THE MILLENNIAL MAVENThe Millennial Maven
  • ➤ Start Here
  • STYLE
  • BEAUTY
  • WELLNESS
  • PRODUCTIVITY
  • SHOP
  • LOVE LETTERS
  • HOME

The Perils of Working From Home + what to do about them

March 6, 2019

The Perils of Working From Home + what to do about them

This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, hop over to our Disclosure page.

Working from home. That’s the dream, isn’t it?

Imagine ultimate flexibility with your work and personal schedules, not having to deal with rush hour traffic, not to mention working comfortably parked in your PJ pants on the couch.

Sounds awesome if you ask me.

But there are some tidbits about working from home that aren’t quite as glamourous. And that’s what we’re talking about today.

Don’t worry, I’m not trying to scare you, and after reading this post I’m sure you’ll be just as ever to start your working from home journey.

You’ll become privy to little annoyances and issues that crop up, but we’ll also discuss how to remedy these situations so that you remain comfortable, healthy, and productive while working at home.

Curious about what the heck I could be talking about? Read on.

Less inspiration around you

It’s self-explanatory, really. When you venture out into the world, your senses are hit with new inspiration every second. Even if your routine remains basically the same, nothing is ever the same out there in the world. If you keep your eyes open, you’ll surely never run out of fresh ideas to scale your business, or just improve your personal growth.

On the contrary, things do stay the same in your home, and if you depend on your surrounding for inspiration, being at home during full-time working hours can leave you feeling less than inspired.

Bonus! Are you a blogger who constantly feels like they’re running on fumes when it comes to business and blog post ideas? I’ve got a post that will definitely help with that! Right this way >> Never Run Out of Blog Post Ideas w/ These Simple Tricks

What to do about it…

Stop taking the phrase “Working from home” literally. When you have a “work from home” business, chances are at least some components of it exist online. Which means you have freedom to work anywhere you can scrounge a WiFi connection.

Walk to a nearby coffee shop, meet up with other entrepreneurs for a work-date, or even just sit on a park bench with your laptop.

You have ultimate freedom to find inspiration- but you must take advantage of it.

Very easy to procrastinate

We all know what this is like. No boss peeking over our shoulders means Facebook break free-for-alls and unlimited trips to the break room, i.e., the couch.

There are days when I barely even finish writing one post because I take so many little breaks. It’s a serious problem for all work-from-homers.

What to do about it…

Instead of just sitting down to work with no plan and no end in sight, schedule yourself breaks throughout the day just like you would have if you worked in an office.

Now here’s the hard part- you have to be super strict with yourself about adhering to these set break times. It takes willpower and practice, but eventually you’ll have yourself trained.

Tip: Try setting a timer for 20-40 minutes and then working as hard as you can until the timer goes off. Then take a short 5-10 minute break, and then set another timer. You’ll get more done during each session knowing you have a “time limit.”

The Perils of Working From Home + what to do about them

Fewer opportunities for “organic” networking

What do I mean by “organic networking?” Basically, networking with people who you would meet naturally when you’re out and about. This could mean a colleague in your field, or somebody you strike up a conversation with at yoga.

Sometime the best networking opportunities aren’t planned, and you often don’t have that when you’re spending days coupes up in your home working.

What to do about it…

It’s the same thing as with the inspiration gathering above- you have to go out into the world! Just because you are technically working from home, it doesn’t mean you must remain tethered to your house all day.

You may also need to become more diligent about online networking to supplement. Social media is amazing for this.

You’ve heard this before. Join Facebook groups and participate in Twitter chats. You don’t have to act like you’re “networking.” Aim to make friends, just like you do in real life, and watch your network blossom.

Less incentive to get dressed + care for your appearance

The issues discussed above can be detrimental to your business if not addressed, but this one is detrimental to your life. Really.

When you’re working from home and you know you aren’t going out, (but really, you should start,) then you think, “I’ll just stay in my comfy clothes and not waste time getting ready. I’ll spend more time working and be more productive.” 

