18 Things You Didn’t Know About Working From Home

So, you’ve decided to join the work-from-home crowd, swapping your daily commute and office cubicle for a cozy home setup and comfy clothes. Congrats! Working from home can be fantastic – no more rush hour traffic, no more awkward small talk by the water cooler, and the freedom to make your own schedule. Sounds perfect, right?

But before you get too comfy in your fuzzy slippers, there are a few things about working from home that people don’t usually mention. Sure, the flexibility and independence are great, but it’s not all about lounging in pajamas and taking midday naps. Let’s get real and learn 18 truths about working from home that might just surprise you.

The Boundary Between Work and Home Life Blurs

When your home is also your office, it can be tough to separate your work life from your personal life. You might find yourself answering emails at all hours, taking calls during dinner, or working late into the night because there’s no physical boundary between your workspace and your living space. It’s important to set clear boundaries and create a dedicated work area that you can “leave” at the end of the day, even if it’s just a corner of your bedroom or a spot at the kitchen table.

Distractions Are Everywhere

At home, there’s no shortage of distractions – from the lure of Netflix to the pile of dirty laundry waiting to be washed. It can be tough to stay focused and productive when there are so many shiny objects vying for your attention. To combat this, try creating a daily schedule and sticking to it as much as possible. Use time-blocking techniques to stay on track, and don’t be afraid to take breaks when you need them – just make sure they don’t turn into hours-long procrastination sessions.

You Might Miss Human Interaction

Working from home can be isolating, especially if you’re used to the social atmosphere of an office. You might find yourself craving human interaction and missing the casual conversations and collaborations that happen naturally in a shared workspace. To combat loneliness, make an effort to connect with colleagues and friends regularly, even if it’s just via video chat or phone call. Join online communities or attend virtual networking events to meet new people and stay connected to your industry.

Your Fridge Becomes Your Worst Enemy

When you work from home, your kitchen is always just a few steps away – and that can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s easy to fall into the trap of constant snacking or grazing, especially when you’re bored or procrastinating. To avoid packing on the “quarantine 15,” try meal prepping healthy snacks and lunches ahead of time, and make a rule not to eat at your desk. Take breaks to stretch and move your body, and don’t forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day.

Zoom Fatigue Is Real

If you’re working from home, chances are you’re spending a lot of time on video calls and virtual meetings. While these tools are great for staying connected, they can also be exhausting – both mentally and physically. Staring at your own face on a screen for hours on end can be draining, and the pressure to always be “on” can lead to burnout. To combat Zoom fatigue, try to limit the number of video calls you take each day, and make sure to take breaks in between to rest your eyes and recharge your batteries.

You Might Struggle with Self-Motivation

When you’re working from home, there’s no boss looking over your shoulder or colleagues to keep you accountable. It can be tough to stay motivated and productive when you’re entirely responsible for your own work schedule and output. To combat this, try setting clear goals and deadlines for yourself, and break big projects down into smaller, manageable tasks. Use productivity tools like timers and to-do lists to stay on track, and reward yourself for a job well done – whether it’s with a favorite snack or a well-deserved break.

Your “Office” Might Be Wherever You Can Find Space

Not everyone has the luxury of a dedicated home office with a door that closes. If you’re working from home in a small apartment or shared living space, you might find yourself setting up shop wherever you can find a flat surface – whether it’s the kitchen table, the couch, or even your bed. While it’s important to have a comfortable and functional workspace, don’t get too hung up on creating the perfect setup. Focus on finding a spot that works for you, and don’t be afraid to switch things up if you start to feel stagnant or unproductive.

Work Attire Becomes Optional

One of the perks of working from home is that you don’t have to worry about dressing up for the office every day. But beware – it can be all too easy to fall into the trap of wearing your pajamas or sweatpants all day, every day. While there’s nothing wrong with being comfortable, make sure you’re still getting dressed and ready for the day, even if it’s just in a casual outfit. It can help you feel more motivated and productive, and it’s always a good idea to be prepared for unexpected video calls or meetings.

