, you need to be honest with yourself about whether the pros outweigh the potential cons. Ask yourself some questions. Do you work best as part of a team, bouncing ideas off each other? It is possible to exchange ideas with people via Instant Messenger and technology is enabling people who work remotely to have virtual colleagues in their home office, but if face to face contact is important to you, then you might find working from home a struggle. You may be able to mitigate this, of course, through creating or joining a local business network or ensuring you get out regularly to meetings or other events - or even just to walk the dog! The advantages of working from home are significant. In addition to those mentioned above, the wellbeing of most parents would be enhanced by not having to deal with rush hour traffic or train delays and the anxiety of not getting to school or nursery pick up on time. One of the worst nightmares for many parents
are the days when their child wakes up sick and they have to frantically ring round friends and family to get cover while they go to an important meeting. Not having to deal with this can hugely lower stress levels. Once you have decided if homeworking is for you, you need to consider what you need to work successfully from home.
Try to have a separate work space It is good, if possible, to draw a line between home and work so you can close the door on work both mentally and physically at the end of the day. Having a separate space - a room, an outdoor building etc - creates the sense of ‘going to work’. It also means that your work papers are kept separate and away from small hands! Alternatively, if you don't have a separate space, you can still create the feeling of going to work by walking round the block before you start work. You may, of course, need to go out to drop off children in any event before you start your working day.
Make Sure you have the Technology you need The basics are likely to be a computer, good phone, Wifi connectivity and a printer. Bear in mind that you are likely to have very little technical support so it is vital to have a back-up
COULD YOU BE THE NEXT EDITOR OF FAMILIES GLASGOW
?
Employers may stipulate childcare if you are working from home. In any event, it is very stressful trying to work from home with small children, particularly if they don't have regular sleep patterns.If you are working from home while other colleagues are in the office, ensure that you are visible by attending selected social events and meetings and keeping up with people in the office as much as possible.
Co-working space If you are not sure about homeworking, but need to work closer to home, you could consider using a co-working space or creating your own local hub with other homeworkers in your area. Alternatively, you could consider homeworking for part of the week to get the best of both worlds. As with everything, it’s advisable to know yourself and approach different ways of working with your eyes as open as possible. Sometimes though, it takes a bit of experimentation to know what works best for you. Compromises may be involved. Ultimately, it is only you who can judge what is best for your family’s circumstances - and, of course, as with all things parenting, those circumstances may change with time...! Mandy Garner is Editor of Workingmums.co.uk. Workingmums.co.uk advertises homeworking opportunities and offers tons of advice on how to set up your own business and different ways of working, including case studies in a variety of sectors.
Well established print distribution and loyal readership
Are you interested in working for yourself, flexibly from home and working around your family commitments? Do you have an interest in sales and researching local family events and information? Then Families Magazines might be the job for you. We have an opportunity to run your own franchise in the Glasgow area.
The Glasgow edition of Families magazine is part of a successful franchise group with 40 editions around the UK - being a ‘Families Editor’ means becoming part of a growing and supportive network and trusted name - established in 1990!
To register your interest in Families Glasgow Magazine email editor@familiesglasgow.co.uk 16 Families Glasgow
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