Except you won’t be. #realtalk. I’ve tried this strategy, and I somehow always end up back in bed watching The Food Network with a bag of potato chips.

Why? Because why not? I don’t have nice clothes on that I want to avoid wrinkling, there’s no makeup to smear, and my hair is a mess anyway so I might as well lie on it…

What to do about it…

Take a shower. Get dressed. Brush your hair. Put on a little makeup. (But keep your shoes off, because wearing shoes in the house is just gross.)

If you didn’t feel like heading down the street to Starbucks before, you just might now. Plus you’ll get out and get inspiration. PLUS you’ll possibly have some networking opportunities. Not to mention you’ll be that much closer to racking up for 10,000 steps for the day.

Day = made.

And it all started with changing out of your comfy pants.

Isolation + loneliness

Humans crave interaction with other humans. Even if you don’t think you do.

I, for one, am a very introverted person and I like being alone in my own environment where I can focus on my own thoughts. But after a while, just listening to myself all day gets rather annoying.

Working from home gets lonely, and it only gets worse the longer you put off doing anything about it.

What to do about it…

You know what to do.

Get dressed.

Leave your house.

Talk to people on social media.

All the things you should be doing already. *wink

Irrational anxieties may creep up

This last issue is something you may not have though of, but is especially poignant.

Before I started staying home more, I used to be all over the place on my days off. I’d drive around, hang out at the mall, and chat with people in my building.

These days, driving gives me anxiety, and I’m afraid to exit my apartment for fear I’ll have to interact with an actual person on my short journey to the mail room. I’ve gotten so comfortable in my ever shrinking “comfort zone” that anything outside is getting increasingly terrifying.

Don’t let this happen to you.

What to do about it…

You home is your main sanctuary, but it shouldn’t be your only one. Find places outside of your home that make you feel comfortable, and where you can also be productive. Make it a point to hang out in these places on a regular basis so that you remain accustomed to being a functioning member of society- not a hermit.

I know, us introverts really find the idea of hermit-living super appealing, but trust me, it’s not great for your mental health.

Take action!

Don’t just read, put these tips to work!

Here’s how >> Get out your planner and schedule when you will take breaks and when you will leave the house. Add a reminder that you need to get ready every morning too!

Putting these things down on paper in plain sight everyday will make sure they don’t fall by the wayside.

Your business, and your own wellbeing, will thank you.

That’s all for today!

Like this post all about working from home? Then this post is a must-read >> The Most Underrated Organization Trick You Need to Know

If you find this post interesting, informative, or just plain entertaining, tell me about it in the comments below! And don’t forget, sharing is caring. Share this post!

Till next time. ♥︎

Sign up for my free monthly e-journal, The Millennial Maven Love Letters for exclusive content + millennial inspiration and lifestyle hacks. Plus get instant access to my library of on-the-go style downloads!

FTC- Not sponsored by any brands mentioned. I purchase all products myself. All opinions are my own. Some links may be affiliated.

«
»

Comments

  1. Kristen says

    October 6, 2018 at 3:21 am

    Hi,

    I work from home as a full time blogger. I really love the idea of setting up timer and work continuously and then take a small break.

    I never feel less motivated. I love working from different locations though.

    Thanks for the awesome tips.

    Reply
    • Kay says

      October 8, 2018 at 10:42 am

      Hi Kristen! I’m so glad you found this post useful. Thanks for reading, and happy blogging!

      Reply
  2. Clarabelle says

    March 12, 2017 at 1:19 pm

    Super great tips! I don’t work from home yet, but I’d love to transition in the future. It’s good to know all sides of the story before committing. Nobody really talks about these things, and I’m glad you did. Thanks again. xo Clarabelle

    Reply
    • Kay says

      March 13, 2017 at 3:54 pm

      Hi Clarabelle, I’m so glad you found this useful. I agree that nobody talks about this stuff, but it’s a very real part of working from home. Thanks so much for reading! 🙂 xo

      Reply
  3. Katie Murphy says

    March 12, 2017 at 1:59 am

    Great article. I am facing many of these issues as well..

