Since I moved into self-employment, I’ve heard the same two reactions over and over when I tell people I work from home. Some say, “You’re so lucky — I’d love to work from home.” Others respond, “I would absolutely hate that — it would never work for me.”
I know people who adore working from home (I’m one of them) and others who tried it and couldn’t stand it. Whether you work for yourself or for an employer, people who work from home tend to face similar challenges and must develop routines that keep them productive and balanced.
Working from home isn’t for everyone, but here’s how I make it work for me:
I still have an office.
Even when your workplace is your house, you need a dedicated work area to stay organized and focused. If you have an extra room, convert it into an office; if not, carve out a defined workspace in your dining room, living room, or guest room.
It’s important to have a space where you can take professional video calls and phone interviews without background noise like lawn mowers or barking dogs. Some people are bothered by those interruptions; others aren’t. If you need a quieter, more formal setting occasionally, consider renting a shared office space. That gives you access to professional meeting rooms when you meet clients or host conferences.
Related: 15 Of My Best Working From Home Tips So You Can Succeed
I leave home sometimes.
While I prefer working at home most of the time, it’s healthy to change locations occasionally. Some people like working in coffee shops, parks, or shared office spaces. Getting out of the house can help you avoid feeling stuck or isolated.
One of the biggest benefits of working from home is flexibility: I can break up my day and work when it fits my schedule. For example, I recently bought a membership at an indoor rock-climbing gym. It’s a treat I probably wouldn’t have bought while working a traditional day job, but now I use those sessions as a midday break to recharge. Those breaks prevent burnout and keep me motivated—without them I’d likely work far too many hours straight.
I maintain a social life.
Loneliness is a common concern for people who think working from home won’t suit them. To prevent that, make a conscious effort to socialize: join a club, attend networking events, meet friends or family for lunch or dinner, or plan regular social activities.
I make sure my internet is fast and reliable.
Unreliable internet can derail an entire day. For most remote jobs, fast, stable internet is essential for productivity and sanity. If your connection frequently drops, invest in better service or a backup solution so you don’t waste time fighting slow uploads or dropped calls.
I set a schedule and clear goals.
Working from home makes it easy to blur work and life. Create a schedule and stick to it: decide when you’ll start work, what tasks you’ll tackle, and set measurable goals. A consistent routine reduces procrastination and keeps you motivated.
I reduce distractions.
Distractions are everywhere at home. Without structure, a few minutes on the TV or social media can eat an entire workday. These tactics help:
- Turn off the TV. It’s my biggest time sink.
- Use apps or tools that block social media for set periods so you can’t easily give in to temptation.
- Disable Wi‑Fi when you don’t need it for work to remove online distractions.
- Prep meals in advance to avoid spending chunks of time cooking or snacking. Also, avoid keeping tempting junk food around.
I take days off.
You can’t keep working every single day without burning out. I still struggle with this—because I enjoy my work, it doesn’t always feel like work, and that makes stopping hard. But regular days off are essential. I usually pick slower days, often on weekends, and even then I might check a few emails so Monday isn’t overwhelming.
I hire help when needed.
Delegating tasks lets me focus on high-value work. I use virtual assistants for recurring tasks, and you can hire help for many things—childcare, housekeeping, administrative tasks, or even bill-paying if you despise that chore. Hiring help frees your time for the work only you can do.
I communicate that I’m working.
Working from home often leads others to assume you’re free to run errands or take favors. I’ve had friends and family expect my time because they think I’m “not doing anything.” You must set boundaries and let people know you’re in a real job, even if your workplace looks different. Saying no is part of protecting your productivity and mental health; doing too many favors can hurt your own work and energy.
Would you prefer to work from home?
Would working from home work for you?