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Make Working at Home Work Well

Written by: Anna Banks

Article Overview: Most retired baby boomers have tried their hands at a variety of home-based careers and businesses, from writing to consulting to even crafting, either full time or part time. Yes, more and more baby boomers are now choosing to work from home, either starting their own businesses or blending their post-retirement leisure time with their already established careers. This can be a daunting aspect that requires loads of direction, motivation and of course tweaking! So, if you’re contemplating jumping off the corporate ladder to start your own business, or if you have just retired and need that extra income, then here are a few tips to help make you work better from home:

Make Working at Home Work Well

Make Working at Home Work Well - Using Your Home Office for a Post-Retirement Second Career

Most retired baby boomers have tried their hands at a variety of home-based careers and businesses, from writing to consulting to even crafting, either full time or part time. Yes, more and more baby boomers are now choosing to work from home, either starting their own businesses or blending their post-retirement leisure time with their already established careers. This can be a daunting aspect that requires loads of direction, motivation and of course tweaking!

So, if you’re contemplating jumping off the corporate ladder to start your own business, or if you have just retired and need that extra income, then here are a few tips to help make you work better from home:

• List the necessities – Even if you are only working part time, you must make sure that you have everything that you need at hand. Nothing is more irritating that spending hours looking for a paper clip or a postage stamp or the stapler. Make a list of all the essential items that you require and take a trip down to your local office supply store just to stock up.
• Get Professional – When working from home, get a separate business phone number. Or, you could use your cell phone especially for business calls. A FAX line is another useful option.
• Get Computer Savvy – Now that you are working from home, its time to replace that old virus infested desktop computer with a trendier, faster laptop to save space. Check out the latest copier machines and all-in-one inkjet printers. It is unbelievable how an all-in-one would fit comfortable on your work desk and still not take up too much space.
• Get good quality chairs – If your work involves a lot of sitting, then getting comfortable furniture is very important. Good quality chairs will allow you to sit for hours on end at your desk without really straining your neck and back. This could be the best investment you might make, so don’t scrounge.
• Make your workplace pleasant – Make your workplace look appealing. Fill it with things that relax, uplift and inspire you. Choose colors that appeal to you and fill the room with soft lights. Yes, effective lighting makes a difference to breezing through your daily work and meeting deadline, and straining yourself out and getting worked up long before your deadline. Lamplights and soft lights that don’t cast shadows or glare are the best options.
• Keep time aside for Personal calls – All the time you spend working at the desk should be taken seriously. So, never take personal calls while working. Don’t encourage guests and visitors to drop in during working hours and stick to your regular schedule.
• Make a time table for yourself – Make sure that you are isolated from all distractions while working. Don’t take unnecessary breaks and avoid chatting online, or even doing the housework. These distractions could get in the way of your work and render you less productive.

It takes a unique work style and personality to actually carry off the whole ‘working-at-home’ effort.


ANNA D. BANKS, GCDF is an adjunct professor at Essex County College, career development and marketing coach, speaker, and author. Anna helps individuals design a game plan for an extraordinary career or business. Since 1996, Anna has helped hundreds of job-seekers, managers, business owners, and sales professionals achieve career success. For more information send an email to Anna@AnnaBanks.com.

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Article Tags: baby boomers, business phone number



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