The grass is always greener, right? Isn’t that what people usually say? I’ll never forget working in NYC fresh out of college. My neighbor was a young professional who worked from home. I used to be so jealous of her in the morning! I would see her coming back from the gym while I was rushing out the door to the subway. She’d always smile and say, “Have a great day!” And I would always secretly wish I could work from home like her. She freelanced for PR agencies and seemed to have the best thing going! But truthfully? She had mastered the “How to Work from Home” living and it was one that I was too scared to do at that time in my life. She knew what she wanted and she went after it. Fast forward (ahem) 17 years and here I am with the same strategies down (not officially mastered, but down) on How to Work from Home.

How to Work from Home

How to Work from Home – Tips

1. How to Work from Home – Wake up early – This is a tough one for moms because most moms are already up at the crack of dawn, but if you’re able (and willing) to get up a little extra earlier – make it work. I usually start working around 9AM during the school year because that’s doable for me. My morning works like this – by the time I get all the kids off to school, it’s 9AM. I’ve been getting up around 6AM with my husband to prep for the day – lunches, breakfast and even catch a little time to check my email. Without the hustle and bustle of getting off to school, I can get some work done in the morning. I figure if I can work from 6:30-8:30AM – 2 hours straight… that’s a good chunk I can get down. Listen – I take it wherever I possibly can!
2. How to Work from Home – Plan in place – Make sure you’re extremely organized! Let me put it like this – be so organized you don’t recognize yourself! Jot down everything that needs to get done that day and make sure you don’t leave anything out. Keep yourself head down as you start working your way down the list and prioritize what “can” and “could” get done out and about. I know for me I usually set time for social engagement. This is something I can do while the kids are playing, this isn’t something that needs to get done at home, at my desk. I’m all about time blocking. This is huge and this is key. It’s helped me really prioritize my work and work seamlessly through it all, too.
3. How to Work from Home – Give yourself a breather – If you can, do this – do THIS! I’m going to try my hardest to make this happen. Give yourself a summer day off or a half day Friday. If you set a plan in place, you can probably make this happen. You might have a conference call or emails to answer, but you can “check out a bit” for the day. I’ve been wanting to do this for years. I feel like by giving yourself a day or 1/2 day – you work harder because you know you have some extra time off during the week.
4. How to Work from Home – Set work hours – This is absolutely essential. I mean – ESSENTIAL. During the summer – it’s a little different – I need to make sure they know that I work from 10-2PM every single day. No interruptions. Just like they go to school for set times, I work at set times. Giving yourself work hours will be good because it’s accountability, too. It’s fantastic to make sure you do this from here on out!
5. How to Work from Home – Ask for help – I’m blessed to live near family. I have my parents, my sister, my brothers and good friends. If I’m in a jam, I know I can call on them. We’ve ALL been there before and it’s amazing to know you have people who you can rely on. My husband is amazing when he knows I need some back-up, but his schedule is busy – too. It’s always a good idea to have help on hand! If you don’t have family nearby, ask friends or hire a mother’s helper. This could be a game changer for you.
6. How to Work from Home – Late nights – It’s not something people love to hear, but working late is always an alternative. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that for me, it just isn’t an option anymore. I’m too tired at night. I need my sleep and I need time to chill and just be! But a few years ago I worked late so I could have more time during the day with the kids.
7. How to Work from Home – Incentives help – If you’re in a total jam – know what will incentivize your child. For example – I know Victoria will sit and watch ANY Disney Princess movie, so that’s a plus. It will be quiet for an hour. I know my sons would love for me to say, “2 hours on Fortnite!” They’d do just about anything. When in need, go for the prize.
8. How to Work from Home – Don’t be too hard on yourself – This is something that I’m still working on, but it’s true. The summer is the summer. It’s going to be tough to work from home with the kids home. It’s a fact. Try the best you can, that’s the only thing you truly can do.
9. How to Work from Home – Create some musical playlists – If you can work with music – do it! I’m very inspired by music, so this is a big deal for me. I love to be able to find music that moves me and really work with my work vibe.

Make sure you take sometime to check out the Permission to Hustle Podcast! We share lots of tips and advice about working from home, too!

And feel free to check out my YouTube Channel for our videos, too!