There is no greater fulfillment of the American dream than thechance to work at home, as nearly 50 million workers in the U.S.already do. Working at home usually entails setting your own hours,setting your own earning potential and spending more time with yourkids, spouse and family. If you telecommute or own your ownbusiness, there are a few essential things that every stay-at-homeworker must have. Use this checklist to determine how to bestorganize your lifestyle when working from home.

Security:

In order to protect your assets and investment for your homebusiness, including your computer, finances, and importantdocuments, it is wise to consider making the investment in a homesecurity system. It’s also necessary to invest in antivirussoftware for your computer, as computer security issues become moreprevalent. If you’re having problems hearing visitors or potentialintruders around your home, get a free hearing test in yourarea. Solutions like a digitalhearing aid or a trip to an ear, nose and throat doctor mayhelp you feel more alert and safe in your home office.

Computer:

You will need a laptop or PC to conduct business on, managepayroll if you operate a small business and to do the familyfinances. Your laptop or PC is probably also an integral componentto your work, with many people, such as writers and Internetmarketers, doing their work entirely online. Set yourself up with asecure Internet connection and a reliable printer, and be sure tohave an emergency tech support number to call in case you shouldneed it.

Office supplies:

A selection of pens, pencils, and paper clips may be needed tomake corrections and keep track of hardcopy. Though the world isincreasingly paperless, having some typical office suppliesavailable will save you a trip to the store at the last minute andmake you look and feel more professional.

Time management:

A person working from home must have the ability to focus forlong periods of time with no outside forces pressing upon them, andnobody looking over their shoulder. This is one of the biggerchallenges of working from home, but it is well worth it. It helpsto make out a schedule, either on your computer or in longhand, forsetting aside time to work. It is even helpful to schedule your ownlunch breaks and to set aside time for things like laundry andcleaning the house. People who come from corporate environments whoare used to a structure and a set schedule may find that it worksbetter for them if they continue to adhere to a schedule, so thatthey have clear-cut goals in mind to accomplish the amount of workthey need to each day.

Eating well:

Especially important is making the time to eat a good,nutritious breakfast, which will help balance your body’sblood-sugar levels and give you that initial burst of energy thatyour mind and body desperately need. Eating protein-heavy foods,especially through several small meals a day, can help you stayfocused. Exercise is important, so taking a jog through yourneighborhood or investing in a stationary bike can help counteractthe hours you will spend sitting in front of your computer.

Following these suggestions can help set you up for success inyour home office and help minimize time-stealing distractions.Staying on task and being productive will be easy once you’ve gotall your ducks in a row, and working from home will live up to itspromise.

Courtesy of ARAcontent