Those of you who have flexible work schedules, work from home, freelance, are self-employed, etc, how do you organize and manage your time in order to be productive. Do you set your own deadlines? Is there some sort of external pressure? How do you keep family/home needs from taking over your day? Please share.
Flexible Schedules and Productivity
I schedule my work and appointments all between my children's school timings. In my line of work, except for showing appointments, 100% of my work can be done through my smart phone or iPad ,(text, email, even sending contracts for digital signatures!) so even if I'm at a soccer game I'm working. I usually start my day after dropping the kids off at school then check emails, do a run through of my "to do" list, check any pending files/ paper work then either get started on house work or run any needed errands or appointments. Weekends I'm usually out of the house and husband is on kid duty. Summer vacations are tough though, with kids needed be entertained and being a busy season for me but with older kids, they know when I'm in my office it means I'm working and not to disturb. I try not to do anything work related once my husband gets home in the evening but it doesn't always work that way lol...if I have a contract negotiation in place it's not to be chained to my phone for the constant flurry of emails/texts and in that case they start dinner without me.
Re: Flexible Schedules and Productivity
When I used to work from home I had a set schedule which was cleared with the manager before hand. My room was setup as my office as well and I kept the door closed when I was working so the family will know that I am working.
The only issue I had was that I wasn't getting the satisfaction of being productive when I worked from home for about 2 years. Guess I needed to be at work in order for me to get that feeling of accomplishing something....
Re: Flexible Schedules and Productivity
khatti, if you're doing showings and such while the boys are at work, when are you making all those fantastic meals? :D
us1415, were you actually less productive or did you not feel as productive? Why?
Re: Flexible Schedules and Productivity
I was more productive since the added headache of driving was not there anymore but I didnt feel like I accomplished something at the end of the day. It felt like I was just home doing nothing but when I go to work and come back home I might have not been as productive but just going to work makes me feel like I have accomplished something.
Not making much sense, am I? :joel:
khatti, if you're doing showings and such while the boys are at work, when are you making all those fantastic meals? :D
us1415, were you actually less productive or did you not feel as productive? Why?
You know the funny thing is, I don't really spend a whole lot of time cooking!! As long as I have a well stocked pantry and fridge I can get anything on the table in about an hour...Sunday is my big grocery day, I made myself a laminated grocery lost that I keep on my fridge and check off things as they get used so I know exactly what I have on hand and what I need. If I come across a recipe I want to try and need something unusual, I'll jot it down on the list. I usually start khaana pakaana about 4:00-5:00pm, so that by the time my husband gets home dinner is ready...he's usually ravenous and wants to eat as soon as he steps in through the door lol.
Re: Flexible Schedules and Productivity
I measure my productivity based on goals. So for a given time period, I'll have a number of goals defined. If I'm fulfilling them, then I'll take that to mean I'm being productive.
Re: Flexible Schedules and Productivity
Actually, I think a lot of SAHMs experience the same at times.
Re: Flexible Schedules and Productivity
Nadia Commaneci had a very flexible work schedule.