    Reply
    • Kay says

      March 13, 2017 at 3:56 pm

      Glad I could be of service, Katie! Thanks for reading 🙂 xo

      Reply
  4. Talia says

    March 11, 2017 at 5:02 pm

    Cool idea here. I’m a total introvert so I don’t know if I’ll ever have a problem with loneliness. Procrastination, tho, I can’t seem to get away from that one!

    Reply
    • Kay says

      March 12, 2017 at 4:02 pm

      I’m an introvert too, and you’d be surprised about how alone you feel after a while. Not to say that’s always a bad thing, because I definitely do enjoy my peace and quiet. Just something to think about. Thanks for reading! 🙂 xo

      Reply
  5. Joleisa says

    February 27, 2017 at 9:29 am

    Theses are great ideas! I plan on working from home soon and people always talk about it with such passion and enthusiasm! But now I know I have to look on the other side too! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
    • Kay says

      February 27, 2017 at 12:56 pm

      Hi Joleisa! Don’t get me wrong, working from home is totally great, and I think you’ll really enjoy it once you get started! These are things that I didn’t expect, but that hit me like a ton of bricks, lol. I’m glad you find this useful. Thanks so much for reading! 🙂 xo

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Personal Style + Wellness Curator
|| minimal-lifestyle inspiration, quick guides, and practical advice ||

aspiring for the best. thriving with less.™
Shop menu
I'm Kay and I'm from the 90's.

I am fascinated with all things productivity: planning, organizing, motivation, and also living a more minimal lifestyle. But those can come at a price. Specifically, your beauty & wellness rituals.

Here you'll find my secrets & discoveries for living a full & meaningful life without sacrificing yourself to the Evil Sweatpants Monster.

Look good. Feel good. Be productive. Be your best you.

Just Updated!
  • The 3 Best Travel Day Outfits || Stylish + Comfortable Travel Outfits || The Millennial Maven #traveloutfit #travelgifts # #capsulewardrobe #travelclothes #womensstyle
    Read More
  • What’s New At The Drugstore || New Drugstore Makeup Fall 2019 || The Millennial Maven #drugstoremakeup #fallmakeup #easybeauty #simplemakeup #naturalbeauty
    Read More
  • 10 Wearable Fall Fashion Trends You Probably Already Own || Fall Fashion Trends 2019 || The Millennial Maven #fallfashion #falloutfits #falltrends #outfitideas #workoutfits #capsulewardrobe
    Read More
  • How To Get More Done Every Day || Increase Productivity || The Millennial Maven #productivity #beproductive #getmoredone #productivityhacks #domore
    Read More
  • How To Renew Your Positive Mindset || Bounce Back From A Negative Mindset || The Millennial Maven #productivity #positivemindset #mindfulness #intentionalliving #manifestation
    Read More
  • 10 Easy & Natural Stress Relief Tips to Increase Your Productivity || The Millennial Maven #stressrelief #selfcare #relievestress #meditation #essentialoils
    Read More

1476926337_33-pinterest 1476926383_80 1476926326_38-instagram 1476926312_03-twitter 1476926383_80

About ∙ Terms ∙ Privacy ∙ Contact
Copyright © 2019 The Millennial Maven, All Rights Reserved
close

Personal Style + Wellness Curator

The Millennial Maven

Love Letters

E-Letters filled with lifestyle advice, inspiration & updates.

How to live a productive life, looking & feeling like your best self.


Get access to my just-for-subscribers collection of beauty & style downloads.

x
close

Personal Style + Wellness Curator

The Millennial Maven

Love Letters

E-Letters filled with practical advice, inspiration & updates.

Sent with love on the last day of each month.

Get access to my just-for-subscribers collection of beauty & style downloads.

x