The FSB has today launched its #ThinkSelfEmployed campaign, designed to help the 4.8m climb higher. They’ll be lobbying MPs and running a social media and press campaign to raise awareness of what’s needed to support the UK’s self-employed population.
I joined them last year and am one of 15% of people in work in the UK who have decided to go it alone. About 25% of the FSB’s members are also self-employed so there’s quite a crowd of people who need to be heard!
For me, self-employment is bit of both…at times it’s stressful but at others it’s hugely flexible! Many people say to me they couldn’t work at home…for so many reasons:
- Couldn’t focus on work whilst working at home
- Would feel lonely
- Wouldn’t be disciplined
- Would get easily distracted
- Would want to watch the TV
- Wouldn’t feel like they’re at work
It does take time to adjust but once you are disciplined, can switch from work to home life and not blur the lines too much, you’ll do it!
I’ve been elf-employed for a year now and it’s the best thing I ever did – lots of people have since told me I should have done it sooner!
I’m happier, healthier, less stressed, totally unaffected by office politics and bureaucracy and can come and go when I want!
Here are my 10 top tips for working at home:
1. Work in a room away from the TV
2. Have a start and finish time – just like if you were going out to work.
3. Try to have a work station – a desk in a spare room for example
4. Let your friends know that you work from home – you’re not at home. (There’s a difference!)
5. Know your time boundaries – for me it’s around my family commitments so I have to finish work at different times each day to accommodate.
6. Begin to finish off what you’re working on 10 mins before you’re due to finish…just like you would if you worked elsewhere, and were close to home time!
7. Set a clock to get you up and moving…I try to move every hour at least, or in-between client work and projects/tasks.
8. Get out – networking, client meetings, business lunches – make sure you socialise! And if you don’t get out, at least get on the phone! Human interaction is important.
9. Get outside – try to get some fresh air…a quick gulp in the garden, a walk around the block or try to sit outside for jobs that don’t require a computer or can be done on your phone.
10. Get your desk set up properly – you’ll be at it for a long time so at least make it comfortable.
Join the campaign and let others know how you #ThinkSelfEmployed
