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“What do you mean you have to go to work? Don’t you work from home?”

By
Real Estate Agent with Aloha Coast Realty, LLC

 

“What do you mean you have to go to work? Don’t you work from home?”

 

 Do you have a home office? How many times have you heard those words?

Office

I love my home office, I mean REALLY love it! I recently went to 100% of my work time being in my home office and I appreciate the comfort, freedom and cost effectiveness of working from home… the challenge is getting friends, clients and family to realize that I am actually working! I love the invitations to go shopping, paddling, a long lunch with the girls, etc… but if I accepted each offer I would be broke in a week!

I am fortunate enough to have a separate room for my office, with a door I can close J but even with fairly set office hours the interruptions are constantly tempting me…  just one load of laundry, maybe I should water the plants, wow its gorgeous I should take advantage of the weather, picnic at the park? Love too! etc…  My husband totally understands as he shares office space with me and the children kinda “get it”, clients I just don’t let know, but friends and co-workers are always right there with a great opportunity to share a little time.  How do you let them down softly?

And productivity… being a “Self Starter” is one thing. Being able to “Stay on Task” is another! How do you convince yourself to finish the job in hand, go to the next item on the list, or start that big project?

I know it’s a work in progress and I am looking forward to solving these growing pains, because all things being said, “There is no place like home”!

Praful Thakkar
LAER Realty Partners - Burlington, MA
Metro Boston Homes For Sale

Trevella, this is the most challenging part of our business - and people who are disciplined should have the home office. I do have one but...it's work in progress even after almost a decade....lol.

Nov 27, 2012 01:21 PM
Trevella Williams
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC - Hilo, HI
Realtor, Salesperson, ABR SFR

So far so good, I just keep waiting for the other shoe to drop :)

Nov 27, 2012 01:40 PM
Fred Strickroot
Fred Strickroot - HomeNet - Tampa Bay Area - 727-478-8997 - Trinity, FL
Tampa Bay Area Homes For Sale

Travella, it must be especially hard to focus in a beautiful place such as Hawaii!

Nov 27, 2012 09:22 PM
Lori Williams
Lake Wylie, Charlotte, Gastonia Homes for Sale ABR, CDPE, SFR, ASP, Lori@LoriWilliamsRealty.com - Gastonia, NC
Lake Wylie, Gastonia, SW Charlotte, Homes for Sale
I love love love my home office. My problem is remembering to stop working. Shut the door and walk away! That's my husband talking ;-)
Nov 27, 2012 11:35 PM
Ray Garrett, Jr.
Realogy Holdings Co - Richmond, VA
Director of Productivity and Innovation

I can totally relate.  i think the key to having a functioning home office, for me, is having set hours.  I'm in there from 7:30 am until 6:00pm.  After that, I shut the door, and do not walk back in barring some sort of emergency.

I also think it's important to have an isolated room if possible. even if my girls have to share a bedroom, they understand that daddy's office is a necessity.  One day I will be able to build a home with plenty of space for everyone, if my home office stays in tact today.

Nov 28, 2012 02:19 AM
Trevella Williams
Aloha Coast Realty, LLC - Hilo, HI
Realtor, Salesperson, ABR SFR

Yes Fred, that does complicate things :)

 

@Lori... but when you are on a roll you dont want to stop!

 

Its harder when the kids are little Ray, mine are adults with jobs so they do understand some what... except when they come into the office at 9:00 PM and I am still working... like Lori :))

Nov 29, 2012 09:10 AM
Neil Pluister
RE/MAX Property Pros Minocqua Neil Pluister (715) 367-7270 - Minocqua, WI
Realtor Up North

Trevella,

 

Yes a home office is great to be able to do! It feels like it gives you more freedom and the comfort of home can not be found in any office setting!

 

Neil

Dec 08, 2012 08:36 PM