Working from home generally sounds like a dream right? You can set your own hours, avoid a long commute, and wear whatever you want. However, as many people have discovered over the past few years, working from home can also come with its fair share of struggles. In this article, we will discuss the top 5 struggles of working from home and provide some tips on how to overcome them.
1. Lack of Structure and Routine
One of the biggest struggles of working from home is the lack of structure and routine. When you work in an office, you have a set schedule and a clear separation between work and home life. When you work from home, it can be tempting to sleep in, work in your pajamas, and take breaks whenever you feel like it. This lack of structure can lead to procrastination, missed deadlines, and poor performance.
To overcome this struggle: Establish a routine and stick to it. Set a schedule for yourself that includes regular work hours, breaks, and time for exercise and self-care. Get dressed in the morning as if you were going to the office, and create a dedicated workspace that is separate from your living space. By creating a routine and sticking to it, you can increase your productivity and reduce stress.
2. Distractions
Another struggle of working from home is the abundance of distractions. Whether it’s a pile of laundry that needs to be folded, a TV show you’ve been wanting to watch, or a pet that needs attention, there are countless distractions that can steal your focus and make it difficult to get work done.
To overcome this struggle: Eliminate as many distractions as possible. Create a designated workspace that is free from distractions, and establish clear boundaries with family members or roommates. Turn off notifications on your phone and avoid social media during work hours. If you find that you are still struggling with distractions, try using the Pomodoro Technique, which involves working for 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks. Alternatively, you may opt to give-in to distractions such as music or a show, but choose music or shows that don’t interest you too much, and serve more as background noise.
3. Isolation and Loneliness
Working from home can be a lonely experience, especially if you are used to working in a busy office environment. When you work from home, you don’t have the same opportunities for social interaction and collaboration that you would have in an office setting.
To overcome this struggle: It’s important to for you to stay connected with others. Schedule virtual meetings or coffee breaks with coworkers, and join online communities or forums related to your industry. You can also consider working from a co-working space or coffee shop a few times a week to get a change of scenery and interact with others.
4. Difficulty Disconnecting from Work
When your office is also your home, it can be difficult to disconnect from work and establish a healthy work-life balance. Without clear boundaries, it’s easy to find yourself working late into the night or checking emails during your downtime.
To overcome this struggle: it’s important to establish clear boundaries between work and home life. Set specific work hours and stick to them, and create a designated workspace that you can physically leave at the end of the day. Turn off your computer and avoid checking work emails after hours. By establishing clear boundaries, you can reduce stress and improve your overall well-being.
5. Technology Issues
Finally, working from home can also come with its fair share of technology issues. Whether it’s a slow internet connection, a malfunctioning printer, or a computer virus, technology issues can be frustrating and time-consuming.
To overcome this struggle: Be sure to have a backup plan in place. Invest in reliable technology and backup systems, and learn how to troubleshoot common issues. Consider working with an IT professional if the company you work for doesn’t have an in-house team who can provide support and guidance when you need it, (or if you work for yourself).
In conclusion, working from home can come with its fair share of struggles, but with the right strategies and mindset, you can overcome them. By establishing a routine, eliminating distractions, staying connected with others, establishing clear boundaries, and having a backup plan in place, you can thrive in your work-from-home environment.
