learning to juggle everything

The number of people working from home has been on the rise for a long time, and I'm one of them since July 2005. Ever since I got started on working from home, I was hooked and never wanted to do the 9 to 5 thing again. While many people think it is an easier option, it's not as easy as it looks. Yes, I might be able to take a break whenever I want to, or even watch an episode of Friends while I eat my lunch and take a short nap, but trying to juggle between work and home can be quite challenging. For one, often people don't even realize that you're actually working, just because you're home. And for another, you have to be a master of organization and that's where having a document management system comes in handy. I found that unless I had a proper schedule, a daily agenda, a way to manage my emails, deadlines, current data etc, I was quite lost. Having a system to manage it all for me was essential and a big part of my success as a freelancer.

Comments

Val said…
It must be particularly difficult to work at home when you have a young child?
Kamini said…
You're so right. In some ways working from home is actually more difficult, though people will laugh when you say that. The distractions can be terrible. How is your little one Elisha?
Shalini said…
Val, yes, it needs a lot more concentration. I've cut back on the hours I used to do, but it's a good way to have part of my pre-baby life too.

Kamini, Yes, especially if you live in India where people are constantly dropping in unannounced. Elisha is doing well...keeping me on my toes!
E said…
Just had a baby six weeks ago and now I'm working from home too...and you said it--people don't realize I'm working while I'm here. So they call and come over assuming I'm just eating bonbons. Sigh.
I wish I could work from home more often. The commute in Mumbai is killing me.
Shalini said…
Elizabeth, wow, working already in 6 weeks is quite something. Lol, somedays I wish I could just do that....eat bonbons!

abg, the awful commute in Bombay is what got me started on working from home 6 years back :-)

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