by William Whorton

Created on: September 16, 2010

Are you self-employed, freelancing, or a telecommuter? Congratulations! You've said good-bye to the daily commute, a cubicle, and a supervisor peering over your shoulder. Now you have to manage the responsibility that comes with your new-found freedom. Here are some ways you can enjoy the benefits of leaving the office behind and still remain productive.

1. Make a regular schedule and stick to it, even if you aren’t required to do so.

This might seem counter-intuitive. After all, didn't you just leave a 9-to-5 schedule behind for a reason? By keeping a regular work schedule you force yourself to focus on the task at hand and get work done. Being out of the office and off of a schedule encourages procrastination, and is a great way to lose your job. Stick to a regular schedule and you won't fall behind.

2. Set up a workspace.

Pick a space in your home where the only activity you do is work. Ideally this is a separate room that can be used as an office. If space is an issue, at least clear off a kitchen table. You can even create a metaphorical workspace by purchasing a separate laptop or computer for work, or using a different log in. You've separated the time you use for work, now the key is to separate the space you use for work. By creating a separate space for work, you minimize distractions, and you put yourself in the right frame of mind to be productive and focused.

3. Be your own supervisor.

Whether you're entirely self-employed or you answer to a contact or supervisor on a regular basis, there is no longer someone whose main responsibility is to keep you on task. At home, it's easy to be sidetracked by all the distractions you were isolated from at the office: chores, children, pets, even a pretty day. Keep a close record of the time you spend working. Five minutes spent here and there off-task adds up quickly! Avoid wasting time by strictly limiting the amount of time you spend for breaks. Again, the key here is to remind yourself that, even at home, you're at work.

4. Dress the part.

Uniforms are psychologically powerful, and there are very few jobs which do not require special dress—even if that happens to be slacks and a polo shirt. You can certainly get your job done if you roll out of bed in a pair of boxers, but putting on the clothes you would wear to the office further reinforces the separation between idle time and work time. It may seem strange to put on a tie to work in your living room, but it is a constant reminder that you're “on the clock.”

You've achieved a level of freedom and self-determination in your career that many people only dream of, but you've also assumed a new level of responsibility. Use these four tips to keep your new freedom, make the most of your time, and stay gainfully employed. 

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