Working from home

Workingfromhomeisasmartsolutionformanyfamilyproblems,butbalancingitisatask.Hereareafewtipsonhowtodoso.Willyoubeabletoworkfromhome?Readonforgreattips.InthisarticleNascentstageNeverregretyourdecisionJudgeyourselfInvestintherightdirectionNeverfeelapologeticFlexihoursareadvantageousbut…BelieveinyourselfThearrivalofanewbabychangesthecomplexionofawomanslife.Itbecomesincreasinglydifficultforher,moresoifsheisworking,togetbacktoheroriginalschedule.Shetriesdesperatelytosnatchtimeforherselfamidstnightfeedsandnappychanges.Insuchtryingtimes,manywomenzeroinonworkingfromhome.However,thisalternativeneedsacertainmentalgroomingandpreparation.IndiaParentingprovidessevenpointerstohelpanewmotherviewandweighheroptionsintherightspiritandperspective.Nascentstage:IfyoubelongtoadevelopingnationlikeIndia,youwillhavetoacceptmanyinherenthindrancesinyourchoiceofworkingfromhome.Theconcepthasnotbeencompletelyaccepted,unlikecountriesinthewesternworldwheremanywomenoperatefromhome.Therefore,donotexpectinstantappreciationofyouroption.Neverregretyourdecision:Beinga`homemakeristhelastthingtofeelunhappyabout.Therefore,ifyoufaceanyobstructions,itisjustashort-termphasewithlong-termgains.Judgeyourself:Approachtheoptionsystematicallyanddispassionately.Scrutiniseyourselffromanemployerspointofview.Findoutifyoucancopewiththepressuresphysicallyandpsychologically.Somewomencanworkfromhomeandsomecannot.Whichcategorydoyoubelongto?Investintherightdirection:Beforestartingonanyventure,regulariseapatternforyourself,yourchild,husbandandfamily.Ifyouareagraphicdesigner,awriter,oraprogrammer,investinacomputer.Hirehelp,forprofessionalandpersonalwork.Youmighthavetosub-letsomeworkinitially.Ifpossible,youmighthavetoredesignyourhouseandallotsomeofficespacetoyourself.Neverfeelapologetic:Aworkingmotherisbetterthananunhappymother.Youhavearightoversomeportionofyourtime.Flexihoursareadvantageousbut…:Youcanfashionyourhousework,fieldvisits,TVtime(ifany),readingandtimewiththebaby,inwhicheverwaysuitsyou.Buttheflexibilityandfreedommightbeimpingeduponbywell-meaningrelativesandfriends.Youwillhavetoslowlysmoothenthescheduletoyouradvantage.Believeinyourself:Workingfromhomedemandsadefiniteregimen.Itmeanssayingnoafternoonnapsandfrequenteveningoutings.Italsomeanstimelysupervisioninthekitchen.Tellyourselfyoucandoit,andprepareyourselfbeforetakingtheplunge.

Working from home is a smart solution for many family problems, but balancing it is a task. Here are a few tips on how to do so.

Will you be able to work from home? Read on for great tips.

The arrival of a new baby changes the complexion of a woman's life. It

becomes increasingly difficult for her, more so if she is working, to get back to her original schedule. She tries desperately to snatch time for herself amidst night feeds and nappy changes. In such trying times, many women zero in on working from home. However, this alternative needs a certain mental grooming and preparation. IndiaParenting provides seven pointers to help a new mother view and weigh her options in the right spirit and perspective.

1. Nascent stage:

   If you belong to a developing nation like India, you will have to accept many inherent hindrances in your choice of working from home. The concept has not been completely accepted, unlike countries in the western world where many women operate from home. Therefore, do not expect instant appreciation of your option.

2. Never regret your decision:

   Being a `homemaker' is the last thing to feel unhappy about. Therefore, if you face any obstructions, it is just a short-term phase with long-term gains.

3. Judge yourself:

   Approach the option systematically and dispassionately. Scrutinise yourself from an employer's point of view. Find out if you can cope with the pressures physically and psychologically. Some women can work from home and some cannot. Which category do you belong to?

4. Invest in the right direction:

   Before starting on any venture, regularise a pattern for yourself, your child, husband and family. If you are a graphic designer, a writer, or a programmer, invest in a computer. Hire help, for professional and personal work. You might have to sub-let some work initially. If possible, you might have to redesign your house and allot some office space to yourself.

5. Never feel apologetic:

   A working mother is better than an unhappy mother. You have a right over some portion of your time.

6. Flexi hours are advantageous but…:

   You can fashion your housework, field visits, TV time (if any), reading and time with the baby, in whichever way suits you. But the flexibility and freedom might be impinged upon by well-meaning relatives and friends. You will have to slowly smoothen the schedule to your advantage.

7. Believe in yourself:

   Working from home demands a definite regimen. It means saying no afternoon naps and frequent evening outings. It also means timely supervision in the kitchen. Tell yourself you can do it, and prepare yourself before taking the plunge.