In a survey of 1,300 home-based workers, respondents cited flexibility as the number one advantage to working from home. The most common problems cited had to do with time management and isolation. Sally Allen and K.J. McCorry are organization consultants and efficiency experts who specialize not only in creating an organized work space, but also in helping people organize their time. When they visit home-based professionals, they typically find individuals who either work too much or not enough. And one can lead to the other. Following are some of their observations relating to time management issues. According to Sally Allen, time management is really a misnomer. "Time goes on without you," she says, "You cannot manage it, but you can manage and schedule tasks in an amount of time that you need." Things that can rob you of time include the telephone and drop-by visitors. It pays to come up with strategies for politely communicating to others when it's not an opportune time to talk or visit. For example if someone walks into your office, you might stand up while you converse with them. This body language conveys that you have a limited amount of time to talk and will result in a shorter meeting. "Schedule time for yourself," Allen says, "It's important to schedule to get your projects done and your list of priorities put in your calendar. Prioritizing is a major consideration. I suggest putting the worst things first on your list so [that you deal with them] before your energy goes down at the end of the day. Break down your projects into small manageable pieces, and plan one to two hours of your work day that is uninterrupted time. That means not responding to the phone, e-mail or fax and concentrate on those tasks that you have planned." Following is a list of steps that will help you manage your tasks and schedule your time. - Create a schedule and write down deadlines for accomplishing tasks. Don't forget to schedule time for yourself, and stick to those "appointments" as well.
- Do the worst tasks first. Plan more difficult projects at times of the day when you are most alert.
- Plan time when you can work outside of the house or schedule to have lunch with friends.
- If you like to run personal errands during the day, make sure that you schedule time during the evening or on the weekend to make up the time.
- Prioritize your needs. Plan one to two hours during your day that is uninterrupted time. That means not responding to phone, fax or email and really concentrate on those tasks you need to get done.
- Remember "no" is a complete sentence. By saying no to potential interruptions or "time stealers," you are saying "yes" to the things you've already committed to.
- Overcome procrastination. Choose six items on your to-do list and start with those. This way at the end of the day you are going to feel success that you've accomplished those items.
- Put time in your schedule for your friends and family on a regular basis. This is going to help reduce interruptions in your work day.
- Avoid perfectionism. Just do your best.
- Use technology to help you. There are many software programs, day planners and electronic devices that will enhance your effectiveness. But remember you are the controlling force of your time.
- Make time for fun and expect the unexpected.
Follow these rules, and take advantage of the fact that, as a home-based professional, you have control over the hours that you work. Perhaps you prefer working in the afternoon to the morning, or work part of a weekend and take a weekday afternoon off. Just be mindful that your clients may work a regular 9-to-5 schedule, and make yourself available as needed.
RESOURCES :
A Place For Everything, LLC
Sally Allen-- A Place for Everything
Golden, CO 80401
Phone: 303-526-5327
Fax: 303-526-4076
Email: sa@sallyallenorganizer .com
Website: www.sallyallenorganizer.com
homeworking.com
An informational site devoted to people who work from home.
Web site: www.homeworking.com
Working at Home While the Kids Are There, Too
Model: 1564143058
Author: Loriann Hoff Oberlin, Loriann Hoff Oberlin
published by Career Press
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