Working from home

One of the benefits --one of the very FEW benefits -- of the recent downturn and spike in gas prices was the loosening of "work at home" policies, at least where I work. In August 2008, when gas was $4.50 per gallon the word went out that anyone who wanted to work from home one day a week would be allowed to do so. Technology makes this possible.

In fact, technology has made vacations the ultimate in telecommuting. With an iPhone or Blackberry no one really needs to know you are on vacation these days. Taking ten minutes a day even on a vacation day is no bother to me.

I was not one of the early adopters of working from home. Old habits die hard. But when October came along, I gave it a try and it worked out pretty well. In the dead of a mid-Michigan winter, it was a blessing. And now that summer has come, and even with gas prices back to $2.50 per gallon, it's still going well for me.

There really aren't any fewer distractions, just different distractions. Rather than having to overhear a dozen conversations coming over the cubicles, I am now distracted by the Adirondack chairs out there in the sun...by the roses that difinitely need a little deadheading...and by the humidor full of cigars.

On a good day I haul the laptop out to the picnic table, grab the iPhone and work from there -- making calls and writing emails. This allows me to enjoy a cigar while working. THAT would never happen at 549 Ottawa NW in Grand Rapids.

On the cooler or more cloudy days, I stay inside.

Here are my self-imposed "rules":

1. Sleep in a little, but don't over-do it.
2. Never turn the TV on.
3. A little background music is great. Perhaps some talk-radio...
4. Save the errands and chores for lunchtime.
5. Stay focused on work-related efforts. But it's OK to update Facebook and Tweet a little. ;-)

Let me know how working from home works for you!