Working from home is the dream for many people, and it’s easy to see why. No commute, more time with your children, your pet sleeping at your feet. Many of our travel agents love our home-based program for these reasons among many others. However, there are challenges that come along with working from home, such as keeping your personal and business life separate. How can a home-based travel agent maintain healthy work/life boundaries and a successful career? Follow these tips:
Get dressed
The temptation to roll out of bed and begin work in your pajamas is real. However, it actually can severely hinder your productivity on top of blurring the boundaries between work and personal life. You don’t have to but on formal business attire, just put on clothes you would normally wear to head out of the house. This will help your mind click on work mode instead of sleep mode. Also, it means you’ll be dressed and ready for any surprise meetings that may come up.
Have conversations
One of the most difficult parts of working from home for some is the lack of in-person communication with coworkers or clients. Having professional conversations throughout your day can help you focus. If you have the option of emailing a client or calling them, opt to give them a call. If you’ve been chatting back and forth with a fellow travel agent through text or email, ask them if they want to have a video call where you two can swap ideas and tips.
Set a schedule
Set a daily, weekly and monthly schedule for yourself. What are the key tasks that need to be done each day? Give each task a place on your daily schedule and stick to it. This schedule isn’t just to keep you focused, either. Share it with your spouse or roommates so they know not to disturb you at certain times.
Designate a workspace
You may be working from home, but that doesn’t mean your entire home should be your workspace. Instead of setting up shop in your living room or kitchen, find a closed off spot away from the busiest areas in your home. Make sure there isn’t a television near your workspace that could distract you. Keeping your workspace separate from the rest of your home also makes it easier to feel like you’ve left work at the end of the day.
Take a lunch break
Working from home doesn’t mean you don’t get to take any breaks. In fact, logging off for an hour in the afternoon to get lunch with a friend or take a long walk can improve your productivity the rest of the day. Studies have shown that taking a full lunch break actually increases creativity and focus.
