Mastering the Art of Working from Home: Liene Edition

Embracing the Home Office: A Personal Journey

Reflecting on my early days of dreaming about self-employment, I underestimated how distinct working from home would be compared to my expectations. I envisioned starting and finishing work at my convenience, engaging only in tasks I enjoy. However, the reality of a home office is quite different, filled with challenges like maintaining a clean house and keeping everyone fed and happy. Even my sister recently asked how I manage to work from home daily without going stir-crazy.

The Transition to Effective Home Office Working

It took me months to find my rhythm in the home office setting. While I cherish the freedom to plan my day, I’ve learned the importance of structure and routine. I wake up at the same time every day and prepare as if I were heading to an external workplace. Working in pajamas on the couch proved ineffective in the long run, leading to discomfort and distraction. Ersin and I share a dedicated, fully equiped office room.

Setting Boundaries in a Shared Home Office

To maintain professionalism, we switch into work mode as soon as we start our day and enter the office room. This includes a quick morning meeting to discuss the day’s agenda, after which it’s strictly business. Our workday typically consists of focused work sessions, punctuated by short breaks. In the evenings, although work-related thoughts may linger, we respect each other’s need to disconnect and save any urgent discussions for the next day’s meeting, if possible.

Adapting Home Office Routines to Daily Life

With more time at home, cooking three meals a day has become a new norm. We plan our meals efficiently, including quick breakfast preparations and streamlined lunch breaks. Interestingly, our lunch hours have become shorter since transitioning to a home office.

Staying active is crucial for me. I’ve incorporated daily walks and gym sessions into my routine, finding them essential for maintaining my sanity. It also gives me more energy and I get new ideas.

Redefining Productivity in a Home Office Setting

I’ve learned that it’s okay not to adhere to a strict eight-hour workday. My focus has shifted to prioritization and efficiency rather than clocking in a set number of hours. This approach allows me to capitalize on high-motivation periods, much like an artist seized by inspiration. And on days when I’m less motivated, I remind myself of the Latvian saying: “A job is not a rabbit; it won’t run away.”

Blending Work and Personal Life in a Home Office

Working on weekends has become part of my routine, and I’ve embraced it. Running my own business means being flexible with my schedule and understanding that smart work trumps long hours. The content creation aspect of my job, such as blogging and video making, is reserved for weekends, a time I genuinely enjoy these activities.

The Unique Experience of Sharing a Home Office with a Partner

Working alongside Ersin has been a rewarding aspect of my home office experience. We support each other through the ups and downs, celebrating successes and providing comfort during tough times. Maintaining a balance between our professional and personal lives is key; when we’re working, it’s all business, but outside of work time, we focus on our relationship.

Conclusion: The Ever-Evolving Home Office

Adapting to a home office setup has been a journey of discipline and adjustment, but the outcomes – for my business, personal life, and well-being – have been overwhelmingly positive and continue to improve daily. I wouldn’t change it for the time we had before covid entered our lives. Long live home office!