JS Tip 576: Working from Home
Two weeks ago, we asked for topics. You gave us topics. The next few weeks will address your suggested topics.
Our friend Bill Baker asked about best practices for “teleworking, working from home, or whatever you'd like to call it. That seems to be a timely topic for this surreal situation we find ourselves in at the moment.”
“Surreal” is an excellent description. It strains thought to believe the only comparable times are 1918 and 1347. But this is real, and we must adapt to it.
Some suggestions:
Identify what you want to do. Each morning (or each evening), write down what you’d like to accomplish that day (or the next day). Writing it down is critical. The Pharaoh Ramses said “So let it be written, so let it be done” (at least according to Cecil B. DeMille).
Set a schedule for what you want to do. Start times. Stop times. Balance the list and include family time. Be specific. Instead of writing “Have some family time,” write “6:30-7:30: Play ‘Chutes and Ladders’ with the twins.”
Don’t try to do too much. A list of five items is good. Everything after that is gravy. At the end of the day, you say to yourself, “This feels good. I accomplished something!”
Dress for the day. Dress influences attitude. (Pajamas influence you to go back to bed.)
Talk to others. Phone folks (or phone pholks or fone folks). Renew acquaintances. Think of the people who’ve influenced your life. Use the internet to find them. Call them and say “Thank you. You made a difference.” Contact with others is critical.
What do you think? What are your suggestions for teleworking or working from home?
We love this stuff.