As I'm writing this (on my laptop), I'm sitting in a cozy coffee shop sipping a chai. Down the street, a film crew is making a movie about dog sledding. It's April, but the road is covered with snow, and people are hauling gear, lights, and cameras around in big snow boots. Now that's something you don't see every day. It's something you definitely won't see if you spend all your days stuck in your home office staring at a computer screen.
I've been a work-at-home Mom since 1999, first part time and now full time. One thing I've learned is that getting out from behind my desk every now and then is essential to my sanity and a big boost for my business.
My first forays into the work-at-home lifestyle were splendid. I quickly settled in and typed full speed ahead (I'm a technical writer). I was so efficient! Part of my enthusiasm stemmed from a desire to prove to the company I worked for that they were getting good value for their money, that working from home was not in any way impacting my productivity. The other part came from the fact that I was completely focused on my writing. With no office noise or coworkers stopping by my cubicle for a chat, I could really get stuff done.
But after awhile, I realized that I would go a full six hours without saying a word. Sometimes, the phone didn't ring all day and everything I needed to say to anyone happened through email. Finally, when the kids and husband arrived home and I had to say something, I sounded like I just got out of bed.
I also discovered that working from home was not only quiet, it could be downright lonely.
Today, I know that working from home or running a home-based business doesn't mean locked in your home office eight hours a day or tied to the computer. Especially if your home-based business is computer intensive, like internet marketing or writing, its easy to fall into the trap of literally working for hours in front of the screen without a break.
Getting out from the home office and meeting people face-to-face is important, and if you're like me, is something to work at. Having a laptop has helped me tremendously because I can pick up and go anywhere for a change of scene and still stay on top of my work. Coffee shops are great. Many of them have wireless internet, not always free, but available nonetheless if you just can't stand to be unplugged.
Another way to get hooked up with others in the same boat as you is to get involved with a work-at-home networking group in your area that meets for coffee or a walk in the park on a regular basis. The people you network with don't have to be in your industry either. I think its more interesting that way, and you never know when a great crossover business idea will hit you. The web site Meetup, is dedicated to putting people of like interests together all over the world. See if theres a Meetup group in your area.
If you can't find a group, start your own. You can start your own group on Meetup, or simply post a flyer in your favorite haunts asking home-based
business owners or work-at-home Moms to get together. You'll be surprised. There are probably lots of people just like you looking for a good excuse to get out from behind that desk.
You can share ideas about balancing work and family, time management, and growing your business. Make sure you always have a pen, a notebook and a few business cards handy.
Try it and see where it takes you!
Leanne Tremblay is a successful freelance technical writer and publisher of several successful web sites. She has written numerous articles on working from home, and in fact has been a work-at-home Mom for years! She has a special interest in technology for home-based businesses and runs a web site on internet phone services, VOIP broadband phone providers and free internet phone software. She also writes numerous articles on gardening and outdoor living topics, and publishes a site on colored contact lenses featuring dozens of luscious new products from brand names like Acuvue colored contacts. Leanne writes articles on a wide variety of topics and can be contacted at info@learnabout.info to discuss free articles for your own web sites.
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