Work away from home

Most of us 'at home' workers have a luxury we very often forget - We are not actually tethered to our workspace! For most, we are lucky enough to have laptops or virtual machines that allow our work to be portable. We also have IP phones or cell phones that also enable our calls to be from anywhere. And yet, here we are with our imaginary ball and chain: the home desk.

Working at home can become tiring after a while. Same routine, day after day, no unique interactions and nothing to break up the day. It can cause cabin fever. But that's a prison we built for ourselves and a sentence we can break free from.

If you have the luxury of mobile technology, then you should experiment with being mobile. Take full advantage of your situation.

Do you enjoy a good mocha-cappa-latte-whatever? Why not work from Starbuck's on their wi-fi once a week! You can get your high priced coffee fix while getting out of the house. This break in routine can be just what the doctor ordered to keep your at-home situation fresh.

Is it the first day above freezing and the sun is out? Try working outside from your porch, or even just from another room that takes in all of the sunshine. Sunshine is a surefire cure for cabin fever. It will warm up your disposition and your routine. On those truly awesome days, find some work you can do offline and go work from the park. Being out in the world makes us feel like we're part of something bigger and not isolated hermits in our homes.

Is there something out of town you are passionate about? Did anyone say HOCKEY? We often don't take part in the events we have to travel for because we need to take time off to do so. But if you can work from anywhere, you can travel in the evening, work during the day, and go play that night. Get up and work the next day and then come home. You didn't lose a minute of vaca, you did something you really enjoy, and you got out of the house.

Think about the possibilities... As long as you can stay connected and focus on your work appropriately, location has become a matter of little consequence. You're limited only by your willingness to get out and the wi-fi at your destination.

It is very important though that your employer supports this cause. Some are old school and won't. Their loss, because eventually they will lose you. Be sure that you candidly discuss the options first and get support. And be sure that you have the connectivity you need - cell service, download speeds, enough quiet to still focus. It's not an excuse to not work. You should work even more, frankly. And lastly, be willing and able to offer up PTO time if it doesn't work out and you have to abandon work.

So what are you waiting for? Get out of the house!