You probably have seen enough ads online where people boast about their cool work from home lifestyle. I would say that a decade ago, this wasn’t usual. But the truth is, it still is unusual today.
Not everyone understands how what remote or freelance work is. They simply assume you stay in your pajamas all day long and make money. Of course, that is not the case.
Working from home is a demanding lifestyle as it requires an exceptional level of responsibility and focus. You do almost everything on your own, with no supervision, and you have to make it work.
Not only that but if you are looking for freelance work, you understand the financial risks that come with that. Some days there just isn’t any work to do and no project to work on.
You May Also Check Out:
So, how do you transition from your desk job to a work-from-home lifestyle?
In other words, how do you confidently say goodbye to your 9 to 5 and embrace the responsible freedom?
1 – Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
There are many articles out there motivating you to quit the “pitiful job” you have right now and get yourself a freelance position. And why wouldn’t you?
You can make up to 10x in just three months. That’s the best deal ever.
Except, it may not be the real deal.
Anyone who works from home understands that there isn’t a constant flow of work. Some days are busier than others. And if you are just starting out, your chances of landing remote jobs is still small.
The solution?
Come home after your 9-to-5, log in to your computer, and find yourself a job. This means you will add a couple of working hours to your daily schedule. They will allow you to test whether you are up for the challenge before making the final decision.
If you can sustain making money online for a couple of months, then you can go ahead and quit your job.
2 – Schedule Your Work Day
The benefit of having a 9-to-5 is that you know when work starts and ends. You plan your day around that time frame, and so does everyone around you.
When working from home, you assume that your day is 100% yours and you can do whatever you want, whenever you want.
While that is true, it is not the best way to enjoy a healthy lifestyle. You should create a daily work schedule and respect it.
Decide on when your work day starts and when it stops, get rid of distractions, and get as much done as possible within that time you scheduled.
This will help you both in keeping yourself productive and ensure you spent enough time with family and friends.
3 – Move Around for Work
The best thing about working from home is that you don’t have to do it. I don’t mean you don’t have to work, but you don’t have to stay home to work. You have a location-independence that you should use to your advantage.
Sometimes, the distractions at home are too good to pass on. Your favorite TV show is about to start; your friends are coming over, your bed is calling for you. That all stops when you leave home.
Look for a calm coffee place or co-working space near you and work from there. There are far fewer distractions outside your home, and you are motivated to get the work done.
You don’t have to commute. Try to find a good place in a walking distance so that you can enjoy a walk to and from. That exercise will keep you a little healthier than sitting on a chair all day long.
4 – Remove Distractions during Work Hours
The best thing about having a boss walk around the office is that they make sure work gets done and employees are not distracted.
There is a reason why your employers blocked all social media on your desktop, maybe banned using your mobile phone, and occasionally spied on your screen.
That reason is simply that they know any distraction is a threat to your (and their business) productivity. If you can’t perform to your best abilities, then you are not performing at all.
The same mindset should apply to your work from home. Anything that can distract you from getting your job done should be removed.
If you find yourself wasting time doing something that is not part of the schedule, then don’t do it. Focus your time and energy on making your goals happen.
You are the only one responsible for your success.
5 – Enjoy Your New Freedom
Last but not least, don’t forget that you are now free to do whatever you want. You can be making money blogging, writing, designing, or any other online job, but don’t forget to enjoy it.
It is not all about making money, but it’s about regaining some freedom. You should give yourself more free time to go out and have fun.
Don’t punish yourself too hard when you miss a goal. You are free to experiment with new things all the time you want, as long as you know what you’re doing.
There is no one watching over your head except for yourself, and you should enjoy that.
Just keep yourself productive most of the time, stick to your schedule and meet your goals as much as you can.
The rest should be fun.
You can also read: Freelancing Pros and Cons.
Conclusion
Leaving your secure 9-to-5 can be a difficult decision to make. But if you plan ahead and acknowledge your responsibilities, you can make working from home the best decision you have ever made.
Let me know what you think in the comments down below!
Author bio: Youness Bermime is a professional content writer and marketer. He writes for Action Taking Blogger, a blog that encourages readers to take action and start making money, and grow their online businesses.
Work from home is a blessing if you have your work schedule sorted and disallow distractions. Also, need to pay attention regularly to maintain your calm while working from home!
Hi, true. am grateful for your comment.
I love working from home as I can fit it around my life and I am more productive with my time
Hi Alison, happy to hear that. Thanks for reading.
I have a bunch of side gigs, more like hobbies. I should try freelancing more often.
I appreciate your feedback!
I’ve never had a 9 to 5 job but I work from home now. It definitely still has it’s struggles.
Hi Jenny, thanks for reading, yes everything has its own struggles, but you have to strive to find the balance.
