People nowadays are trying to find ways to work from home more often. It’s understandable why: there are many benefits to working from home, including setting your hours, not having to commute, and having a greater degree of control over your work/life balance.
However, there are also a few potential pitfalls that people must be aware of when making the transition to working from home. Here are 12 common mistakes people make when they start working from home and how to avoid them.
Table of Contents
1. Overthinking
When you work from home, it can be easy to overthink things. You might second-guess your decisions, or worry about what other people will think. Try to take a step back, and trust your gut.
2. Working too much
You need to set boundaries when you work from home. Just because you can work 24/7 doesn’t mean you should. You need to take breaks just like you would at a traditional job. Get up and walk around, take a few minutes to yourself, or even just step away from your work to clear your head. If you work too much, you’ll quickly start to feel burnt out – and that’s not good for anyone.
Working from home physiologically puts you on a schedule ie. when to reach the office, when to have lunch and when to go back home. Once home, your mind turns off for work and turns on for family life. When working from home, this can be a challenge.
3. Not taking advantage of the flexible schedule
One of the benefits of working from home is that you have a more flexible schedule. You can take a break when you need one and don’t have to work traditional 9-5 hours. So, always take some time to rest.
4. Isolation
Working from home can make it easy to feel isolated from the rest of the world. You’re not interacting with co-workers and might not even leave the house much. Make sure to schedule some time for social activities, even if it’s just meeting a friend for coffee or going to the gym.
5. Distractions
There are a lot of potential distractions when you work from home, from the TV to your family and friends. It’s important to be aware of these potential distractions and find ways to limit them. Avoiding these distractions can sometimes be very difficult to avoid.
6. Working in your Pajamas
Just because you can work in your pajamas doesn’t mean you should. Getting dressed for the day can help you get into the right mindset for work, and make you feel more productive.
7. Not taking breaks
When you’re working from home, it can be easy to forget to take breaks. But just like at a traditional job, taking breaks is important for your productivity and mental health. Get up and walk around, take a few minutes to yourself, or even just step away from your work to clear your head.
8. Not maintaining a healthy lifestyle
When you work from home, it can be easy to let your healthy habits slip. You might not feel the need to shower or get dressed for the day, and you might be tempted to snack more often. Make sure you’re still maintaining a healthy lifestyle, even if you’re not working in an office. Get up and move around, eat healthy meals, and take some time for yourself.
9. Not setting goals
Working from home can be a great opportunity to achieve your personal and professional goals. But it can be easy to get off track without setting specific goals. Make sure you know what you want to achieve, and create a plan for how you’ll get there.
10. Not staying organized
When you work from home, it’s important to stay organized. This can help you be more productive and make finding the information you need easier. Keep your workspace clean and tidy, and create a system for files and documents.
11. Not communicating
Working from home can make it easy to feel isolated, so staying in communication with your co-workers, clients, and the boss is important. Schedule regular check-ins, and don’t be afraid to pick up the phone or jump on a video call.
12. Comparison
It’s easy to compare yourself to others when you work from home. Maybe you see your friend posting about their amazing work-life balance, or you read a blog post about someone who’s crushing their goals. Remember that everyone’s situation is different, and focus on your journey.
Conclusion
Working from home can be great, but avoiding common mistakes is essential. From isolation to overthinking, be aware of the potential pitfalls and take steps to avoid them.
