How do you stay focused while working at home?

Question

I'm a freelance editor/writer and I work at home. I've got lots of good contacts and all the work I ccould want right now. The problem is that I cannot concentrate. I don't know if I've lost interest in my line of work, or if I've developed ADD, or what. It's so frustrating because I have always wanted to work for myself but I can't seem to do it very well! Help?

Not interested in suggestions for Work-at-home Jobs on the Internet. Thanks.

Answer 1

Be wary of people posting links to money making schemes on the Internet. Most are scams or pyramid schemes where you will make little or nothing for your time. Yahoo deletes their posts and accounts but not nearly fast enough.

I have found the best way to concentrate is to work in a room that has no distractions, no TV, no kids, no view. Use an iPod and set it to play a selection of quiet tunes. The music will help overcome any other distracting noises.

Good luck.

Answer 2

I've had a home-based business for more than a decade now, and I've developed a few tips for working at home:

1. Create a unique space that you set up for work and nothing else. When you're in that space, do work. If you need to get some personal things done, do them in another part of your house.

I'm lucky that I can devote my entire basement level to my business. My family knows that when I'm in the basement I'm at work, and they should act like they're in any business setting when they go down there. It also trains me to concentrate on work when I'm in the basement.

2. Get a separate phone and, if necessary, fax number just for work and have it ring only in your "office space." Likewise, your home phone should not ring in your work space.

3. Make your work space look like an office. Even if you can only afford to devote a small area to your work space, set up a desk and office chair and any other "work" equipment you need. Keep non-work related items to a minimum.

4. Speaking of office equipment, if you need a computer for work use it only for work. Don't load games or family photos or any other personal items that can distract you from your job. If you need a computer for personal use, get a second computer.

5. Set your work hours and stick to them. One of the advantages of working at home is the flexibility it offers you, especially if you don't need to spend time on the phone talking to others about business-related things.

It doesn't matter if your works hours are 9 to 5, noon to 4, or 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Except for holidays, vacations and weekends (whenever those may be for your particular circumstances), you need to get up and "go" to work every day. Get into that habit and I'll think you'll find that you're more productive.

Those are my five suggestions for making working at home a success. Does anyone have any others?

Answer 3

Best to be in an area away from all the household goings on,no TV.
The advice that primetime gave you is not good. He has given this answer to other questions before so I tried it. It takes hours to complete all the questionnaires and you get paid a few cents.
To make $20.00 you would have to be at it day and night. Then you have no time to work at home!