Working from home

[Krisu]

DH was approached today by his boss about doing this. They would send the computer, we would have to get another phone and line. He thinks he would like it. Any advice/tips?

 

[tstobb]

Make sure that there is space apart from everything else. Nothing beats the sound of the dog chasing the cat as background sounds for that conference call to Europe!
I say go for it!

 

[delswife]

I work from home as one of my "three" jobs. I am a digital multimedia specialist. [fancy name, lousy pay... thats why I have two other jobs]
It sounds great, working from home, freedom to make your own hours, blah blah blah..... BUT

When people find out you work from home, They seam to forget we ARE working.. "No, I cant take you to the store, pick up your friend, so on and so forth"

I really put in more hours than I get paid for, but on the other hand, I can work in my slippers.

Remember, just because the phone is ringing or someone is banging at the door, you DONT have to answer it. I never realised how many telemarketers and/or salemen are around during the day.

Like any job, it has its ups and downs. You have to work harder to keep focus at the task at hand, because naturally you are more comfortable in your own home.

I dont know what field your DH is in, but in my field it is not a 9-5 job. I work 7 days. some days are loooong others are only a few hours. Really depends on the project.

Its not for everybody, it can become stressful, you need to really learn time management.

Dont get me wrong, I do love some parts of what I do, and like I said, I can work in my slippers and I dont have to put on make-up to talk on the phone.

Best of luck to both of you, because having DH home all the time....well, we love our men, dont we?

 

[ByTheSea]

I often work at home but not all the time. On one hand, I can get a lot more done at home, IF (and it's a big IF) no one is around at home to bug me. I can usually get quite a bit done if others are around but I have to keep reminding them "Hey, I'm WORKING here!"

It's easy to let things slide and let interruptions take over, so you need to set a routine and stick to it.

In general, I LOVE to work at home, but I do believe you need a regular connection/meetings in the office, etc. to feel connected to what's going on. Will he be able to go in once a week or every other week?

 

[pollyanna]

I've done it for years. At first I worked in the Dining room....but eventually we had a seperate office in the house...you really have to get away from the noise of daily living...and you have to be a self-motivated type person that will actually DO the work .It's tempting to do other things because you are at home.

 

[wovenwonder]

I've been working in an office at home for 7 years now. It has many more advantages than disadvantages. I try to get out every morning to pick up take out coffee. Many people wonder why I would want to go out for coffe when I am right at home to make my own -- well, it's my only reason to get dressed and put shoes on! Plus sometimes it is the only contact I get personally (besides the phone) with people outside of my family.

My hubby has been great about it. And recongnizes my need to get out of the house. We often go out for dinner during the week. A nice change of scenery for me.

It's nice to be able to start some meals during the day (put a roast in the oven, etc) -- but other times its soup and sandwiches because my day extended way beyond my expected hours.

Another draw back --- it leaves way too much time to fill my addiction of the DIS Boards!

 

[Gillian]

DH works at home 1 day a week. The main problem is that I'm often home with our 2 year old. His "office" is right in the middle of everything, but we can close it off with french doors. Still, on the days when he is really busy, it gets a little crazy! Luckily, Fridays (his telecommute days) are usually pretty slow, and if he needs to, he can finish up over the weekend.

Make sure he gets caller ID! A speaker phone or headset is also nice, because you spend more time on the phone at home.

When his company was renovating their office, everyone telecommuted at least part of the time. It wasn't for everyone, but you have to try it to see. Some groups hated it, got little done, and were miserable. DH loved it!