If you work from home or considering working from home, it’s very important that you give some thought as to where in your house or apartment you’ll be working. I cannot stress enough how important it is to have a defined work space. A space you can call your office, where there are no distractions and somewhere where everyone in your family can identify as your home office. I’ve been working from home for over 15 yrs now and I’ve learned the hard way how important it was for me to define my work space.. especially when it comes to my family life.

My wife did the 9-5 (7-7) thing, so it meant that I was the one home with our daughters. Which was excellent as we’ve never spent a dime on day care, but it was very clear that I had to make them understand that I was ‘working’ and not just playing around on the computer. I started off with a desk in our daughter’s room, which didn’t work out ..especially during nap time and when I had to be on the phone. Then it was the closet (like a mud room) which I converted into a VERY small office, but that too was not suitable. One summer I decided to make a make-shift office in our unfinished basement. But those winter’s were very cold as it wasn’t heated. Next up, was back into our living room, where my desk fought for prime real estate with the couch, tv and kids toys!

When we were finally able to afford a house, the first thing on my wish list (probably the only thing), was a room that I could call an office. Not only did it have a wonderful view of our garden, there was an actual door which I could use to shut out the outside world. That door soon became a sign for our daughters. Whenever they see it closed they know that I’m either very busy and don’t want to be disturbed, or I’m about to go on the phone.. be quiet!

Without a dedicated work from home office, you’ll find it very difficult to be productive and there will be a ton of distractions. Set it up as you would any office you may have at a previous 9-5 job, so you create the professional vibe to be productive. Treat your work environment with some professionalism and do make sure it’s well defined to your family.

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