Do you work from home? If so, you are no stranger to the challenges that come with the territory.
If you’ve never been a remote worker before, you’ll find it can take some time to adjust. Working from home can be difficult and isolating — but it doesn’t have to be!
It’s important to note that everyone will have a different work-from-home experience. Homelife varies drastically from person to person — kids, pets, roommates, plants … everyone’s reality is different.
While there isn’t a one size fits all solution, following these simple tips can help you get on the right track and back to feeling productive in no time.
What’s in this article?
You’ll Face Challenges — Don’t Be Discouraged
From package deliveries to a cat sitting on your laptop, remote work is filled with distractions. It’s easy to give in without co-workers around to hold you accountable. However, small distractions can work to your advantage. Take a break every few hours to check the mail or give your cat some cuddles. It’ll help you avoid burnout, and sometimes stepping away for a few minutes can spark a new design idea.
Communicate
Communication is key to working from home. Make sure that you have a good strategy in place for speaking with your clients or coworkers. Figure out what works best for everyone — some prefer phone calls and video chats over emails and messaging.
This strategy should be extended to anyone who lives in your household. Set boundaries with the ones who live under your roof to minimize distractions.
Collaborate Online
Design is all about collaboration. When you’re at home alone, you’ll find less opportunity to bump into someone in the breakroom for a quick chat. Find ways to collaborate without being in person using tools like Google Meet, Slack, Notion, Skype for Business, or Zoom.
These platforms allow you to share your screen and collaborate in real-time. They make it easy to present what you’ve been working on to your team or share how a project is progressing with a client. This is your moment to receive feedback instantly, voice concerns, and present ideas for the next phase.
Host A Meeting
Meetings are a great way to make sure everyone is on the same page throughout the entirety of the project. It’s a simple way to get together with fellow designers, co-workers, or clients to brainstorm new ideas.
If you are the one hosting the meeting, prepare an outline for your attendees so that they know what to expect. It will help keep everyone on track and set expectations for the desired outcome.
If you’re the one attending, prepare as best you can. Jot notes down to gather your thoughts and come prepared with questions (or answers!).
Staying Motivated
Be honest with yourself. If you are feeling isolated, take a break and get out of the house for a bit. It doesn’t have to be anything elaborate or involved, and it’ll be good for your mental health. Sometimes all you need is five minutes of sunshine.
Don’t be afraid to scroll through some of your favorite websites or apps. Carve out some time for pencil exercises. It’s hard to find inspiration when you find yourself plopped in front of the same bedroom wall every day.
Additionally, you’re more likely to stay on track if you make a daily to-do list. A to-do list will help keep you organized and focused on your goal.
On A Positive Note
Your creativity isn’t confined to a schedule. If you work the best in the morning, wake up early and get started. Prefer to grind at night? Sleep in and get started later. The choice is yours.
Plus, working remotely is extremely cost-effective. You’ll be able to build a nice cushion when you no longer have to pay as much for gas or transportation costs, eating out, or a professional wardrobe.
Gone are the days of spending hours on commute. Without it, you’ll likely find yourself with more time on your hands. This great opportunity to pursue side projects. You’ll find it easier to find time to learn about a new topic or try something different. Need some advice on how to get started? Check out this article for a few tips and tricks.
