05 Jul How I Work from Home

Hi Friends!

I hope you all had a great 4th of July celebration! We celebrated a bit in Asheville and remained Truffy’s comfort on the actual 4th of July.

Well, the weekend is nearly upon us, but I do often think about how to work from home and make the most of it.

Before I talk about today’s topic, I wanted to make sure I had today’s post, as next Friday I will be on vacation. Beach time here I come!

I do want to mention that we went to Asheville this past Tuesday and Wednesday, I got to meet up with Jennie and Shelbee and we had the best time! I will share my blogger meet up with you Monday and some pictures from Asheville we took. It really was fun to meet each other in person, it felt like we had known each other personally for years!

How I work from home

I realize this is not a traditional “job” and I wouldn’t say it is a career of mine, but rather more of a busy hobby with perks!  I would like to make more affiliate income, but I think it may be even more hours spent on the computer! Not everyone may realize, but blogging can and does for me take as much time as a full time 40-hour week job, with photo shoots, writing, editing, promoting through social media etc) but I enjoy it, or I wouldn’t keep doing it!

I have been one to work at home though, for a year, as when I was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos in 2008, I had to quit a teaching job as I could no longer do what was required of me.

Along those lines, I did privately teach guitar lessons from home and transitioned to this area well. I missed the kids I taught but knew physically I could not stand and teach and have the necessary energy teaching full time required.

Teaching guitar satisfied my teaching desire, and I worked with adults and kids of varying ages, not to mention I was able to create a schedule I could work.

After becoming more ill with Ehlers-Danlos, and my pain levels not controlled, I had to take time off from this as well. It was all about me being able to function and trying to stabilize myself and reduce the pain. After some time, I was able to do that, and function more than I didn’t the beginning.

Blogging from Home

Later, then in 2014, I decided I needed something to keep my mind off the pain and onto something else. This is where I discovered my interest in blogging. I would look up and research Over 40 bloggers and came to know some of the ladies I still know today. I have always loved fashion, so I thought it would be something I would enjoy, ( as I love writing as well) and it would keep my mind occupied.

Now, 5 years later, I am still writing and styling clothes, reaching into other midlife topics of discussion and working from home.

My hubby works at home mainly, as an IT consultant.

How do I work from home and get things accomplished? 

I suppose some people need discipline and have to be at a “workplace”.

I find that I am disciplined enough and treat each week day as a work day. In the Spring and Summer, it does mean sitting on the deck with my computer working on the blog and social media from 9-1. Here I am writing posts, working on photographs in Lightroom, responding to comments, and promoting on social media. My boy pup, Gibson has me well trained, and almost each day he sits on my lap as I am writing for Elegantly Dressed and Stylish.

After 1 o’clock. – I take a break.

My muscles can easily get overworked and develop trigger points or knots because of my disease, so it is imperative that I take a break at this time. I typically will go take an Epsom Salt bath and read, or just enjoy sitting in the tub. My “shadow” Gibby and I have a game we play where I keep a carrot in my robe pocket, and he has to “find” it. He will keep me company during my bath time.

Other great things to do for an hour break is – read that summer book you’ve wanted. Go to the pool in your HOA.

Taking a break gives your mind a break as well as your shoulders/arms from typing and is necessary for just a “mental time-out”.

Back to work- having a relaxing or calming workplace also makes for a more enjoyable means of working from home. 

I make sure I set myself up somewhere that I won’t be disturbed. We do often work outside on the deck, as it is peaceful. I am more of a quiet morning person though and love to just hear the birds chirp, or see the squirrels after pouring that cup of joe. My husband is different where he likes to hear podcasts early in the morning or listen to TV.  It is best that we have separate workspaces.

Another Break option- 

taking a walk. It is good to get out of your home space from time to time and just clear your head or make a mental note of the day by taking a walk. With the nature trail behind our house, its easy to do so! Just getting out can help with productivity as well.

Get outside of the house – 

Even though I “work from home” I like the flexibility and ability to visit a coffee shop a few times a week. This changes up the atmosphere and gives me a new place without distractions. Not to mention, there are some great coffee roasters around here!

Get Dressed

I’ll be honest with you, ( don’t you love that precursor?) I don’t always do this. There are times when our neighbors don’t venture outside, and I may be typing in my cozy, fuzzy robe, It really depends on my mood for the day. However, I have read, that people will often treat their job more seriously, working from home, if they get dressed and seem as if they are getting ready for the day.

Avoid Distractions

I know it can be easy, at first if you are working from home, to turn on the tv, or watch the news while you are typing away at the blog. Try to avoid that. Distractions are just that. And if you are like me and my mom, we have a tendency to talk ( or yell) at the tv during the news or morning politics, so just go the route of not turning it on! 🙂

I hope you enjoyed reading how I work from home during the week. This also includes the time necessary we need to travel to our location for photo shoots. Part of the fun is enjoying a lunch away from home and coming back to write. Not bad ?:-)

I would love to hear from those of you that work from home. How do you make it work? What’s your day like?

You can respond in the comments section and I will get back to you.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Jess xx