About a month ago, I took a new job that allows me to work remotely. My location no longer matters. As long as I have a good Internet connection, I can do my job. I’ve had a lot of people ask what it’s like, or do I like working from home? The answer. Yes, it’s awesome.

I know many authors, illustrators, artists, etc. work from home, but this is the first job I’ve had where I’m able to. As this concept becomes more popular in the workplace, I wanted to share my thoughts on working from home:

Wear whatever you want. I love this for two reasons. 1) My thermostat is set to a warmer temperature than an office, so I can wear shorts and skirts and not freeze. 2) There’s no dress code. If I want to wear a T-shirt, I can. If I want to dye my hair bright pink, I can. I have not worked in my pajamas one time. I still like to get up and get dressed; although I may work in lounge clothes while I have coffee.

Set your own schedule. I’ve had some people tell me I’d sleep in. Or I’d work at night. Nope. I’m up between 5:30 and 6:30 a.m., and online within 10 minutes. However, I can sleep in if I want to. I can work whatever hours I want. I can work weekends if I need a day off through the week. Not having to work a set schedule has actually made me more productive, and I work about 45-50 hours a week, but it doesn’t feel like it.

Watch what you want. I cannot tell you how many Supernatural episodes I’ve watched – or listened to – the last month. Or how many movies. I also turn off the TV and listen to music some days. Every day is different, and I can work to whatever I’m in the mood for.

No more sick days. Last week, I had a virus for three days. Fever, no energy, the whole thing. And I still worked a full week. I worked when I could, took things slow, rested, and recovered quickly. There was no getting behind. I answered emails from my couch, and took naps when I needed. And I still got the work done.

It saves your car. It’s no secret I love my car. My little Z is getting older though. Not commuting so much has resulted in less wear and tear, less gas, very little traffic, and no road rage. A quarter of a tank lasts me two to three weeks. I still leave the house several times a week, but it’s only if I want or need to. If I don’t feel like it, I stay home.

You eat healthier and exercise more. I get up from the desk more. I exercise more and eat healthier. I take my dog for walks, and/or play with him. I swim. I drink way less caffeine. And my house stays clean. There’s no more laundry once a week, or I don’t have time to vacuum. A clean house keeps me at peace, so I use chores as little mini breaks. This keeps me active and happy!

There are a few things to keep in mind:

• To avoid cabin fever, get out regularly. Grocery store, park, coffee shop, wherever. Also, take the time to meet new people. It helps break up the day.
• You can feel a little cut off. To help, I schedule phone calls or lunch with friends, or I email and text. It keeps me up to date and gives me some human interaction throughout the day.
• Stay disciplined. I actually cannot sleep in due to grown-up responsibilities, so I have to get up early. If I didn’t, I may sleep in, but setting a semi-routine helps keep you on the same schedule, and you’re not working around the clock.
• Have a designated space. I seldom work away from my space. I want to relax on my couch, not work. Set up an office space of some sort, so your entire home is not a workplace.If you work from home, we’d love to hear your tips and experiences. Feel free to share them below!