Jobs where you work alone: how to maintain discipline

At present, remote work has been become one of the preferred forms of employment. Therefore, many java programmers, software engineers and front end developers work in their homes.

Working at home has great advantages, but at the same time it forces us to be disciplined and not to get carried away by laziness or household obligations. In an office, our bosses check us and our colleagues push us to work, but at home we have to become our own supervisors.

How to keep discipline working from home?

Get organized

Maintaining the balance between work and home is not easy. But if you create schedules and to-do lists, you can guarantee that you are not working too little or too much.

Create your workspace

At home you must set up your own office, with everything you need to work. This space should not be near the bed or TV, and should look like a true work environment.

Don’t skimp on equipment

Make sure you have the best conditions to work at home. Your computer must be fast, you have to have a good internet connection, printer, scanner, a good backup system, office supplies… everything you need to work properly.

Know your computer

This may seem trivial if you work as a programmer or in an IT-related area, but it never hurts to know how to fix a computer, restore an internet connection or reinstall software. Do daily backup copies and have a backup computer, to get out of a bind.

That the house does not distract you

While you’re at home, distractions will come from all directions: from the pet that wants to play to the friend who calls you to tell you his last feat…. even the bed and the fridge will conspire against your focus. Again, planning is the key.

Check your email and phone less

Although it is important to be online to get important information from your company, constantly checking your social networks or email makes you waste a lot of work time.

Polish your communication skills

When working from home, communication with your company has to be fluid, direct and concise. Keep in mind that most of this will be done via email.

Meet your schedule

You must set your office hours, both for you and your family and friends Stick to them  and without interruptions.

Take breaks

It is not healthy to be long hours in front of a computer without breaks. About once an hour get up from the chair, walk a little and stretch. This is good for  both the body and mind: when you return to your chair, your head will be more focused.

Get out of the house

Despite the advantages of working from home, you cannot cloister yourself. If a meeting needs more than just a video-conference, attend in person. Sometimes it is better to take the laptop to a cafe with WiFi and work for a while in another environment.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle

Working from home in front of a computer and having the kitchen and refrigerator so close can be bad for your health. In addition to eating healthy and hydrating well, don’t forget to exercise regularly