Be it blogging, writing a best seller, or being a remote service rep, working at home requires unique skillsets.

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I began working at home due to necessity.  As a single mom of three, having lost their father when my youngest was not even 4 years old yet, I struggled something fierce.  There really are not a lot of resources for single mothers besides child support, and when you cannot get that you are pretty much on your own.  

Sure, there are a number of ads you can click on the internet promising help for moms in my situation, but the harsh reality is there are no more funds in the programs, if there was much to begin with.

One morning I awoke at 4 am, took a quick shower by candlelight because I was out of lightbulbs and payday wasn't for 3 days, hopped a bus across downtown Seattle to open an internet cafe at 5:30, assisted customers and brought caffiene concoctions until 11:30am.  Then hopped on another bus across the lake to work in a retail tattoo shop until 8pm, where I would take two busses home to arrive by 9:30pm.  I would do laundry, tuck in sleepy little ones, make some food for myself and lunches for the kids tomorrow as my Manny was worthless but all I could afford.  Then I would crawl into bed, open my laptop, and write.  I would wake up in the same position having fallen asleep with my computer on my lap and papers of research and notes strewn across the bed.  I would get up and start all over again.  

I realized at this point that this was no way to live.

I worked 6 days a week at both jobs, with Monday being the only day I had off- from both thankfully.  But Monday was definitely not a day of rest.  No, I had school appointments, doctor and dentist appointments for the boys, grocery shopping...  I had to juggle which bills to pay every month- something the show Roseanne helped with ;)  *Would we rather go without lights or water this week?*

It was a shitty life.  And God forbid an unexpected *something* came up.  

I had been told I was a talented writer by my High School instructors, but never persued it as an actual *job* as it felt like only a very few people "made it" and were paid a living wage.  But during this period of high stress in my life I began writing again, if only for myself.  As an escape if you will.

I was sick from lack of sleep all the time, and wandering in a hazy daze.  Sure, I fell out on the bus rides, but sleeping in public is not really sleep- it's sortof a one-eye-open catnap.

Well things happened and I said the right things at the right times online, and I started making my way into the world of freelance writing.  Getting paid very little mind you, but it was something.  And it was something that I could actually do from home.

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I hated leaving my children with an uncaring Manny, and hated leaving them at faceless day care centers even more.  At least the Manny would be home when they got off school.  Plus no day care centers are open until 10 at night.  Not in my part of the world, anyway.

After a while I could quit one of my jobs.  That was a good day.  I would actually get some sleep.  I did start going to my job an hour early each day, but still, quitting one job was healthy for both my psyche and physical health.

Plus, my youngest son had been begging me to be home more a lot.  And it was breaking my heart.

A couple years after that I could actually start working at home full time.  The relief this brought was immeasurable.  I saved money and time on long commutes.  Saved money on specialized career clothing.  And even saved money by getting tax breaks for being a 1099 self employed sub-contractor.

Yes, I missed my work mates, and the comaraderie there.  But the benefits far outweighed the cons.  

I suppose mine is not a typical case study, but it's important nonetheless.  I learned many things from my journey, which I will share with anyone looking to be a remote worker.

* Do not attempt if you are not a self starter.  It is very easy to not work when you work from home.  You *have* to be able to self motivate.  Set actual work times each day.  These times will only be used for **work**.  Make a sign for your door that you work from home and cannot be disturbed during these hours.  And make sure you stick with it- don't allow television or facebook or anything to distract you.

* Work Space.  A place to work is important when you work from home.  It should have everything you need for your job, and it should be set apart from your living quarters.  You may picture working from your bed or your couch, but in all reality it usually just doesn't work.  By setting aside a workspace just for work, you train your brain that this is only for work, and your focus shifts when you sit down to begin your day.

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* Exercise.  You'll be amazed how much more moving you do when you work outside the home.  Walk to your car, park then walk to the office, walk about the office as you go about your workday, walk to lunch, walk back to your car after work...  You lose all that when transitioning to working at home as your "commute" is only a few feet away.  Schedule mini breaks throughout your day to stretch and move about, and commit to an hour of real exercise a day.  Trust me, it helps.  Plus it'll keep your mind focused.

* Prepare each morning like you're going to work.  Get everything ready- water, lunch, items needed for your day, so you can just "go to work".  You will save valuable time and be much mnore productive.

* Remember that there is a button on your computer where you can turn off distractions such as Facebook for however many hours.

* Socialize.  We are humans.  We still need contact.  Socialize with your friends on your days off, and facetime after work.

* Routines are important.  Settle into your daily routine while paying close attention that you do not create bad habits.

* Lighting.  Good lighting is important.  The wrong lights can wear you out and cause eye fatigue and headaches.  A full spectrum natural desk lightbulb is necessary if your desk is not by a window, or if you live in the Pacific Northwest where it rains a lot.

* Sick Days.  If you need a sick day, take a sick day.  I'm stubborn, and will work through a 103 degree fever as I nod off on my computer.  It's not worth it.  If you need it, take it.  But make sure you  rest.

* It can be tempting to take care of household chores throughout your workday.  Don't do it!  The laundry can wait for after work!

Working at home is absolutely worth it on many levels if you can self motivate.  I am happy I transitioned and would never go back.

What's your work at home story?

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Images Pixabay

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