You Might Overwork Yourself

When you’re working from home, it can be easy to fall into the trap of working longer hours than you would in an office setting. Without the natural breaks and boundaries that come with a traditional workday, you might find yourself working late into the night or on weekends, just because you can. To avoid burnout and maintain a healthy work-life balance, set clear boundaries around your work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Make sure to take regular breaks throughout the day, and don’t be afraid to sign off and unplug when the workday is done.

Your Pets Become Your Coworkers

If you have pets at home, they might become your new favorite coworkers – or your biggest distractions. While it can be nice to have a furry friend to keep you company during the workday, it can also be tough to stay focused when your cat is walking across your keyboard or your dog is begging for attention. To keep your pets from derailing your productivity, make sure they have plenty of toys and activities to keep them occupied, and consider setting up a separate workspace where they can’t distract you.

Your Internet Connection Becomes Your Lifeline

When you’re working from home, your internet connection is your lifeline to the outside world. But if you live in an area with spotty service or share your connection with others in your household, you might find yourself dealing with slow speeds, dropped calls, or other technical difficulties. To avoid these issues, make sure you have a reliable internet service provider and a backup plan in case of outages. Consider investing in a signal booster or a mobile hotspot to ensure you always have a connection when you need it.

You Might Struggle with Work-Life Balance

When your home is also your office, it can be tough to maintain a healthy work-life balance. You might find yourself working longer hours than you would in a traditional office setting, or struggling to “turn off” at the end of the day. To combat this, make sure to set clear boundaries around your work hours and stick to them as much as possible. Use time-blocking techniques to schedule in breaks and personal time, and don’t be afraid to say no to work requests that come in outside of your designated hours.

Your Home Office Setup Matters More Than You Think

If you’re going to be working from home for the long haul, investing in a comfortable and functional home office setup is key. A good chair, a desk at the right height, and proper lighting can make a big difference in your productivity and comfort level. Don’t be afraid to splurge a little on ergonomic equipment or decor that makes you feel good – after all, you’ll be spending a lot of time in this space.

You Might Feel Pressure to Be “Always On”

When you’re working from home, it can be tough to disconnect from work mode and truly relax. You might feel pressure to be available and responsive at all times, even outside of your designated work hours. To combat this, make sure to set clear boundaries with your colleagues and clients about your availability, and don’t be afraid to unplug and take time for yourself when you need it.

Your Daily Routine Becomes More Important Than Ever

When you’re working from home, it can be easy to fall into a rut or lose track of time. That’s why having a daily routine is so important. Whether it’s starting your day with a workout, taking regular breaks to stretch and move your body, or setting aside time for a hobby or creative pursuit, having a structure to your day can help you stay focused and motivated.

You Might Miss the Perks of Office Life

While working from home has its perks, there are also some things you might miss about office life – like free snacks, social events, or the chance to bounce ideas off colleagues in person. To combat this, try to find ways to recreate some of these perks at home. Stock your kitchen with healthy snacks, join virtual social events or networking groups, and make an effort to connect with colleagues regularly, even if it’s just via chat or email.

Your home environment affects your work

When you’re working from home, your physical environment can have a big impact on your productivity and well-being. If your home is cluttered, noisy, or uncomfortable, it can be tough to focus and get work done. On the other hand, if your home is peaceful, organized, and conducive to work, it can help you feel more motivated and productive. Take some time to create a workspace that feels good to you, whether it’s by decluttering, adding some plants or artwork, or investing in some cozy blankets or pillows.

You Might Discover New Things About Yourself

Working from home can be a great opportunity for self-discovery and personal growth. Without the distractions and pressures of office life, you might find that you have more time and space to focus on your own goals and passions. You might discover new hobbies or interests, or develop new skills that you never had time for before. Embrace this opportunity to learn more about yourself and what makes you happy – you might be surprised at what you discover.

13 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance

13 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Work-Life Balance