Don't Let Working from Home Pin You Down: Leaving the House to Get Work Done

There is no mandate that you have to stay home when working from home. Get out from behind that desk and enjoy the benefits of not having to report to an office every day. Leave the den behind and replace it with a restaurant, coffee shop, or park.

The first step is to scout for a place to work. Depending on the nature of your work, you may require wireless internet, a flat writing surface, or enough silence to professionally handle incoming calls from clients. You may also require caffeine, french fries, or a nice table by a window. Consider these things and use local resources to pinpoint some places. Upon arrival, take note of the time, how busy the place is, and the volume level. A place that is empty when you arrive but bustling after a half hour may not be the right place for you. Or you may just be there at the wrong time of day. Take note and either adjust your timing or try a different venue on your next attempt.

Once you have found that perfect place, the key thing is to keep a schedule. Randomly going out at sporadic times of day is just going to get you into trouble. It is not necessary to return to the same place each day but if the staff knows that you are coming then it could work in your favor. Perhaps, that quiet booth in the corner at the local restaurant will have a hot coffee there waiting for you as you arrive on Tuesday mornings.

If you choose to work at a business then common courtesy must prevail. Talking incessantly on your mobile phone will not endear you to anyone. Ordering one coffee and then sitting at a table for hours will likely annoy the barista. Be pragmatic and consider both the employees as well as the other patrons. Tip well and be sure to add a premium if you plan to stay longer than the duration of a typical customer.

If spending money isn't your cup of tea then places such as libraries are wonderful alternatives. They are quiet, have plenty of seating, and there is no obligation to buy anything. Bring a granola bar and bottled water and you can even have a snack while you work. Just don't let the librarian notice that you have violated their no food or drink policy. Parks and beaches make great options during the warm weather months.

By making your office mobile and following a regular schedule, you may get to know some of the staff and patrons at the places you frequent. This helps break the isolation of working from home and can replace office camaraderie. It also helps to instill that you have a regular meeting that you need to keep which can help boost productivity.

Ultimately, it's your job: be creative. Not many people get to choose the location of their office. Those that work from home do have that luxury and it is up to you to seize that opportunity.