How to cope when having an office outside the home is not a choice

Economically speaking, it does not make sense for many self-employed entrepreneurs to have an office outside of the home. If you are just starting out, this becomes even less of an option.

Recently, several news outlets, including the New York Times, have reported on the newfound popularity of shared office space. Although the idea of shared office space is becoming a fad, this is still an unneeded as well as a large business expense for many young entrepreneurs just starting. For many new business owners, even a couple hundred dollars of rent makes all the difference in the bottom line, especially when trying to grow a business from the ground without too many debts.

My advice to women entrepreneurs is to use common sense depending upon the type of business. Some businesses need a quiet space to meet clients whereas other business owners can easily meet clients in a local café. It is important to recognize whether or not you are able, or should, take on the extra expense of having an office space away from home. Analyze your situation to decide if having an office away from home will hinder or spark business growth.

If outside office settings, shared or private, are not an option, here are a couple of ways you can add to the separation between work and home.

1. Set boundaries for yourself.
Begin my making a list of rules. What are you allowed and not allowed to do while working? For example: cleaning the house, watching TV, talking with certain people on the phone, chatting, and surfing specific websites.

2. Set a work schedule.
What days and hours will you be working? Set a schedule and stick to it.

3. Create spaces.
If you have an office, this is easy. But if you do not, put away your work things at the end of the day. Perhaps designate a drawer, shelf, or other area for your business papers and supplies that will hide everything. If you work from your dining room table, clear off the table daily and use it for eating.

4. Never work from bed.
Bringing your laptop and paperwork into an area reserved for sleep is never a good idea. You will be more likely to dream and think about work when you should be resting your mind.

5. Leave your home.
At the end of the workday or for lunch, be sure to leave your house and greet the outside world. Meet with friends, family, network, and enjoy life. This will make you much happier and better able to concentrate as well as enjoy working from home.