These are great tips. As someone who works from home currently, I never want to go back to working in an office!
Hi Emily, am glad you can relate with this post. Thanks for visiting and taking time to comment.
Graet pointers on maintaining a balance when working from home. Keeping a fixed schedule seems like it would be absolutely key!
Hi Elena, thanks for visiting and taking time to comment on this post! Welcome.
I like working from home but I also enjoying getting out of my home to work. Meaning going to a cafe, diner or library to remove myself from distraction. I think it can be a difficult transition in the beginning but it’s so worth doing. Your tips are helpful!
Am grateful for your feedback. Welcome.
Great tips and really motivating as well…I think it’s a risk worth taking. Thanks for sharing!
Welcome Catherine.
Interesting post – some great tips and advice here! I will definitely have to take some of this on board next time I am having a bad day at my 9-to-5 job LOL x
Thanks for visiting.
It is nice to be able to work from home. I have two kids, and it allows me to be able to spend time with them and have a flexible schedule. It does take a lot of work and focus as well.
Yes, you need to be disciplined, focused and dedicated, as you are your own boss.
being able to work from home as a blogger/influencer, has made it possible to still be a sahm. great insight with this post!
Thanks for visiting.
This was an interesting post to read. Thanks for sharing your insight.
Welcome.
I work from home as well & it is awesome. I love having the comfort of my own home to focus in rather than a busy office. These are great tips. Thanks!
Welcome!
This is such great information. I enjoyed reading your unique point of view. Thank you for sharing.
Appreciated.
Love the way you described such great tips. Would try to follow
Thanks.
I love working from home, but it comes with its own set of challenges. But, I’d much rather have the freedom I have to work at home, then stuck at a desk job. Great points!
Yes, I too like the flexibility that comes with working from home!
I too like the flexibility that comes with working from home!
These are great tips; I went through the same transition and it can be hard to find your groove at first. Great tips!
Appreciated.
It is definitely possible to work from home. I left the 9-5 long ago, these are all great tips. Bookmarking this!
Thanks for that nice feedback!
I’ve worked from home for almost 10 years now. While I love not having to get dressed up and sit in traffic, it’s more challenging than people realize.
I think with good planning and dedication, you can succeed working from home. You also need to be disciplined with yourself, as you have no supervisor, you are your own boss.
Working from home is a goal of mine! I love the flexibility and freedom of being able to work at your own pace and independently produce results
True! Thanks for the comments.
i agree with all these things. i am a highly motivated self starter, so don’t believe i will have a problem staying focused if/when i transition to working from home on my own business.
Hi Danielle, thanks for visiting.
These are great tips, thank you!
Welcome.
The best thing I ever did was become a virtual assistant. I love that I am my own boss. The only thing I haven’t nailed down yet is office hours. I work all the time.
Ha ha, that is the best way to summarize this post. Thanks for dropping by.
One of the best decisions I made in life is when I decided to work from home three years ago. Although a lot of patience and time is needed to build your own online business, the sense of satisfaction and financial results are fantastic.
Hi Jelena, totally agree with you. You need to have patience and plans in place to succeed as a work from home person. Thanks for visiting.
I agree that when you work from home, you have all the time. You always have million things to do at home. Even then, working from home is a good option. Thanks for this informative post.
Hi, work from brings the flexibility that is favorable to anyone. welcome.
I’ve worked for myself for so long now that I don’t think I could ever easily go back to working 9-5. And quite frankly, I wouldn’t want to…. I prefer to have the flexibility to work as and when I want to, even if does mean that I work longer hours than probably most other people in traditional employment.
Hi, totally agree! Work from home, is the next best option for everyone.
Guess what I did yesterday? I applied for retirement form my high school teaching job! Yikes! I will be supplementing my income by working from home so these are very timely tips. Thank you!
Hi shirley, am glad to learn that you find some helpful tips that you are going to implement. You are most welcomed.
Great and insightful post. As someone who works from home I can relate to most of these points. I love taking myself off to an internet cafe sometimes, it gives a change of scene and and chance to meet like-minded freelancers.
Hi Caro, thanks for the input. Welcome.
Thank you for this. I’m looking to gradually build a remote business (blogging and other media) and I know I’m going to have to work a 9-5 in order to sustain myself for the time being. It’s good to know that that’s possible. This was a great article.
Hi Ada, I really appreciate your feedback. You are most welcomed.
I absolutely love everything about working from home. I have my routine in place and my life moving along.
Hi Dr. Elise, thanks for reading and for the comments.
I recently left my 9-5 to work from home on my own business. I have to say, going to a coffee place has been great a couple times a week. Really helps me focus. Great Info!
Hi Candice, thanks for visiting and taking time to comment on this post. I like the Flexibility that comes with working from Home. You are most welcomed.