Make Working at Home Work Well
Using Your Home Office for a Post-Retirement Second Career
Many retirees want to try consulting, writing, crafting or other at-home based careers full or part time. Here are some tips to a functional, efficient workspace.
Baby boomers are choosing more and more often to work at home, either in their own business or to blend leisure time with their established careers. It can be a daunting leap, requiring tons of motivation, direction and tweaking. If you’re jumping off the corporate treadmill to start a business, or you just retired and need some income, or your boss thinks telecommuting is the way to go, take a look at these tips.
1. Stock the necessities. Even if you only work in your home office space part time or occasionally, make sure you have what you need at hand. Nothing is more annoying than spending five minutes searching for a paper clip, the stapler, or a postage stamp when you’re in the zone and getting things done. Make a list of everyday supplies and take an unhurried trip to the office supply store to stock up. Or find a source online and let your keyboard do the work.
2. Put your professional foot forward. Get a separate business phone line or a less expensive distinctive ring option. You could also designate your cell number for business calls. Some home workers simply answer differently during business hours. Try just stating your name in a pleasant tone. A FAX line is helpful, but check out online providers like myfax.com that rent FAX privileges – in and out – for a monthly fee.
3. Make best use of your computer equipment. It might be time to replace the old desktop computer with a newer laptop to conserve physical working space. Check out the newer all-in-one ink-jet printer/copier machines – many have a very small footprint to save space. You won’t believe the efficiency of locating an all-in-one right on your desk.
4. Insist on fine quality chair. Good ergonomics are essential, especially if you spend lots of time sitting. New chairs tags tell you what body weight the piece is rated for and how many hours you can spend in it without your body becoming fatigued. This is the best investment you might ever make. Don’t scrimp.
5. Beauty is in the eye of the busy senior. Be kind to yourself. Make your work space appealing. If you’re lucky enough to claim an entire room for your office, fill it with things that inspire, relax or uplift you. Chose colors you love. Fill the room with light, preferably natural. If your office is carved out of a smaller space, soften and beautify it, even if it’s just a corner nook.
6. Light up your life. Effective task lighting makes the difference between meeting a tight deadline or burning yourself out with eyestrain and a headache before the finish line. Choose lamps or lights that don’t glare or cast shadows. Avoid strong color casts and arrange your desk so light doesn’t reflect into your computer display.
7. Create harmony between work and significant others. If you’re going to make it, teach friends and family that desk time is serious. Don't take personal calls if you're working. Don't encourage drop in visitors during work time. Keep a pretty regular schedule. Don't volunteer to be always available.
8. Define work time. Make yourself unavailable to distractions when you’re working. Schedule your start, stop and break times. Sign in, if it helps. Ignore the following: personal phone calls, instant messages online, housework, the doorbell or anyone who attempts to lure you with coffee cake or a quick run to the mall.
9. Vary your activity. Some people tend to stay glued to a chair for hours when busy but you’ll be more productive if you switch tasks from time to time. Work at your desk for an hour or two, then do 15 minutes of filing to change body position and clear your mind. Make a few phone contacts or catch up on relevant reading to break up the day, too. Do five minutes of stretches or jumping jacks. You’ll be healthier and tire less often.
It takes a special personality and work style to carry off a work-at-home gig. Distractions abound. Isolation grates on your nerves. But if you can do it, and these tips will help you, the rewards are huge. At the end of the day, you are the only person who can guarantee a successful mix of business and comfort at home.
